Monday, May 20, 2013

Alcohol News - 20/2013


Science Nordic (Sweden) - Sick Swedes keep on swigging
Even though alcohol consumption can delay a return to work, a new survey shows that Swedes like their liquor, particularly at sporting events, and even when they are on sick leave.
Addiction (Norway) - The collectivity of drinking cultures: is the theory applicable to African settings?
Skog's theory of collective drinking behaviour implies that countries with a strict informal social control of drinking alcohol would not exhibit ‘collective displacement’ of consumption (a linear association between population mean consumption and percentile values across the full range of the distribution), as do countries with less informal social control.
Postimees (Estonia) - Consumption of alcohol in Estonia did not change last year – study
The consumption of alcohol by residents of Estonia did not change in 2012 compared to the previous year, averaging 10.6 liters of pure alcohol per capita, it appears from the fresh alcohol market survey by the Estonian Institute of Economic Research (EKI).
Al-Arabiya (Egypt) - Egypt faces social pressure to end alcohol sales
Egypt’s liquor stores are under growing pressure to stop selling alcohol, they say, not from the country’s Islamist government, but from society itself.
Healio - Adolescents' first drink tied to alcohol-related problems in adulthood
Adolescents who have their first drink during puberty are more likely to develop frequent drinking habits later in life, results from a new study show.
Newstalk 106-108 fm (Ireland) - Irish Alcohol consumption drops by 20% in 12 years
The alcohol consumption in Ireland has fallen by 20% over 12 years, with the idea that all Irish people now drink to excess now believed to be far from the truth.
The Guardian (UK) - Parliament too alcohol fuelled, say MPs
One in four MPs thinks parliament, where the price of alcohol is subsidised, has an unhealthy drinking culture.
EurActiv (EU) - EU's alcohol strategy needs further push, MEPs say
Europeans are the heaviest drinkers in the world and in some EU member states, such as Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, the alcohol consumption is 2.5 times more than what an average person in the world drinks. The Commission's new strategy on alcohol, to be published later this year, has to better address the issue of alcohol-related harm, MEPs say.
TIME (USA) - Safety Board Recommends Defining Legally Drunk With Lower Blood Alcohol Level
The government wants to drop the blood alcohol limit for being legally drunk in order to avoid drunk driving fatalities.
TIME (USA) - Task Force Recommends Screening All Adults for Alcohol Misuse
Questions about alcohol use should be a part of regular physical checkups, according to a panel of experts.
News-Medical.net - Alcohol advertising pre-disposes young people to have favorable attitudes toward drinking
The alcohol industry has developed and regulates its own guidelines regarding advertising. A new study has investigated the ability of panels to find consensus around code violations.
FRANCE 24 (Turkey) - Turkish parliament considers bill limiting alcohol sales
Turkey's parliament is reviewing a bill that would restrict alcohol sales, including banning purchases at educational, sports and health institutions. The bill has the beverage industry worried, including Diageo, owner of Turkey’s leading raki brand.
Examiner.com (USA) - Study: Female college students abuse alcohol more than men
New research shows that female college student drinkers exceed National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) guidelines for weekly drinking more frequently than their male counterparts.
WSYM-TV - New Study Finds Alcohol Increases Risk of Breast Cancer
A lot of us unwind after a tough day with a drink, but sobering new research says just a few of those a week, could put some women's health at risk.
Medical Daily - Mixing Excessive Alcohol And Smoking Can Make Your Brain Old Before Its Time
A new study found that heavy drinkers who smoke excessively develop problems with memory, thinking and problem solving skills earlier than those who do not.
Tribune-Review (USA) - Hagel believes alcohol is ‘a very big factor’ in many of military’s sexual assault and harassment cases
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Friday ordered the military to recertify all 25,000 people involved in programs designed to prevent and respond to sexual assault, an acknowledgement that assaults have escalated beyond the Pentagon's control.
MADD - Get the Facts on Privatized Alcohol Sales-MADD Canada Releases Newly-Updated Alcohol Policy Paper
MADD Canada is pleased to share its newly-updated alcohol policy paper, "Provincial Liquor Boards: Meeting the Best Interests of Canadians." The paper supports the role of provincial liquor boards and outlines the negative health and public safety impacts associated with privatized alcohol sales.
