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Health care providers are important motivators of health behavior
change according to our research. You have the potential to
influence women of childbearing age to consume folic acid daily to reduce
their risk for NTD-affected pregnancies. Not only can you encourage
daily folic acid consumption in your face-to-face encounters, but you can
influence the community at large. The following are a few ideas for
spreading the word about the importance of childbearing age women
consuming folic acid daily:
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Ask
editors of medical newsletters, journals, or bulletins to print
articles about the importance of folic acid.
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Gather
a group of health care professionals in the community to be featured
on local television and radio shows.
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Convince
other health care providers to present the folic acid message to
medical staff while on grand rounds.
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Use
educational "prescription pads," and give a prescription for
folic acid to every woman of childbearing age as a reminder.
Encourage your colleagues to do the same.
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Display
posters, brochures, flyers, and articles about folic acid in your
office and building. (Order
free from CDC.)
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Provide
a message about folic acid on your phone "hold line."
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Wear a
folic acid button that reinforces the message.
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Encourage
your staff to ask about multivitamins and/or folic acid intake when
they take a history.
Date:
January 24, 2007
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
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Sorry,
we can't give you medical advice. Please talk with your doctor for
questions about yourself. For other information, please contact:
