By Vicki Allen Penwell | Executive Director
A lifetime of good health must, of necessity, start at the beginning of life.
Did you realize that the First 1,000 Days begins at conception? Many people mistakenly think that the importance of good nutrition does not start until after birth, and many parents where I live believe good nutrition is most important when the child begins school. Actually, good health requires great healthcare, good food and targeted education starting in early pregnancy!
The first 1,000 days are a crucial time for a child's development, as their brain, body, and immune system grow and develop more rapidly than at any other time in life. During the first 1,000 days, a child's brain develops exponentially, with 80% of it forming during this time. The child's sensory systems, learning abilities, memory, and information processing systems are also established. The right nutrition and care during this time can impact a child's ability to grow, learn, and escape poverty.
And that is the very thing you are a part of with your donations to this project. Mercy In Action is taking on the challenge to not only deliver babies safely but to make sure each pregnancy is well monitored, the families are educated about the importance of good food and avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, and that a practical and evidence-based birth plan is in place long before labor begins. Then, after the baby is delivered, we have special home visitors called Mercy Kasamas who accompany the family through the first two years, ensuring that the baby is gaining weight, meeting developmental milestones, and getting healthcare and preventative checkups as needed.
The impact of this project is immense and impacts entire communities and, ultimately, the health and brainpower of entire nations. Thank you for being a member of our First 1,000 Days project team with your monthly support!
On Giving Tuesday, which falls on December 3 this year, GlobalGiving will once again make matching donations, so every donation you give to Mercy In Action on Giving Tuesday will be magnified.
For the children! Blessings and love,
Vicki and the Mercy team
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