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Alcohol News - 19/2013


University of Toronto - Children of addicted parents more likely to be depressed as adults
Children of parents who were addicted to drugs or alcohol are more likely to be depressed in adulthood, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers.
Reuters (USA) - Ask adult patients about alcohol misuse: panel
Primary care doctors should ask adults how much and how often they drink alcohol and counsel those with risky and dangerous drinking habits, a government-backed panel said today.
Reuters (Turkey) - Turkey considers tighter limits on alcohol sale and consumption
The Turkish government has prepared a draft law that would ban advertising alcoholic drinks in what officials say is an effort to protect children but could further divide religious and secularist Turks.
YLE News (Finland) - Huge costs caused by alcohol abuse
The direct costs for managing alcohol-related problems in Finland are estimated annually to be 1.3 billion euros, according to the National Institute for Health and Welfare THL.
Copenhagen Post (Denmark) - Traffic safety commission wants drink driving limit lowered
The traffic safety commission, Færdselssikkerhedskommissionen, proposed on Monday to reduce the blood alcohol content drink driving levels from 0.05 to 0.02.
The Foriegner (Norway) - Norway Christian Democrats closed for supermarket wine opener
KrF leader Knut Arild Hareide finds it unlikely his Party will be sitting at a political table with non-socialist shop alcohol supporters.
The Local (Sweden) - Sweden won't ban boozing after accidents
Swedes suspected of crashing their cars while drunk can continue to claim they became inebriated after the accident occurs, a government inquiry has found, concluding there is no need to outlaw drinking after a causing a traffic accident.
Helsinki Times (Finland) - Deaths caused by alcohol plummet
THE number of Finns dying from alcohol-related causes has fallen over the past several years. In 2009, 2,065 people died from diseases related to alcohol and accidental alcohol poisoning. In 2011, the number was 1,889.
ERR News (Estonia) - Crime Briefs: Drunken Homicide, Drunken Window-Breaking Spree, Drunk Drivers
Alcohol still seems to be the root of all evil in Estonia, as the following three crime snippets illustrate.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Majority of publicans want minimum alcohol pricing
More than 70pc of publicans want the government to introduce a minimum price for alcohol to help pubs hurt by competition from cheaper off-licences, according to a new survey.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Still no warning labels on alcohol one year on
NO LABELS have yet been put on alcohol products sold in Ireland containing health warnings about drinking during pregnancy, despite the recommendations of a report a year ago.
Ynetnews (Israel) - Regulation passed prohibiting nighttime sale of alcohol
The Knesset’s Internal Affairs and Environment Committee approved two permanent orders to prevent drunkenness which replace temporary provisions that existed before.
Science Daily (New Zealand) - Would You ‘Like’ A Drink? Youth Drinking Cultures, Social Networking and Alcohol Marketing
Preventing alcohol abuse, especially among young people, has long been a focus of public-health campaigns. But despite the well-publicised social and medical consequences of drinking too much it's clear that for many, heavy drinking has become a normal part of life.
The Guardian (UK) - Minimum pricing for alcohol: the red-faced ranters have won
The absence of minimum pricing for alcohol in today's Queen's Speech is a chilling reminder of the influence big business still has on public health in the UK.
The Guardian (UK) - Queen's speech: alcohol and cigarettes curbs 'not abandoned'
The government has not abandoned measures aimed at curbing problem drinking and smoking despite their absence from the Queen's speech, the health secretary has insisted.
The Dominion Post (New Zealand) - Chance to tackle booze supply
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson, one of the longest standing representatives of the alcohol industry in New Zealand, once again attempts to convince us that all is well in New Zealand from an alcohol point of view.
Novinite.com (Bulgaria) - Bulgaria Bans Sales of Alcohol on Election Day
The sale and serving of alcoholic beverages has been banned on Election Day in Bulgaria.
ABC Online (Australia) - A push to tackle alcohol-related violence in Sydney
Sydney's late-night emergency services workers have united to call for the closure of all of the pubs and clubs in Sydney at 3am.
