ST. AUGUSTINE - The Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County (DOH-St. Johns) is raising awareness about the important steps families can take to improve the health of babies and decrease the impact of birth defects. January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month and the Department is encouraging women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy to make a PACT with their health care provider to have a healthy pregnancy.

Florida's most precious resource is our children, and the Florida Department of Health is committed to improving the health of babies. The Department works closely with families, health care professionals and researchers to improve early disease detection and ensure quality care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year, and can vary from mild to severe. "Although not all birth defects can be prevented, women can take steps to increase their chances of having a healthy baby," said Dr. Dawn Allicock, Director and Health Officer of the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County.

The Department encourages all pregnant women and those who may become pregnant, to make a PACT:

Plan ahead:

• Before becoming pregnant, discuss your family medical history with your health care provider and seek advice from a genetic counselor if there is a history of birth defects.
• Work to achieve a healthy weight and control medical conditions like diabetes to be as healthy as possible before becoming pregnant. Consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day to help prevent certain defects.

Avoid harmful substances:

• Avoid drinking alcohol and using tobacco products.
• Be careful with harmful exposures at work and home.

Choose a healthy lifestyle:

• Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins.
• Be physically active daily, if possible.

Talk to your doctor:

• Seek prenatal care as soon as you think you may be pregnant.
• Discuss all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

The Florida Birth Defects Registry is a statewide population-based surveillance system that identifies children born with birth defects with the goal of determining risk factors, investigating possible clusters and promoting collaboration to prevent birth defects and reduce associated morbidity and mortality. For more information about the prevention of birth defects in Florida, please visit http://www.fbdr.org/. The Department also partners with the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN), and the 2015 NBDPN Birth Defects Prevention information packet is available online at http://www.nbdpn.org/bdpm2015.php.

For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.