Daily HealthBeat Tip

Live, Babe.

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

All babies deserve a healthy start, but the odds are against some. What happens in the first year makes a big difference. And the odds go down with preterm birth, low birth weight, and SIDS.

African American babies are more likely than white infants to have those conditions, and to die in that first year. So the Department of Health and Human Services has enlisted gospel stars Micah and Heidi Stampley, and Nicole Mullen, to spread the word on "Know What to Do for Life."

Nicole Mullen:

"We have an opportunity � we have the power � to do something and to change the course of history for all of us. And so I beg you � I beg you � to do your part to get the word out, so that we can change and save lives." (10 seconds)

All women should see a health care provider as soon as they think they are pregnant, go to all prenatal care appointments, avoid drinking, smoking and drugs � and babies should be placed to sleep on their backs.

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: August 9, 2005

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