Michigan: This is the Riskiest City in the State to Have a Baby
If you want a baby in Michigan, note that it’s risky. That’s according to the latest March of Dimes report card, which gives the state a grade of D+ for infant mortality. As bad as that sounds, it’s better than a lot of states across America when it comes to that ranking. I’m surprised by the failing grades for states across the U.S. One Michigan city is also the riskiest city to have a baby.
Michigan and Babies
The March of Dimes Report Card highlights vital indicators describing maternal and infant health in America. “We continue to provide updated rates and grades for preterm birth and data on infant mortality and maternal health,” the report states. “New this year is the inclusion of maternal mortality, leading causes of infant death, and data describing selected risk factors for preterm birth.” So, let’s get into the numbers. According to the report, the preterm birth rate in Pennsylvania was 9.6% in 2022, lower than in 2021. That’s good news. But that’s where the positive news ends. Looking at their graph, preterm birth rates have been increasing for the majority of the past decade. That’s not a trend we want to see. But, it’s promising that the rate did decline between 2021 and 2022. However, the report states that ” Birthing people in Pennsylvania have a moderate vulnerability to poor outcomes and are most vulnerable due to mental health and substance use.” They add that “The infant mortality rate among babies born to Black birthing people is 2x the state rate.”
Now, let’s get into the riskiest areas in Michigan to have a baby. Topping the list, according to the March of Dimes, is Detroit as the riskiest city. It has a preterm birth rate of 14.5% and a grade of F. As for counties, Wayne got an F, Genesee got an F, Macomb got a D, Kent got a C-, and Oakland got a C+. Find the complete list for Michigan here.
How to Avoid Getting Norovirus
Wash your hands really well
Di you know that hand sanitizer isn’t effective against norovirus? I learned that the hard way. My mom always tells me to slather my hands in the stuff, but it won’t help for this bug. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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Handle and prepare food the safest way
The CDC says that before preparing and eating your food, you should wash fruits and vegetables well; cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F; and routinely clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, counters, and surfaces. Also, “noroviruses are relatively resistant to heat and can survive temperatures as high as 145°F,” they warn. Also, they say to avoid preparing and handling food or caring for others when you are sick.
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Fully clean and disinfect surfaces
Good ol’ bleach is where it’s at. The CDC says that “after someone vomits or has diarrhea, always clean well and disinfect the entire area immediately.” Bleach kills this stuff. Also, when cleaning, make sure to wear rubber or disposable gloves and wipe the entire area with paper towels and throw them in a plastic trash bag. The CDC also recommends to “leave the bleach disinfectant on the affected area for at least 5 minutes.”
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Wash laundry very well
Any clothing with vomit or poop should be removed and washed right away. The CDC says to “wear rubber or disposable gloves” and “Wash the items with detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dry them at the highest heat setting.” For more tips, go here.
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