GSC Web Admin
06-30-2009, 02:21 PM
Source:
Catherine Jun / The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20090630/LIFESTYLE03/906300359/1040/Michigan-improves-health-of-newborns
Lansing -- Michigan has improved in six of eight statistical categories that affect the health and well-being of newborns, according to a report released today by the Michigan League for Human Services.
The report, "Right Start in Michigan," showed steep drops in the rate of babies born to teens and smoking among pregnant women from 1992-2007.
"I think it's heartening to see this kind of improvement," said Jane Zehnder-Merrell, senior researcher at the league.
The report did, however, find worsening trends in two categories. Births to unwed mothers have increased, representing about two out of every five births in Michigan from 2005-07.
The percentage of low birth weight babies also increased. Now, 10,600 infants weighing less than 5.5 pounds are born a year, the study found.
The report evaluated state trends and those in the 83 counties and 69 communities with populations of 25,000 or more.
The city of Detroit follows the overall trend of improvement, but lagged in factors such as the rate of mothers with less than 12 years of education and the use of prenatal care.
"Even though we're coming down, we still have too many women who come into care late," said Carolynn Rowland, maternal infant health director at the city's Department of Health and Wellness.
Some child advocates say the study's results highlight the need for the state to continue spending in early childhood programs in at-risk neighborhoods.
"Even in these tough economic times, Michigan must invest in the programs that not only give children the right start in life at birth, but keep them on a steady path to become tomorrow's highly educated work force," Judy Samelson, executive director of the Early Childhood Investment Corp., said in a statement.
Catherine Jun / The Detroit News
http://detnews.com/article/20090630/LIFESTYLE03/906300359/1040/Michigan-improves-health-of-newborns
Lansing -- Michigan has improved in six of eight statistical categories that affect the health and well-being of newborns, according to a report released today by the Michigan League for Human Services.
The report, "Right Start in Michigan," showed steep drops in the rate of babies born to teens and smoking among pregnant women from 1992-2007.
"I think it's heartening to see this kind of improvement," said Jane Zehnder-Merrell, senior researcher at the league.
The report did, however, find worsening trends in two categories. Births to unwed mothers have increased, representing about two out of every five births in Michigan from 2005-07.
The percentage of low birth weight babies also increased. Now, 10,600 infants weighing less than 5.5 pounds are born a year, the study found.
The report evaluated state trends and those in the 83 counties and 69 communities with populations of 25,000 or more.
The city of Detroit follows the overall trend of improvement, but lagged in factors such as the rate of mothers with less than 12 years of education and the use of prenatal care.
"Even though we're coming down, we still have too many women who come into care late," said Carolynn Rowland, maternal infant health director at the city's Department of Health and Wellness.
Some child advocates say the study's results highlight the need for the state to continue spending in early childhood programs in at-risk neighborhoods.
"Even in these tough economic times, Michigan must invest in the programs that not only give children the right start in life at birth, but keep them on a steady path to become tomorrow's highly educated work force," Judy Samelson, executive director of the Early Childhood Investment Corp., said in a statement.