The March of Dimes defines a birth defect as an abnormality of structure, function or body metabolism presented at birth and early childhood that results in physical or mental disability or is fatal. January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. Of the four million babies born each year in the United States approximately 150,000 have at least one serious birth defect. n The March of Dimes has a two-part approach to combating birth defects. First, they research and identify causes and improve the tools used in prevention. Secondly, they work to enable all of those in need to have access to health care. n For more information, visit www.modimes.org.

Did you know that donated blood has a short shelf life? Red blood cells last only 42 days! Therefore, the national supply must be replenished regularly. During National Blood Donor Month, the American Association of Blood Banks asks you to give the gift of life. n Blood is needed on a regular basis for people with serious illnesses, accident victims and routine surgery patients. n For more information, and to find out how and where you can donate, visit www.aabb.org, call (866) 376-6968 or contact the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or (800) 448-3543.

Thyroid Awareness Month. More Americans have thyroid disease than the diabetes and cancer combined. It is the most common endocrine disorder in the United States, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (A.A.C.E). n The A.A.C.E. recommends women over the age of 35 and men over 60, as well as those with a family history of thyroid disease, be tested annually. n For more information, visit www.aace.com.

As many as three million Americans have Glaucoma and most don’t know it. The disease has no symptoms in its early stages, no noticeable vision loss and no pain. Fortunately, if caught before major symptoms occur, serious vision loss can be prevented. n During National Glaucoma Awareness Month, Prevent Blindness America encourages those age 40 and older to be tested for this disease and to become more informed. n For more information, visit www.preventblindness.org.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 15, is a national holiday honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many people take time to serve their communities on this day. n King believed everyone could participate in service. “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve,” he said. During his life, he worked to create a society in which people viewed each other as equals and could therefore work together to address issues in the community. For more information, visit www.mlkday.org.

Healthy Weight Week takes place Jan. 18 to 24. Celebrate healthy lifestyles that last a lifetime and prevent eating disorders and weight problems. n The Healthy Weight Network gives several tips on how to appreciate your body and maintain a healthy lifestyle. They encourage each of us to be active every day, eat regular meals and maintain a stable, diet-free health plan. For more information, visit www.healthyweight.net.

Crime Stoppers Month. According to the Colorado Springs Branch of Crime Stoppers, there are more than 1,000 Crime Stoppers programs in the United States. With the help of these organizations, more than 800,000 crimes have been solved. n In a letter to the Colorado Springs Branch of Crime Stoppers, President Bush states that although we have made progress, America has one of the highest crime rates among industrialized nations. For more information, visit www.crimestoppers.swt.edu or call
(800) 245-0009.