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Make a PACT to prevent birth defects
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01/26/2016 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – In honor of National Birth Defects Prevention Month, the Licking County Health Department is actively focusing on raising awareness in the community about the frequency with which birth defects occur and the steps that can be taken to prevent them. The risk for many types of birth defects can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices and medical care before and during pregnancy.
“Most people are unaware of how common birth defects are in the U.S., or that there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce them,” said Licking County Health Commissioner Joe Ebel.
Small steps like visiting a healthcare provider before pregnancy and taking a multivitamin every day can go a long way. Make a PACT for prevention: Plan ahead, Avoid harmful substances, Choose a healthy lifestyle, and Talk to your healthcare provider.
According to the CDC, approximately one in every 33 live births in the U.S. is to a baby with a birth defect. Birth defects are the most common cause of death in infants and the second most common cause of death in children age one to four years.
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Studies have demonstrated several important steps women can take to help prevent them. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant are advised to:
- Consume the recommended dosage of folic acid, daily
- Manage chronic maternal illnesses
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight
- Talk to a health care provider about taking any medications
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and illicit drugs
- See a health care provider regularly
- Avoid toxic substances at work or at home
- Ensure protection against domestic violence
- Know one’s family history and seek reproductive genetic counseling, if appropriate
For more information about birth defects, visit www.lickingcohealth.org or www.cdc.gov.
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“The Licking County Health Department serves more than 160,000 citizens in the Licking County General Health District by preventing disease, protecting the environment and promoting healthy lifestyles with a vision of healthy people living in healthy communities.”
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