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MORE TIPS Health Care Smarts >>> Organ Donation >>> Play It Safe with Meds >>> SEARCH ALL TIPS |
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Folic Acid (02/08/10) The March of Dimes reports that the majority of women are unaware of the importance of folic acid in preventing birth defects. The most recent March of Dimes survey revealed that only 28 percent of women of childbearing age knew folic acid can prevent birth defects and only 11 said they knew that folic acid should be consumed prior to pregnancy. Folic acid is a B vitamin that can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord called neural tube defects (NTDs). Studies show that if all women consumed the recommended amount of folic acid before and during early pregnancy, up to 70 percent of all NTDs could be prevented. Get the facts about folic acid, and share what you know with the women in your life. Take action as a March of Dimes volunteer. There are rewarding activities for everyone, at every level and everywhere. |
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Over the Counter Drugs are Safe . . . When Used
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| Find resources to use OTCs effectively and safely. | |
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Play It Safe with Medications Doctors are trained to read charts, x-rays, and symptoms, not minds. So, it is up to you to give them all the information they need to treat you properly. |
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Find resources on
working with your health care team to play it safe with medications,
make health care safer and reduce medical errors. |
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Improper Use of Antibiotics Antibiotics are miracle drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria, but the bacteria that antibiotics controls have developed resistance to these drugs. |
| Find resources on help you know when an antibiotic is appropriate and when it isn't. | |
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Patient Safety Doctors and hospitals are working hard to give you the best care. However, since communication is a key to preventing medical errors, you have to do your part. |
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| Find resources to help you be an effective partner in decisions made by your health team. | |
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