AML Community Partner Global Community Enrichment Foundation is Joining the Fight To Prevent Birth Defects

AML Community Partner, Global Community Enrichment Foundation, Inc. (GCEF) is joining the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) to increase awareness of birth defects, the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States.  In fact, every 4 ½ minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States.  In honor of January as National Birth Defects Prevention Month-2014, GCEF is actively focusing on raising awareness among healthcare professionals, educators, social service professionals, and many segments of the general public about the frequency with which birth defects occur in the United States 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. 

There are many different kinds of birth defects including congenital heart defects, cleft lip or palate, defects of the brain and spine, bones, muscles and internal organs, and a variety of genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome.  Some have only a minor and brief effect on a baby’s health while others have life-threatening or life-long effects, which can often be lessened by early detection and treatment.   

More than 120,000 babies born with a birth defect (approximately 1 in every 33 live births) are reported each year in the United States. Birth defects are the most common cause of death in infants and the second most common cause of death in children aged one to four years.  Public awareness, expert medical care, accurate and early diagnosis, and social support systems are all essential for optimal prevention and treatment of these all-too-common and often deadly conditions.

“Most people do not know of how common birth defects occur in the U.S. There are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risks, and GCEF is joining the fight in providing essentially information and resources to prevent Birth defects.” says Aleta Anderson, Executive Director, Global Community Enrichment Foundation, Inc.

“Lifestyle choice, health conditions, diet and exercise…The health of both parents prior to pregnancy can affect the risk of having a child with a birth defect.” says Leika Inniss, Director of Program, Global Community Enrichment Foundation, Inc.

Studies have demonstrated several important steps women can take to help prevent birth defects.  Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant are advised to:

• Consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily 
• Manage chronic maternal illnesses such as diabetes, seizure disorders, or phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight
• Talk to a health care provider about taking any medications, both prescription and over-the-counter
• 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 their family history and seek reproductive genetic counseling, if appropriate

The NBDPN is working with healthcare professionals and public health agencies around the country to encourage prevention and awareness of birth defects among the over 60 million women of childbearing age in the United States.  In addition to its efforts in prevention, the NBDPN works to improve nationwide surveillance of birth defects and to advance research on possible causes.  It also offers support to families who are dealing with the realities of a child born with one of these conditions.  Further information about the NBDPN can be found at www.NBDPN.org.

Global Community Enrichment Foundation, Inc., is participating in National Birth Defects Prevention Month by providing resource materials on the GCEF web site and raising awareness by distributing information, materials, and resources virally via social networking.  “We are excited to be part of this national campaign.  Through our efforts via social networking, we hope GCEF is able to reach millions of families, programs, providers, and health professionals, with essential resources and information to prevention birth defects,” says Ms. Anderson.

Visit GCEF for more resources on Birth Defect Prevention at http://gcef-inc.org/birth-defect-prevention.html.

GCEF will be updating this page frequently adding additional resources and information throughout the month of January.

To learn more, please contact Ms. Leika Inniss, Director of Program, at leika@gcef-inc.org or contact (202) 810-GCEF (4233).