Live It Change It Encourages Black Women to Consider Preconception, Interconception Care

Phoenix’s Black population is only 5 percent, but we have the highest rate of poor birth outcomes such as infant deaths and low birth weight. Because our community is diversely represented across all parts of the Valley, it is difficult to raise awareness about these issues – that is why Live It Change It is encouraging all of us to join the movement and spread the word to your family, friends and the rest of our community. Visit www.LiveItChangeIt.com to find out ways to live a healthier life for you and future generations.

Did you know that the infant death rate among Arizona’s black population is 17 to every 1,000 live births? That’s almost three times the national average! And 100,000 African-American newborns in the U.S. are affected each year by premature birth. However, most of those are directly linked to the mother’s health before pregnancy – which means they are preventable! This is why preconception and interconception care is so important.

Preconception care is care you receive before you get pregnant by targeting health problems to reduce the risk of birth defects and other problems. Interconception care is the care of women between pregnancies to ensure that conditions, behaviors and stressors which may pose a risk to mothers and infants are identified and managed.

These stressors can include unemployment, drug addiction, being a single parent or dealing with health concerns which directly relates to the health of future generations. Visit www.LiveItChangeIt.com to find out ways to deal with social and physical stressors, as well as disease and lifestyle choices. 

Encourage your family and friends to sign up for the movement! For more information about upcoming events or how you can get involved, visit www.LiveItChangeIt.com.