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What is Spina Bifida?. SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF. SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]. What is Spina Bifida?. The most common, permanent and disabling birth defect in the United States. SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA]. Who is at risk?.
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What is Spina Bifida? SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] What is Spina Bifida? • The most common, permanent and disabling birth defect in the United States
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] Who is at risk? • All women who have started their menstrual cycle • Half of all pregnancies are not planned
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] Who is at risk? • 60 million women are at risk of having a baby born with Spina Bifida • 8 babies are born with Spina Bifida every day
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] Can Spina Bifida be prevented? • Exact cause is not known • Medical research confirms link between folic acid and Spina Bifida* * (and other birth defects)
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] Can Spina Bifida be prevented? • Women who take 400 mcg of folic acid every day reduce the risk by up to 70%. • BEFORE becoming pregnant • During first three months of pregnancy
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] What is folic acid? • B-vitamin that builds healthy cells • In most multivitamins • Foods • Leafy green vegetables (broccoli and spinach) • Fruits and juices (orange juice) • Folic acid-fortified breakfast cereals and other bread and grain products The surest way to get enough folic acid every day is to take a vitamin with folic acid.
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] What are the effects of Spina Bifida? • Ongoing medical challenges • *Full or partial paralysis • Nervous system complications • *Bladder and bowel control difficulties • *Hydrocephalus • Learning disabilities • Depression • Social and sexual issues
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] What are the effects of Spina Bifida? • Latex allergy • 70% of children and adolescents with Spina Bifida are sensitive to latex • Items made with latex include: • Pencil erasers • Toys like balls and balloons • Rubber bands
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] How does Spina Bifida happen? • First month of pregnancy • Before most women know they are pregnant • The spine does not close • Causes an opening or lesion • Damaged nerves may result in varying degrees of paralysis
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] What happens after birth? • Surgery • Reduces risk of infection • Further damage to the spinal cord • Life-long treatment and care
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] What will a child with SB need? • Catheterization • Accessible areas • Educational support • To be treated normally
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] The SBA: Our Mission • Promote prevention of Spina Bifida • Enhance the lives of all affected
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] What does the SBA do? • Serve as a liaison with local or nearby medical experts • Provide information and support • Engage in community activities
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] Additional Resources • Spina Bifida Association • National Resource Center: 1-800-621-3141 • www.spinabifidaassociation.org • sbaa@sbaa.org
SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION OF [NAME OF LOCAL SBA] Questions?