Breast cancer: the loud threat Women of all ages and strata are too familiar with the perils of breast cancer. After all, cancer is known to be a lethal disease although many women achieve complete cure. It is no surprise then that cancer thoughts are terrifying. Publicity campaigns regarding the risks and early prevention of breast cancer are found everywhere. Cars, trees, billboards, and various ...
Prematurity - A public health problem
Preterm birth is defined as the birth of a baby before 37 completed weeks (term gestation is between 37-40 weeks). Over the past decade, preterm births have risen by more than 30% and in 2011, they accounted for 12.5% of all births, according to data published by March of Dimes. This is a steady increase from 8% before 1980 and 10.4% in 2002. To put this in real numbers, the Centers for Disease Control reports that more than half a million babies are born prematurely every year. That is, for every 7 babies born at term, there will be 1 baby that is born prematurely. What’s more, prematurity is most frequent in African American and Hispanic women as well those that are economically disadvantaged.