Riskiest North Carolina, South Carolina Cities to Have A Baby
Having a baby in North Carolina and South Carolina is apparently very risky. That’s according to the latest March of Dimes report card, which gives both North and South Carolina failing grades for infant mortality. You won’t believe the grades, either. I’m shocked. What’s more, I’m surprised by the failing grades for states across the U.S. There are certain cities in the states that are actually the riskiest to have a baby, too.
The March of Dimes Report Card highlights key indicators that describe the state of maternal and infant health in America. “We continue to provide updated rates and grades for preterm birth and data on infant mortality and maternal health,” they state in the report. “New this year is the inclusion of maternal mortality, leading causes of infant death, and data describing selected risk factors for preterm birth.”
So, let’s get into the numbers. According to the report, the preterm birth rate in South Carolina was 11.6% in 2022, lower than the rate in 2021. In North Carolina, the preterm birth rate was 10.7% in 2022, lower than the rate in 2021.
Now, the grades. South Carolina received an F grade, and North Carolina received a D+ grade. Wow. Not good. Now, let’s get into the riskiest cities in North and South Carolina to have a baby. In North Carolina, the riskiest city is Charlotte with a D+. As for counties, the riskiest are Forsyth with an F grade and 11.6% preterm birth rate and Cumberland with an F grade and an 11.5% preterm birth rate. Also low are Guilford with a D grade and Durham with a C+. In South Carolina, the riskiest city is Columbia with an F grade and 12.6% preterm birth rate. As for counties, some bad ones are Richland with an F grade and 13.0% preterm birth rate and Charleston with an F grade and 11.6% preterm birth rate. Also low on the list are Horry with a D- and Lexington with a D. Find the full list for North Carolina here and South Carolina here.
How to Avoid Getting Norovirus
Wash your hands really well
Di you know that hand sanitizer isn’t effective against norovirus? I learned that the hard way. My mom always tells me to slather my hands in the stuff, but it won’t help for this bug. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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Handle and prepare food the safest way
The CDC says that before preparing and eating your food, you should wash fruits and vegetables well; cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F; and routinely clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, counters, and surfaces. Also, “noroviruses are relatively resistant to heat and can survive temperatures as high as 145°F,” they warn. Also, they say to avoid preparing and handling food or caring for others when you are sick.
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Fully clean and disinfect surfaces
Good ol’ bleach is where it’s at. The CDC says that “after someone vomits or has diarrhea, always clean well and disinfect the entire area immediately.” Bleach kills this stuff. Also, when cleaning, make sure to wear rubber or disposable gloves and wipe the entire area with paper towels and throw them in a plastic trash bag. The CDC also recommends to “leave the bleach disinfectant on the affected area for at least 5 minutes.”
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Wash laundry very well
Any clothing with vomit or poop should be removed and washed right away. The CDC says to “wear rubber or disposable gloves” and “Wash the items with detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dry them at the highest heat setting.” For more tips, go here.
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