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Prematurity Awareness

Posted by Gina Engler on November 26, 2011 0 Comments

Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on those things we appreciate.  In my case, I'm grateful for having our miracle toddler, who arrived almost 4 years ago to this day.  She did arrive a few weeks early, and luckily she is now healthy and thriving.

My daughter was one of the 500,000 babies born prematurely in the US every year.  Worldwide that number comes to 13 million.  Babies born just a few weeks early are at risk of severe health problems and lifelong disabilities. Premature birth is the number 1 killer of newborns (March of Dimes, www.marchofdimes.com).  

The March of Dimes is seeking to change that, through its programs and campaigns to raise awareness.  As November comes to an end, the Prematurity Awareness Month is ending and here's some great information for your knowledge and volunteerism in this important health issue.  The March of Dimes has released it's 2011 Premature Birth Report Card, at www.marchofdimes.com/mission/prematurity_reportcard.html.  You can see for yourself where your state stands in the premature birth rate and find links on how to make a change in your local community!