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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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Sometimes it may be easy to forget that
the over the counter (OTC) drugs that you can buy without a
prescription are still drugs. According to the FDA, the best way to
take your OTC is seriously. |
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| Find resources to use OTCs effectively and safely. | ||
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People who talk to their doctor are much more motivated to lose weight than those who don't. Open your mouth; it got you into this situation and it can get you out of it. |
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| Find resources to help you communicate with your doctor about weight loss. | |
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The most important member of your healthcare team is you. Being involved and keeping informed are the best ways to ensure your own safety. |
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Find resources to help you take a more active role and take charge of your own health care. |
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Antibiotics are miracle drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria, but the bacteria that antibiotics controls have developed resistance to these drugs. |
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Find resources to help you know
when an antibiotic is appropriate and when it isn't. |
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When you are in your doctor’s office, there is no such thing as a dumb question. Remember that it is your health, so you need to be actively involved. |
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Find resources to help you get the most out of your doctor’s visit. |
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