*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
1993.05.26 :  Health Diary

Contact:  Public Health Service
Wednesday, May 26, 1993                 Charlotte Mehuron (HRSA)
                                                  (301) 443-3376

       HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today launched Health Diary, an
interactive handbook that educates pregnant women and new mothers
about such topics as when to schedule doctor visits and vaccines, what
to avoid during pregnancy and what to look for in their newborn
infants.
       The publication, with spaces to record appointments, milestones
and advice, was developed by the Health Resources and Services
Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau.  It is designed to
encourage early and continual prenatal care, plus regular doctor
visits and early immunization, typically at 2, 4, 6 and 15 months, for
infants and toddlers.
       The first national handbook of its kind, Health Diary was
developed with the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality. 
Dozens of professional and provider organizations were consulted
during its development.
       Secretary Shalala said, "More than 100 other nations provide
maternal and child health handbooks for their citizens.  It's time for
America to do the same.  Every mother wants a healthy pregnancy and
every baby needs a healthy start.  This diary is designed to provide
practical information and health reminders for the protection of both
the mother-to-be and the child."
       "The development of this national handbook has been a key
objective of the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality.

We know that when pregnant women and new parents are empowered with
the information they need to have healthy babies, we all benefit
through healthier families and a more productive nation," said U.S.
Senator Bill Bradley, D-N.J., a member of the NCPIM.  "Our goal now is
to get the Health Diary into the hands of every family in America."
       Copies of the Health Diary are being sent to state and local
maternal and child health agencies and other organizations for free
distribution to publicly supported centers and clinics.  Secretary
Shalala also said HHS will work further with Congress, states and
outside groups to ensure wide distribution to women across the
country.  Professional groups, corporations, state and local
government agencies and voluntary organizations are encouraged to
purchase bulk copies at a reduced rate or to reprint the handbook for
distribution to employees, health care providers, patients or through
community organizations.
       "Health Diary promotes interaction between women and their
health care providers by providing space to write questions, the
providers' answers and advice, and the results of tests and other
events of each health care visit," said Audrey H. Nora, M.D., M.P.H.,
MCHB director.
       Health Diary provides advice on diet, exercise and other health
behaviors during pregnancy, information on fetal development, and
tells what to expect at each prenatal care visit.  It also covers
child development, effective parenting, and the immunizations and
health care supervision babies need during the first two years of
life.  

       According to national statistics, an estimated 25 percent of
America's pregnant women and almost 40 percent of African-American
women receive no prenatal care in their first trimester.  Babies born
to these women are three times more likely to be born too small and
four times more likely to die in their infancy.

       Low birth weight is costly, both emotionally and economically. 
In 1990, the hospital-related costs of caring for all low birth weight
infants during the neonatal period totaled more than $2 billion, or
$21,000 for each baby -- instead of $2,900 for the average delivery. 
In addition, nearly half of American 2-year-olds are not fully
vaccinated.  In some areas, the rate is as low as 10 percent.

       HRSA, one of eight Public Health Service agencies within HHS,
is responsible for helping to ensure that all Americans have equal
access to quality, affordable health care.


                                 ###