'Hug a Mum' appeal supports prematurity research

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 635, 7 May 1996, Page 9

'Hug a Mum' appeal supports prematurity research

Mother's Day 1996 marks the first "Hug a Mum" appeal - the Child Health Research Foundation's new fund-raising drive for research into preventing premature births. New Zealanders are being encouraged to show their love for their mum by buying a special "Hug a Mum" card or badge in the build up to Mother's Day on May 12. The money raised from saies will go towards Child Health Research Foundation funded prematurity studies. Foundation chair, Professor Bob Elliott, says over recent years there have been remarkable advances in caring for premature babies once they're born, but no progress in preventing the early birth in the first place. One in 20 New Zealand babies are born

premature - many of whom die or are significantly disabled as a result. "We still don't have a satisfactory means of predicting which babies will be born early. We need to find out things like: what triggers premature labour? Can we manipulate that and prevent the birth?" explains Professor Elliott. "As with all the Child Health Research Foundation's research, our focus is on prevention rather than treatment. If we can prevent premature births then the physical cost to the child and family and the financial costs to the country can be reduced." Prematurity is a big ticket health item in New Zealand. Around $20 million is spent each year on intensive and special care for premature babies and each handicapped baby is TURN TO PAGE 10

'Hug a Mum' appeal supports prematurity research

From Page 9 premature birth including Maori women, women aged under 20 or over 40, and those who have had a premature birth before. But at this stage nothing can be done to reduce that risk. Professor Elliott says that's why a key . focus of future research will be lifestyle risk factors. "If we can identify the lifestyle and stress factors which lead to prematurity perhaps that could lead to the sort of advice we give parents about pre-

venting cot death. "By supporting Hug a Mum New Zealanders will be doing their bit to prevent one of the most serious health problems facing our babies." Deka New Zealand Limited has come on board as the lead sponsor for the appeal and will be selling the Hug a Mum cards and badges, along with other distributors, in the build up to Mother's Day. The cards link into a sweepstake promotion so mums have a chance at winning a

luxurious holiday for two lazing and cruising the waters of Fiji or a housekeeper for a year.