NYSARC - NYSARC & Your Family

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Prevention

What is Prevention?
"...Prevention is caring about human outcomes.

In this regard it is preterm babies supported, it is viruses foiled, it is alcohol avoided, it is thyroid replaced, it is phenylalanine suppressed, lead eliminated, vitamins embraced, enzymes measured and genes coded.

But especially, beyond those, it is food, transportation, housing, respite and clean environments. It is little children guided and stimulated, it is mothers who are challenged and getting help. It is babies born who are wanted, expected and valued. It is wrestling with inequities and striving for justice." - Allen C. Crocker, M.D.

Allen C. Crocker MD
Boston Children's Hospital

Dr. Robert Guthrie
Developer of the PKU
Screening Test

Primary Prevention Refers to an attempt to eliminate intellectual and other developmental disabilities before it happens. Through good prenatal care and prevention of catastrophic illnesses, poisonings, abuse and neglect.

Secondary Prevention Represents an attempt to identify the problem early so that the severity of the condition may be minimized. Through early identification of high risk conditions (Newborn Screening) and the application of medical, social, educational and therapeutic interventions.

Tertiary Prevention Aims at controlling and minimizing the long term effects of intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Through comprehensive programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of each individual.

FACT: Every two minutes a child who has intellectual and other developmental disabilities is born.

FACT: Over seven million Americans have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

FACT: Exposure to lead by young children can have detrimental effects on their physical and intellectual growth and development.

FACT: The CDC estimates the prevalence of FAS in the U.S. is about 1.5 per 1000 births. FAS can be totally prevented by abstinence from alcohol by pregnant women.

Prevention Bulletins

Booster Seats - Fact Sheet
Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 6 to 14—a fact that can be linked, at least in part, to the unfortunate reality that many, if not most, children are improperly restrained, or worse yet, not restrained at all, while riding in motor vehicles.

Childhood Mercury Poison Prevention Fact Sheet
Mercury Pollution: Children in Danger! Children Exposed to Unsafe Mercury Levels Even Before Birth

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Fact Sheet
Drinking during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD refers to a set of birth defects caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - National Prevention Brochure
TheARC in conjunction with CDC and HHS have produced an excellent brochure on the effects of alcohol on unborn babies. Click on the link to learn more about this preventable condition.

Lead Poisoning - Fact Sheet
What Every Parent Should Know About Lead Poisoning in Children.

NYSARC Prevention Bulletin
Published 3-4 times a year. Devoted to topics relating to the prevention of intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

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