A number of factors before and after the birth of a child can create challenges to their development and school readiness. Before the birth of a child, the developing brain architecture of a fetus can be disrupted by poor maternal nutrition, exposure to a variety of hazardous substances and the adverse physiological effects of a pregnant woman’s chronic stress. Access to prenatal health care can help identify such high-risk circumstances and provide a vehicle for addressing hazards to healthy brain development in a preventive fashion. After birth, providing access to a regular and affordable source of primary health care for mothers, infants and children is important in helping to prevent threats to the child’s healthy development, as well as provide early detection and intervention for concerns that could lead to more serious problems later in a child’s physical, developmental and mental health.

Huron County offers unique opportunites for families to engage in physical fitness opportunities, click here for more information. 

In 2008 over 30% of the pregnant mothers in Huron County reported that they smoked.  We know that when mothers smoke there are increased health risks assosciated with the unborn child. Newborns can experience withdrawal symptoms after their birth if they were born to smoking mothers. In addition they may weigh less than babies born to non-smoking mothers, they may be born prematurely, they may develop issues with breathing such as asthma.  It is shown that these children have more ear infections, higher chances of developmental delays and new evidence suggests a higher risk of being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.
There is help if you want to quit. Huron Medical Center has a Quit Smoking Series that helps you make a plan for quitting and staying smoke free. You will learn how to cope with stress associated with quitting and create support systems to ensure success.
The Quit Smoking Series cost is $10. The first series is on January 13 and January 20, 2011 from 10am-12pm. The second series is on November 3 and November 10, 2011 from 1-3pm. Please call 989-269-2882 for more information.

Click here to visit the Why Quit support group page for people who would like to quit smoking.

Click here to get free help to quit smoking from Smokefree.gov

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers several free tools to help you or a loved one kick the habit for good. Visit the CDC's Quit Smoking page by clicking here.

About.com offers a very active smoking cessation support group. Membership is free and newcomers are welcome. To learn more, or to join click here.

Huron Medical Center sponsers a class to help you kick the habit, download their brochure here.

The Family Nutrition Program (FNP) provides nutrition education to anyone eligible for or receiving food stamp benefits. MSU Extension collaborates with other agencies to coordinate efforts and refer families to local community services that best meet the families' needs. Please call 989-269-9949 for more information.
Click here to visit the MSUE Family Nutrition Program Website.

If you are concerned about your child's development please call your local Early On office for a free developmental assessment.  In Huron County that number is 989-269-3484. You can also click on the logo to the left to go to the Early On website.
 

Click here for a Child Development Checklist. 
Click here for tips and techniques on how to work with you own child.

Click here for a list of local Public Health workers, Dentists, Peditricans, Family Doctors, OB/GYNs, and hospitals in Huron County.