January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month
The month of January is recognized by the CDC as National Birth Defects Awareness Month. In the United States, a baby is born with a birth defect every 4 ½ minutes. The purpose of National Birth Defects Awareness Month is to spread and increase awareness of people born with birth defects, as well as shine some light on what we can come together as a community to do to improve the health of those effected by these conditions throughout their lives.
According to the CDC, birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part of the body. Spreading awareness of birth defect conditions can be crucial in aiding individuals, families, friends, and loved ones in seeking the proper care necessary to improve their health. This will also be helpful in alerting healthcare professionals that their patients need to be cared for throughout all stages of life.
Below are some ways in which you can join us, as well as our community in participating in National Birth Defects Awareness Month:
- Share your knowledge and resources with pregnant women on how they can take preventative measures on birth defects
- Connect doctors with locals and have them spread awareness and information throughout local communities
- Use your personal platforms to spread word! Social media is a great example of a platform we can all utilize and make big differences . Be sure to tag us in your informational posts for a chance to get reposted! Facebook @pediatricassociates Instagram @pedassociates
For more information on birth defects, how to observe, and how we can take preventative actions as a society, check out the resources below!
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/prevention.html
https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/10180/FYI-Prevent-birth-defects?autologincheck=redirected