Mirror.co.uk (UK) - Alcohol abuse: Concern over middle-aged middle classes using booze to relieve stress
The middle classes are a 'ticking time bomb' of alcohol abuse, new research warned today. Academics say professionals are risking serious health problems by using booze to relieve stress.
Yahoo!7 News (Australia) - NSW MAY BAN ALCOHOL ADS ON SUPERMARKET RECEIPTS
The New South Wales Government says it is considering banning supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles from promoting alcohol on grocery store receipts.
Daily Mail (UK) - Under-18s should be banned from having ANY alcohol: Warning that attempts to introduce children to drinking risks turning them into an alcoholic in later life
Parents who give their children small amounts of alcohol in the belief they are instilling a sensible attitude to drinking may unwittingly be giving them a taste for booze, a psychologist has warned. Aric Sigman said adults needed to realise that alcohol was more damaging to the young brain and body.
PsychCentral.com - Teens with Social Anxiety Engage in Earlier Alcohol, Marijuana Use
Among teens with substance use disorders, those who also have social anxiety disorder begin using marijuana at a mean age of 10.6 years — an average of 2.2 years earlier than teens without anxiety, according to a study conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
VOA Khmer (Cambodia) - Healthcare Workers Want Less Ads for Alcohol and Less Traffic Accidents
A rise in traffic accidents could be blamed on an increase in alcohol advertising, some health workers fear.
Herald Scotland (Scotland/EU) - EU commissioner backs minimum pricing 'in principle'
Europe's Health Commissioner has given his strongest backing yet to Scotland’s battle to impose minimum unit pricing on alcohol.
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Sunday, May 12, 2013

FASD News - 18/2013


American Academy of Pediatrics (USA) - Joint Call to Action on Alcohol and Pregnancy
Through its cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) the AAP Division of Children with Special Needs Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) program staff convened an FASD Risk Communication Workshop from July 30–31, 2012.
Science Network Western Australia (Australia) - Young people with FASD: treatment under law scrutinised
A SURVEY among police, corrective services and WA’s legal institutions has revealed 85 per cent of staff at various levels within the organisations have dealt with young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
The Northern Echo (UK) - Prime Minister praises Stockton foster carer who wins Big Society award
A FOSTER carer who set up a support group for families has been described as an "amazing woman" by Prime Minister David Cameron.
Eurekalert - Study finds women who drink alcohol before pregnancy less likely to take multivitamins
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego Department of Pediatrics and Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, a research affiliate of UC San Diego School of Medicine, have found a link between multivitamin use and alcohol consumption before pregnancy, uncovering a need for education about the importance of vitamin supplementation, particularly among women who drink alcohol during their childbearing years.
Womens Weekly (Australia) - Should bar staff refuse to serve alcohol to pregnant women?
Would you serve a pregnant woman alcohol? If not, you'd be acting illegally and could be sued, as Triana O'Keefe discovered recently.
NeuroDevNet - One week in FASD: conflicting insights on alcohol consumption in pregnancy in UK study and Canadian guideline
A new Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse guideline declares “zero’s the limit” for alcohol consumption for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, while the same week, the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology issued a press release on study suggesting light drinking during pregnancy is not linked to adverse behavioural or cognitive outcomes in childhood.
Drugfree.org - Commentary: Creating a Circle of Hope to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders
Kathleen Tavenner Mitchell, Vice President and National Spokesperson for the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, explains why she founded The Circle of Hope, a mentoring program for birth mothers of children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders.
Medical Daily - Rich Women Most Likely to Binge Drink
Binge drinking is a risk factor in many health and social problems that affect women, including unintentional injuries, violence, liver disease, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, breast and other cancers, reduced cognitive function, and alcohol dependence.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Asante Center - Annual FASD Fall Conference
The 6th Annual FASD Fall Conference: Understanding Trauma, will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Douglas College in New Westminster. Registration will open in early fall 2013.
First International Conference on Prevention of FASD
This is the first international conference to address the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of FASD. Plenary sessions will promote discussion and reflection on promising and innovative approaches for preventing FASD, such as policies and programs to address alcohol use and the social determinants of health.
