January 2005

March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month - January 2005
Since 1958, the March of Dimes has been funding cutting-edge research and innovative programs to save babies from birth defects, premature birth, and low birth weight. To increase awareness of these important public health issues, January has been designated as Birth Defects Prevention Month.

Healthy Weight Week - January 16-22, 2005
Healthy Weight Week is an annual, national observance that focuses attention on the importance of staying at a healthy weight. This is especially important at a time when more Americans than ever are overweight. According to the U.S. Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, released in 2001, approximately 300,000 adult deaths in the United States each year can be attributed to unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity or sedentary behavior.