Saving lives while giving birth
Douglas County Libraries Director James LaRue
by Terri Wiebold
Douglas County Libraries Director James LaRue recently wrote a column about his personal struggles with Spina bifida, a birth defect which is largely preventable if women take a daily B-vitamin with folic acid during pregnancy. LaRue is encouraging participation in a national study to examine the effects of the environment on the growth, development, and health of children across the United States. Douglas County is one of only 105 counties in the United States selected from which to gather data.
The goal of the National Children’s Study (www.nationalchildrensstudy.gov) is to improve the health and well-being of children and contribute to understanding the role various factors have on health and disease.
Interested women who are currently pregnant or who are trying to become pregnant can call 303-799-6257 or e-mail ncs.co@ucdenver.edu for more information. LaRue says it is no exaggeration to say that this study will make history. “Don’t you want to be a part of it?” he asks. To read LaRue’s column, go to www.CastlePinesConnection.com/spinabifida.
