AMERIGROUP Offers Health Tips to Help Protect Families From Lead Poison.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.--(BW HealthWire)--May 22, 2001

According to federal public health officials, lead poisoning has become one of the biggest health threats for young children.

Studies indicate that one in five children has dangerous levels of lead in their blood, which may result in learning difficulties and the potential for violence later in life.

To help parents protect their children and themselves from lead poisoning, AMERIGROUP offers these tips:

--Have the home inspected for lead. All homes built prior to 1960 and many homes built prior to 1978 contain lead-based paint.

--Have pregnant women and children sleep elsewhere during renovations to older homes. The majority of hospital admissions as a result of lead poisoning come from dust or paint flakes during home renovation.

--Move furniture in children's rooms away from areas that may contain lead. The closer a child sleeps to a lead-infected item, the higher the risk.

--Keep children away from areas where paint is chipping or peeling. Children are very curious and have been known to eat paint chips. These chips may contain lead.

--Eat a balanced diet. Children and pregnant women should ensure their diet includes food filled with iron and calcium. This will help reduce the absorption of lead.

"Early detection is the best form of prevention," said Lorenzo Childress, MD, chief medical officer at AMERIGROUP Corporation. "Parents who believe that their homes may contain lead should speak with their family doctor to have a lead blood test performed." AMERIGROUP offers this health information with the hope that it can help create a difference in the health of families. For more information about AMERIGROUP or any other health or safety issues, please visit the company at www.amerigroupcorp.com .