Public health professionals have proven time and again that primary prevention is the most cost-effective health strategy.  When people employ healthy behaviors, they maintain a high quality of life and postpone debilitating illness and death. 

Consider just a few examples of primary prevention for maternal and child health.  A 1992 study in Michigan found that enrollment in WIC was associated with a lower prevalence of small-for-gestational-age deliveries.[106] Interventions during pregnancy have reduced smoking and increased birthweight.[107]  In one study, when psychosocial services of at least 45 minutes duration were provided in a public prenatal care program, the low birthweight rate was lower, regardless of the mother's risk profile.[108] These examples illustrate the positive outcomes that may occur when primary prevention is a routine part of health care. 

Folic acid supplementation is another vitally important primary prevention strategy.  As a public health professional, your work in folic acid education and counseling can help to motivate the public to take action in consuming more folic acid.