The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (CDC NHANES) provides data showing women of reproductive age carry a body burden of hundreds of industrial chemicals and toxicants. Recent evidence links many of these contaminants with infertility, early pregnancy loss and negative impacts on embryonic and fetal development. Clinicians caring for women of reproductive age are seeking guidance on effective counseling for clients to reduce exposure to toxic substances and optimize health before becoming pregnant. This call, hosted by the CHE Fertility and Reproductive Health Working Group, examined available data in support of recommendations to minimize toxic exposures, highlight data gaps, and explore future directions in preconception risk reduction.
Merry-K. Moos of UNC, Chapel Hill, presented information from the CDC Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative, its evidence-based review of preconception care emphases for the clinical setting and the soon-to-be-released clinical toolkit. Traci Townsend, formerly of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, presented data from a project on pesticide risk reduction and reproductive health in agricultural families. Dr. Victoria Maizes of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine provided a clinical approach to reducing exposure to environmental hazards based on existing scientific evidence.
Featured Speakers
Merry-K. Moos, RN, FNP, MPH, is a researcher, author and clinician who is nationally and internationally recognized for her expertise in preconceptional and interconceptional health and health care. As a member of the CDCs Select Panel on Preconception Health and Health Care, Ms. Moos served as co-chair of the Clinical Work Group, co-chair of the Reproductive Life Plan ad hoc subcommittee and lead clinician in the development of Before, Between and Beyond, the web based national preconception curriculum and resources guide for clinicians. She is currently leading national activities to create a clinical toolkit to integrate preconception health promotion into routine primary care.
Traci Townsend is a consultant specializing in program management with over 25 years of engagement in her field. Her work includes oversight of regional education, clinical and community outreach programs and local, state and national administrative and legislative advocacy. Ms. Townsend is an alumna of the 2010 Women’s Policy Institute, where her environmental/reproductive justice team successfully shepherded the Farmworker Health Act to passage and the governor’s signature. Ms. Townsend studied biology at Penn State University and nursing at Holy Family College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Victoria Maizes, MD, is executive director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and professor of medicine, family and community medicine, and public health at the University of Arizona. Dr. Maizes is internationally recognized as a leader in integrative medicine. As founding co-chair of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Maizes led a team of educators to create objectives for medical students in integrative medicine. Dr. Maizes lectures worldwide on integrative medical education, women's health, healthy aging, nutrition and cancer.
The call was moderated by Karin Russ, MS, RN, national coordinator of the CHE Fertility and Reproductive Health Working Group.