Sample letter to a friend who could become pregnant

Hi Heather!

It was great to talk with you on the phone last night.  I'm sorry I missed your wedding, but congratulations!  I hope we can stay in touch. 

Last night you told me you were thinking about starting a family.  Afterwards, I realized that I hadn't told you about folic acid.  Folic acid is a B-vitamin (in multivitamins or sold separately) that prevents 50%-70% of neural tube birth defects like spina bifida.  The neural tube (later the brain and spine) forms in the first month of pregnancy (before most women know they're pregnant).  For this reason, many health agencies have started an educational campaign to tell all women of childbearing age to take folic acid everyday, even before they are pregnant.   Folic acid is also found in "enriched" foods:  cereals, bread, and pasta.  It is naturally found in orange juice, beans, peanuts, and spinach--but it is harder for the body to get enough from foods alone. 

I hope these brochures will answer questions you may have.  If they bring to mind other questions, you could always call me for information.  Sorry about the information overload, but I guess you can tell I think it is important!  I hope I'll be able to see you and your new husband soon!

Your friend,

Sonya