The University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) helped the March of Dimes achieve its first mission to eradicate polio, and UMHS still has an important role in the March of Dimes' goal to help families have healthier babies. The March of Dimes funded Jonas Salk's research at the University of Michigan, and in 1955 Salk announced the discovery of the polio vaccine. The vaccine allowed the March of Dimes to change its focus from fighting polio to improving babies' health.
Currently the March of Dimes funds over $1million in research in the state of Michigan; over half of that amount is funding for studies at the University of Michigan for research aimed at preventing birth defects. Ayesha George, Community Director for the March of Dimes' Ann Arbor Division, says the relationship with the University of Michigan is "extremely important" because of the "cutting-edge" research that is taking place.
Timothy Johnson, M.D., Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Health System, also acknowledges the importance of the relationship. "They're our partners. We can't deal with prematurity by ourselves," he says.
The goal of overcoming low birthweight extends throughout Southeast Michigan. The National Institutes of Health funds a Perinatal Research Branch at Wayne State University. Because of all the research occurring at the University of Michigan and at Wayne State University, Southeast Michigan has the distinction of being a national research focus for prematurity.
3 Steps to a Healthy Baby
Did you know that the time to think about what you can do to have a healthy baby is before you get pregnant? Following these steps can help improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Plan for Prenatal Care
The first step toward a healthy baby is good prenatal care that includes a pre-pregnancy checkup and taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid and iron.
Review Your Lifestyle
No one would think of giving alcohol, cigarettes, or illegal drugs to an infant, but using any of these during pregnancy means sharing them with the fetus. Any one of these substances alone can cause birth defects and/or preterm labor. Even over-the-counter drugs may be harmful. If you're pregnant or trying to conceive check with your doctor before taking any medication.
Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Many women are surprised to learn that their dental health is important to their baby's health. Research shows a link between periodontal disease and low birthweight.
___________________________
The source of this article is University of Michigan Health System Women's Health Program, which can be visited at http://www.med.umich.edu
Comments
Post new comment