IMPORTANT INFO FOR PARENTS

One of the things I like about blogging is the chance to share with other parents some of the really important info about our kids that crosses my desk daily.

This one's near the top of the list.

When my children were born, I never thought to ask if they'd be screened for birth defects. I assumed the hospital's routine tests would detect any problems.

Boy was I wrong.

I've since found out it depends on where you live. Each state decides which of 29 newborn screening tests are required. Until this year, some states tested for just a few.

Today the March of Dimes reported good news and bad news about newborn screening. The good news is that since new guidelines came out from the medical community last year, many states have expanded their screening programs. The MOD says twice as many babies are being tested than just a year ago! Five states (Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia) plus the District of Columbia test for all 29 disorders. Most other states have expanded their screening programs and now test for more than 20 of the 29 disorders.

But the bad -- and perhaps tragic -- news for parents is, there are still 8 states in the U.S. that test for fewer than 10 of these conditions. To find out where your state stands, check the with March of Dimes (http://www.marchofdimes.com/peristats/pdfdocs/nbs2006.pdf) or the National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center (http://genes-r-us.uthscsa.edu/).

Here's why it's a big deal:

This week I had the chance to talk with a mother whose beautiful baby girl died in her sleep the day she came home from the hospital. An autopsy later revealed she had a rare metabolic condition that could've been managed through diet and supplements. Both parents were carriers and had no idea -- neither had a family history of this rare disease.

Admirably, she and other parents fought successfully to change the law in their state. But the fact remains, it's up to YOU to ask about it.

Here's more good news:

If you live in a state that doesn't test for all 29 disorders, YOU can have it done yourself. The tests for all 29 only costs about $100 and may be covered by insurance.

What a small price to pay for our children's health.

News Mom "T"