The Empire State Building will be lit green the week of January 22-27 during the March of Dimes' Birth Defects Prevention Month. Green symbolizes the food sources that are rich in folic acid, such as leafy vegetables, beans and citrus fruits. During January, the March of Dimes is reminding women they need at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily if they are of childbearing age to help reduce the chance of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

Birth defects are the leading cause of infant death in America today. On an average day, 400 babies across the United States are born with a birth defect, and 17 will die as a result of one on that same day. Taking folic acid before conception and during the early weeks of development will reduce the risks of serious defects such as spina bifida and neural tube defects by 50-70 percent.

In 2002, the March of Dimes will continue its national campaign to educate women of childbearing age about the importance of folic acid in preventing certain types of birth defects. The campaign will extend to campuses during the month as college-age March of Dimes volunteers conduct a special folic acid awareness campaign on more than 50 university campuses across the U.S. Research continues to lead to a better understanding of the causes of birth defects and the uses of genetic therapy, fetal surgery, and other advances to treat them.

Studies have found that the uninsured report poorer health status, are less likely to have a usual source of medical care, and are more likely to delay or go without needed health care services. A lack of insurance coverage makes health services unaffordable for such women who may become pregnant, making it difficult for them to receive needed health care.

For information on the benefits of folic acid, call 1-877-FOLICNY. For other information regarding health and pregnancy, call the March of Dimes resource center at 1-888-MODIMES, or visit the websites www.modimes.org, and www.nacersano.org.