Healthy babies is goal of upcoming event

What: Baby Fair
When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; registration begins at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Smyth County Community Hospital Education Building, just behind the hospital
Who: Sponsored for expecting and new parents by the hospital and Smyth County Health Department with funding from the CJ Foundation for SIDS
Why: To provide information about the health and safety of infants and unborn children.

By DAN KEGLEY/Staff

Expecting parents and those with children under a year old will find a wealth of information about protecting the health of their babies at Saturday’s Baby Fair.
Back by popular demand, the once-annual event was not held for several years because of a lack of funding, said health educator Edie Bobko of the Mount Rogers Health District. “People were still coming into the office asking if we’re planning another Baby Fair,” she said.
This year, with funding from the CJ Foundation for SIDS, Smyth County’s community hospital and health department have partnered to bring back the fair.
“Vendors will have lots of information about healthy pregnancies, healthy children, healthy babies and healthy parents, safety, nutrition, not smoking. It will be very interesting.” Bobko said. In addition, door prizes will be awarded.
“A pediatrician is coming, and there will be nurses from the health department and Smyth County Community Hospital,” Bobko said. The American Red Cross will present a video on infant cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, the hospital plans a tour of its obstetrics wing, and a demonstration will show the proper installation of child car seats, she said.
The free event is targeted at parents with children on the way and up to one year of age, Bobko said. “We want people to enjoy it and get good information.”
Bobko said the Baby Fair works to address the region’s too-common lack of awareness of infant health and safety issues, particularly among young mothers. “A lot of these are young women who do not have a lot of experience or someone to tell them about parenting, about not smoking, and signs of problems to watch for during pregnancy,” Bobko said.
That was the second time Bobko mentioned not smoking as a smart practice for parents, a key concern for her and in the district. Smoking prevention and cessation are at the heart of the health district’s “Fresh Start” program from the American Cancer Society, part of the Smoke Free Virginia campaign.
In Abingdon, “Breathe Easy Baby!” focuses on pregnant women with counseling and other services aimed at creating healthier lifestyles. 
According to Virginia Department of Health statistics, three Smyth County infants died, or 8.6 per 1,000 births, in 2005, the latest year for which figures were available. Statewide, 777 infants died that year, or 7.4 per 1,000.