NeuroDevNet - Call for Proposals - FASD Throughout the Lifespan and FACE Research Roundtable Sept. 5-7 2013
FASD Newfoundland is hosting a national FASD conference and research roundtable Sept. 5-6, 2013, followed by the 14th annual Fetal Alcohol Canadian Expertise (FACE) Research Roundtable Sept. 7, 2013 in St. John's Newfoundland.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
YourAlberta - Talking with Women about Alcohol and Pregnancy
This session addresses FASD prevention in relation to how we communicate with pregnant women and women in their childbearing years that may be of risk.
Myles Himmelreich Speaks About Living with FASD
A young Calgary man living with FASD speaks out about his struggles.
YourAlberta - FASD 101: Diagnosis and Support of FASD
Dr. Andrew discusses the history and terminology of FASD, biological impact of alcohol on prenatal brain development, and diagnostic process with a multidisciplinary team.
YourAlberta - Teacher and Parent Relationships – FASD
In this session, Charlene, Debra and Jenifer explore effective educational strategies from the perspectives of a student, a parent, and a teacher.
YourAlberta - Cognitive Interventions for Individuals with FASD
Carmen and Jacquie will review previous research studies on cognitive interventions for children with FASD and discuss new Alberta-based research.
YourAlberta - FASD and Practice: Issues for School Administrators
In this session, the panel discusses the role of administrators in the process of educating students affected by FASD.
YourAlberta - Enhancing Employability for Persons with FASD
Annette and Brian discuss how FASD affects the brain, what types of jobs are more suited to people affected by FASD, and things employers should know.
YourAlberta - Opening the Brain Boxes – FASD
Brain Boxes is a program for youth that breaks the brain into "boxes", so that they can better understand the strong and vulnerable parts of the brain.
YourAlberta - The Implications of Neuroplasticity for a Brain Affected by FASD
The principles of brain plasticity and brain development when affected by FASD are reviewed. There is also discussion of the implications for interventions.
YourAlberta – MathDeficits-in-FASD
YourAlberta - Building Brain Boxes – FASD
By understanding how the brain works with the body, sensory inputs, and the social world, youth can make conscious choices in daily thinking.
YourAlberta - Friendship? Dating? Sex? Relationships in the Complex FASD World
This session explores issues in relationships for persons affected by FASD. Pam and Danna will discuss the skills needed to be successful in relationships.
YourAlberta - Reactive Attachment Disorder and FASD: A Bio-Psychosocial Model for Diagnosis and Treatment
Andrew and Wanda explore what attachment is, the process of attachment, attachment disorders, plus therapeutic and parenting strategies as it relates to FASD.
YourAlberta - Reframing Life with FASD
Candace, a young lady raised in foster care, shares her uplifting story on how she has been resilient, successful, and hopeful for herself and her children.
YourAlberta - Psychological Issues in Children and Adults with FASD
This workshop will explore the relationship between the needs of caregivers and the availability of resources for diagnosis, treatment and support for children with FASD.
YourAlberta - Creating a Brain-Friendly Life – FASD
A collaborative session intended for young people affected by FASD and those who support them.

RESEARCH
Addiction Medicine - The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Addiction Treatment
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure in amounts sufficient to cause permanent deficits in brain functioning.
Behavioural Brain Research - Neonatal alcohol exposure impairs contextual fear conditioning in juvenile rats by disrupting cholinergic function
The context preexposure facilitation effect (CPFE) is a variant of context fear conditioning in which context preexposure facilitates conditioning to immediate foot shock.
Alcoholism - The Role of Acidemia in Maternal Binge Alcohol-Induced Alterations in Fetal Bone Functional Properties
Heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy negatively impacts the physical growth of the fetus. Although the deleterious effects of alcohol exposure during late gestation on fetal brain development are well documented, little is known about the effect on fetal bone mechanical properties or the underlying mechanisms.
Alcoholism - Rehabilitation Training Using Complex Motor Learning Rescues Deficits in Eyeblink Classical Conditioning in Female Rats Induced by Binge-Like Neonatal Alcohol Exposure
Effective treatments for the behavioral and cognitive deficits in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are lacking, and translational approaches using animal models can help develop rational interventions.
