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Get ready to raise awareness and support for birth defects prevention during March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month on January 1! Established in 1976, this month-long observance aims to educate the public about the importance of prenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices in reducing the risk of birth defects. It's also a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of babies born with birth defects, as well as honor the dedicated healthcare professionals and researchers working towards preventing and treating these conditions. Let's come together and make a positive impact on the lives of newborns and their families!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1938</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Foundation of March of Dimes</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Franklin D. Roosevelt, himself a polio survivor, founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later known as March of Dimes.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1955</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Polio Vaccine created</div><div class='timeline-text'>Research funded by March of Dimes led to the development of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Focus Shifted to Birth Defects</div><div class='timeline-text'>March of Dimes shifted its focus toward the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality after the successful eradication of polio.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Folic Acid Campaign</div><div class='timeline-text'>The organization launched a successful campaign promoting the use of folic acid during pregnancy, reducing neural tube defects significantly.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div the='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Prematurity Campaign</div><div class='timeline-text'>The March of Dimes launches a multi-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth Defects Prevention Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The organization establishes January as the official March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month to raise awareness and funding for research into the causes of birth defects and methods of prevention.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a charity walk or run</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a charity walk or run to raise money and awareness for March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month. Invite friends, family, and community members to participate and donate to the cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a social media campaign</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the word about March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month by creating a social media campaign. Share informative posts, personal stories, and ways to get involved with the cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser event such as a bake sale, auction, or concert to raise money for March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month. Invite local businesses and community members to participate and donate items or services for the event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate others about birth defects prevention</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this month as an opportunity to educate others about birth defects prevention. Host a seminar or workshop, create informational flyers, or speak to local schools and organizations about the importance of prevention and prenatal care.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local hospital or organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Reach out to local hospitals or organizations that support babies and families affected by birth defects and offer your time as a volunteer. This is a great way to give back and show support for March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month. </p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps raise awareness about birth defects</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month is an important time to spread information and educate people about the prevalence and impact of birth defects. By shining a spotlight on this issue, we can work towards prevention and better support for individuals and families affected by birth defects.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights the importance of prenatal care</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many birth defects can be prevented or detected early through proper prenatal care. The March of Dimes uses this month to emphasize the importance of regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and genetic testing for expecting mothers to help prevent birth defects and ensure the health of both mother and baby.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises funds for research and support services</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The March of Dimes holds various events throughout the month to raise funds for research into preventing birth defects and supporting families affected by them. This provides important resources for families in need and helps drive progress towards finding solutions and improving outcomes for those affected by birth defects.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Birth Defects Can Occur In Any Family, Regardless of Race or Ethnicity</h3><p class='facts-content'>Birth defects can affect anyone, no matter their racial or ethnic background. They're not discriminatory and can occur in any family, affecting about 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Birth Defects Are a Leading Global Cause of Death in the First Year of Life</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the World Health Organization, birth defects are a leading cause of global child mortality. They account for 21% of mortality in the first year of life.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Birth Defects Are Detected During Pregnancy Through Prenatal Testing</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many birth defects can be detected before birth through various forms of prenatal testing such as ultrasound, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Some Birth Defects Can Be Prevented With Adequate Prenatal Care and Healthy Lifestyle Choices</h3><p class='facts-content'>Taking folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects. Avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs during pregnancy can also reduce the risk of certain birth defects.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Cause of Many Birth Defects is Unknown</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many cases, doctors don't know why birth defects occur. However, a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors is thought to play a role in many birth defects.</p></div></div>
March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month is celebrated on January 1 every year. In 2024, it will occur on a Monday.
2023
Jan 1
Sunday
2024
Jan 1
Monday
2025
Jan 1
Wednesday
2026
Jan 1
Thursday
2027
Jan 1
Friday
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