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Reduce Birth Defects with Folic Acid
Approximately 2.5(H) children
each year in the US are born with
defects of the neural tube— the part
of a growing fetus that will become
the brain and spinal cord— which
can cause severe mental and physi
cal disability or death.
Spina bifida, the most common
form of neural tube defect, occurs
when the bones of the spine do not
completely form around the spinal
cord. Anencephaly, another defect,
is a fatal condition in which an infant
is born missing parts of the brain.
Folic acid— an essential B vita
min necessary for proper cell growth
and vital to the development of a
baby’s neural tube and central ner
vous system— is an integral com
ponent in preventing birth defects.
Women who get enough folic acid
have a 50-70 percent reduced risk of
having a baby with neural tube and
other defects, such as cleft lip and
palate.
Folic acid is most effective when
it is abundant in a woman’s body
before she gets pregnant and dur
ing the first three months of preg
nancy, around the time when the
neural tube begins to develop. Neu
ral tube defects occur in the first
weeks of fetal development, often
before a woman even knows she is
pregnant. But because nearly half
of all pregnancies in the US are
unplanned, many women are at risk
of beginning a pregnancy with a
folic acid deficiency.
Therefore, health experts recom
mend that all women of childbearing
age take a daily multivitamin that
contains 400 micrograms (.4 milli
grams) of folic acid, regardless of
whether they are currently planning
a pregnancy or not. Taking folic
acid before pregnancy ensures that
the nutrient is present, even if an
unplanned pregnancy occurs or if a
pregnancy is not discovered for
several weeks.
It’s also a good idea to eat a diet
rich in natural sources of folic acid
including leafy green vegetables,
citrus fruits, and beans, and folic
acid-enriched grain products, such
as breads, cereals, flours, pastas,
and rice. Most women will still need
a supplement because it can be
difficult to meet the daily require
ment through food sources alone.
Women who have had a child
with a neural tube defect or certain
other birth defects, are pregnant with
twins, have particular medical con
ditions (such as sickle cell disease),
or take some forms of medication
(such as antiseizure medication) re
quire 10 times the amount of folic
acid recommended for most women.
A daily4,000microgram (4milligram)
folic acid supplement can be pre
scribed. Women should not con
sume large amounts of folic acid
through regular multivitamins be
cause the quantities of other vita
mins and minerals included may be
harmful.
Dr. Richard N. Waldman is
president o f the American Con
gress o f Obstetricians and Gyne
cologists.
All services available in Span
ish and English.
You may be eligible for free
health insurance for your chil
dren, even if your child is not a
US Citizen or you work full time.
Chiropractic Auto Injury Clinic, PC
Zchon R. Jones, DC
333 NE Russell St., #200, Portland, OR. 97212
(503) 284-7838
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Russell St
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Family C aregiver Support G ro u p - This topic-oriented group offers a
sale place to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of providing
care to an older relative or friend. Meets the first Thursday of each month
at 3 p.m. at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital.
C hronic Pain S upport G ro u p - Meets the first Wednesday at 4 p.m. to
5:30 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, call 503-256-4000.
Cholesterol Profiles - Get the resources to help you keep an eye on your
cholesterol and other indicators of heart health. Educational material
provided. For more information, call 503-261-6611.
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Bereavem ent Support G roups - Free, safe confidential group meetings
for those who have experienced the death of a loved one offered on various
nights and locations. For information and registration, call 503-215-4622.
M aternity W ater W orkout - Helping new moms regain muscle tone,
strength, and flexibility, all in the support and freedom of the water. Call
503-256-4000 for more information.
Senior Aerobics -- A low-impact workout geared specifically toward
seniors. Call 503-449-0783 for current schedule.
O steoporosis Screening — An ultrasound bone density screening with
personalized education; fee $30. To schedule an appointment, call 503-
261-6611.
M ind Body Health Class - Learn and practice techniques to help you
improve your mood, health and wellbeing, including effective ways to
manage difficult emotions and chronic stress or illness. Registration is $70
for Kaiser Permanente members and $95 for nonmembers. Call 503-286-
6816.
T enderfoot C are - Treat your feet with a soak, nail trim, buffing and
massage from a licensed nurse at one of six clinics or at your home. Call
503-251 -6303 for more information.
Free Body Basics - This physician recommended class is appropriate for
all ages and health conditions. Plan to attend this one-session class and
learn the simple guidelines for safe exercises, including stretching. Call
503-256-4000 to register.
Families with Mental Illness — A free, 12-week course for people whose
family members live with mental illness is offered at Emanuel Hospital, Mt.
Hood Medical Center and Providence Medical Center. The course has
been described as “life-changing” by former participants. Registration is
required by calling 503-203-3326.
B etter B reathers — An asthma educational support group meets on the
1 st T uesday of the month from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Adventist Medical
Center. For information, call 503-251 -6830.
We are located on the
comer ofM LK and Russell
Street, on the second floor
above the coffee shop.
353 ME
Ru rsell
#200
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Managing Chronic Hepatitis C -- Third Wednesday of each month at 5
p.m. The informative session is led by a registered nurse to help you
manage side effects of medications and dosage preparations and admin
istration; doctor referral required. To register, call 503-251-6313.
Truly making a difference in the lives of
Auto Accident victims and Injured Workers for nearly 20 years.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident,
call us so we can help you with your needs. (503) 284-7838
Parking Area
H ealth
Red Cross Certification - The Oregon Trail Chapter Red Cross now offers
credits to helps professionals maintain licensing or certification. For a
cumulative list, visit pdxinfo.net.
Health Insurance for Your Child
The N orthside Family Support Applegate site at 7650 N. Com
Center is having a health insur mercial Ave.
ance Sign-Up Clinic on W ednes
Assistance with food stamp ap
day, Jan. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 plications will also be available.
p.m.
For an appointm ent for insurance
The clinic will be at the center’s or food stamps, call 503-916-5875.
January 19. 2011
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Cancer Resource Center — Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and
the American Red Cross have joined forces to create the first in-hospital
resource center providing books, printed material, computer access and
more for individuals and families dealing with cancer. The center is open
Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lead Poisoning Prevention - Learn how to protect your family from lead
poisoning. Ideal for folks in live in older homes with children or pregnant
women. Qualified participants receive a free kit of safety and testing
supplies. Call 503-284-6827.
Parenting Classes - Newboms don’t come with instruction manuals but
parents and parents-to-be can learn about a variety of topics from pain and
childbirth to breastfeeding to infant CPR and much more. For a schedule
of events, call 503-574-6595 or visit: providence.org/classes.
Cardiac-Rehab Exercises—A medically supervised exercise program for
people dealing with heart conditions. For information, call 503-251 -6260.