Once again, I'd like to bring you a list of all the non-profit organizations raising awareness this month. It seems like the calendar is particularly busy with awareness days and weeks in the month of September! As ever, I'll only list the organizations I think are most relevant to my readers, but you can find a complete list of September (and any other month's) designated days at this website.
First the Produce for Better Health Foundation brings us Fruits and Veggies - More Matters Month to encourage all of us to increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diets. The Whole Grain Council also brings us Whole Grains Month in September. There is so much evidence that a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve our overall health and reduce the risk of so many complications of pregnancy. There is even evidence that this type of diet may reduce your chances of anencephaly.
It's also National Sickle Cell Month, sponsored by the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. Sickle Cell is a rare disease affecting African Americans, with known risks of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) which is a known risk factor for many kinds of pregnancy loss.
Next, the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation brings us Newborn Screening Awareness Month, encouraging all parents to have their babies screened for a series of treatable diseases which could otherwise be debilitating or even fatal.
September 27th is RAINN Day, raising awareness and support for victims of rape, incest, and abuse. Although it may not seem immediately evident why RAINN Day is relevant to the readers of a pregnancy loss site, remember that some pregnancies are the result of rape, incest, or sexual abuse. Further, these issues are another sensitive topic that affects women, and we can all support improved awareness and prevention efforts.
Photo © Robin Atkins