CPHA - Alcohol Use During Pregnancy in Canada: How Policy Moments Can Create Opportunities for Promoting Women’s Health
This article addresses the challenge of igniting action on health promotion for women in Canada with respect to alcohol use during pregnancy. We illustrate that accelerated action on health promotion for women that engages multiple levels of players, women-centred and harm-reduction frameworks and a gendered approach to understanding women’s lives can be achieved when the right policy moment occurs.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
General-Anzeiger (Germany) - Im Mutterleib durch Alkohol geschädigt
Überforderung, Chaos und Verzweiflung ist was manche Menschen ihr Leben lang empfinden, weil sie durch den Alkoholkonsum ihrer Mutter während der Schwangerschaft geschädigt wurden. Sie leiden unter Fetalen Alkoholspektrum-Störungen, kurz: FASD für "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder".
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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Alcohol News - 18/2013


Medical Daily (EU) - EU Report Warns Parents Against Giving Children Alcohol
A report commissioned by the EU cites research showing the long-term health effects of even moderate drinking among children.
Read more
Göteborg Daily (Sweden) - University drinking culture criticised
Parties in elevators, bathrooms and computer rooms. Local newspaper Göteborgs-Posten published a long reportage on the weekend about the drinking culture at Chalmers University in Gothenburg. However, the students themselves don’t think there is a problem.
Sverige Radio (Sweden) - Police boosting presence near Systembolaget
Police are boosting their presence around the country's state-run alcohol stores on Tuesday to stop minors from trying to get alcohol as Swedes prepare for Walpurgis night, reports Swedish Radio news.
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Estonia) - Acute Alcohol Intoxication Characteristics in Children
The level of consciousness is the leading sign in the clinical evaluation of children with AAI and correlates well with SAC. The severity of AAI judged by clinical assessment matched better with AAI severity stages determined by SAC than by BAC.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - MPs call for cheaper alcohol in Commons
Despite prices for alcohol being kept cheaper than a nearby Wetherspoons pub at the four Palace of Westminster bars, MPs have suggested prices should be linked to pubs outside of central London to make them cheaper.
EurActiv (Scotland) - Scotland wins court case on minimum pricing of alcohol
The Scottish high court ruled on Friday (3 May) that the government has the right to introduce a legally binding minimum price on alcohol, the first of its kind in the EU. The spirits industry says it will appeal the court ruling.
Perth Now (Australia) - Rising alcohol levels giving wine lovers a headache
DO those New World Cabernets and Zinfandels make your head spin? Fed up with having to stop drinking after just one glass? Plenty of wine lovers around the world will have noticed their favourite tipples are getting stronger, and many of them are unhappy about the hangovers that come with increased alcohol levels.
Irish Times (Ireland) - Statutory code planned for drink sales
The Government is to introduce a statutory code requiring shopowners to separate the sale of alcohol from other goods in their premises.
Bizcommunity.com (South Africa) - Call for a ban on all alcohol for drivers
The government plans to ban drivers from consuming alcohol - not a drop will be allowed. This drastic move would mean motorists can no longer enjoy a glass of wine or a can of beer before driving.
Daily News Egypt (Egypt) - Teetotal tourism
Last week, the Les Rois hotel in Hurghada opened to the sound of breaking glass as bottles of alcohol were smashed in celebration.
Herald Scotland - Why alcohol is the ugliest drug of all
Drugs come in all shapes, sizes, doses, containers and plastic zip-up bags, but I don’t think anyone would disagree that the ugliest of them all, as far as effects and consequences go, is, by far, alcohol.
Mirror.co.uk (UK) - Nearly a quarter of soldiers 'drinking dangerously high levels of alcohol'
Nearly a quarter of all soldiers are drinking dangerously high levels of alcohol, a report shows. And the heavy boozing in the ranks puts lives at risk and threatens the success of combat operations.
Casper Star-Tribune Online (USA) - Study: Alcohol tops tobacco, drug abuse in economic cost to Wyoming
UCSD Medical Center - Study Finds Women Who Drink Alcohol Before Pregnancy Less Likely To Take Multivitamins
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego Department of Pediatrics and Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, a research affiliate of UC San Diego School of Medicine, have found a link between multivitamin use and alcohol consumption before pregnancy, uncovering a need for education about the importance of vitamin supplementation, particularly among women who drink alcohol during their childbearing years.
