Prematurity Awareness Day

Did you know that November 17 is World Prematurity Awareness Day?

About 8% of babies born in Canada arrive too soon. The rate of premature births has increased by 23 % since the beginning of the 90s.1

Premature infants face increased health risks.

Be a part of the solution by bringing awareness of prematurity to Canadians!

Spread the word and celebrate this special day dedicated to improving the lives of premature babies.

1. http://www.cihi.ca/cihi-ext-portal/internet/fr/document/types+of+care/hospital+care/acute+care/release_29jan09

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Oxygen Pick-up and Delivery

After blood has travelled through the body – carrying oxygen to the body's tissues and organs – it comes back to the heart through the veins (vena cava) and enters the right atrium. The blood is bluish in colour because it is low in oxygen. When the heart relaxes, the blood flows through a valve into the right ventricle. The right ventricle contracts, or squeezes, to send the blood through the pulmonary valve into the pulmonary arteries. The blood travels to the lungs where it gets fresh oxygen and turns bright red again. It returns to the left atrium through the pulmonary veins. Then it moves through a valve to the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the oxygen-rich blood out through a valve into the aorta. The aorta delivers the blood to the body and the process begins again.