EurActiv (EU) - Eurocare strongly supports Court's judgment on Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol in Scotland
The Court of Session, Scotland's supreme civil court, has ruled today in favour of the legality of the Scottish government's plans to introduce minimum pricing per unit of alcohol.

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Monday, April 29, 2013

Alcohol News - 17/2013


www.worldbulletin.net - Int’l alcohol policy symposium discusses harms of alcohol
The harm that alcohol consumption causes to individuals, families and society as a whole and the possible policies that could be adopted by Turkey and other countries are being discussed at a global two-day symposium that started in İstanbul on Friday.
Iceland Review (Iceland) - Icelanders Spend More on Alcohol, Less on Tobacco
Icelanders spend the lowest proportion of their income on tobacco in Europe but a slightly higher than average proportion on alcohol, according to the latest data from Eurostat.
Pharma Times - Lundbeck heads north for first launches of anti-alcohol drug
Lundbeck has launched its alcoholism treatment Selincro in its first markets - Norway, Finland, Poland and the Baltic countries.
Codewit (Finland) - Finland: Underage girls are heavier drinkers than their male counterparts.
Overall, teenage drinking has declined in Finland since the start of the century, but one out of ten young people reports drinking to the point of passing out. Underage girls are heavier drinkers than their male counterparts.
Scottish Daily Record (Scotland) - Hibs back calls for end to ban on alcohol sales at Scottish football grounds
HIBS last night added their support to calls for an end to Scottish football’s alcohol ban. Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell reopened the debate last week by revealing the champions are interested in a scheme to relax laws that prevent the sale of ale.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Billy Keane: Alcohol reports won't tell you of a generation dying before our eyes
THE doctors from The Royal College of Physicians in Ireland are asking the Government to ban the sponsorship of sporting events by alcohol companies.
AllAfrica.com (Namibia) - Police Worried About Alcohol-Related Crime
SIX people were killed in different parts of the country over the weekend, while three fatal car accidents and one rape were reported to the police.
Gulf Times (Qatar) - ‘Up to 5% of population’ addicted to alcohol or drugs
Up to 5% of Qatar’s population, aged 18-60 years, is addicted to either alcohol or drugs, a Supreme Council of Health official said yesterday. “Between 3 to 5% of Qatar’s population is addicted to either alcohol or drugs, which is why we want to establish the Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in order to tackle the problem head on,” Supreme Council of Health’s Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre medical director Dr Mounir Soussi told a press conference.
Trend.az (Iran) - Iran's Health Ministry warns about increased alcohol use among youth
Iran's Health Ministry has issued a warning about the increase of alcohol use amoug young people in the country, ISNA reported.
The Guardian (Scotland) - Should those with a vested interest comment on minimum alcohol pricing?
A new study suggests alcohol companies and supermarkets misrepresented scientific research when submitting findings to a consultation on minimum alcohol pricing.
Daily Mail - Being overweight and drinking alcohol TRIPLES the risk of deadly liver disease in women
Being overweight and drinking alcohol dramatically increases the risk of developing fatty liver disease, according to a study presented at the International Liver Congress.
DigitalJournal.com - Clues into how alcohol disrupts the brain
Researchers have identified how alcohol might affect key brain proteins. The finding could eventually lead to the development of drugs that could disrupt the interaction between alcohol and the brain.
Al-Monitor (Tunisia) - Alcohol Consumption High In Tunisia, Despite Prices
Alcohol consumption in Tunisia has never been a matter of a trend or a social phenomenon. Rather, there is a cultural tradition of consumption that dates back to the seventh century B.C. and is not relevant to social, religious or even moral values.
Care2.com - This Kills More People than AIDS or Tuberculosis
April raises awareness for both Alcohol and Domestic Violence. Unfortunately, there is a great need for more awareness of both. My patients in and around menopause commonly discuss issues related to alcohol and if I ask about it, they discuss domestic violence issues with me as well.
The Independent (UK) - Supermarkets 'distorted' scientific findings on alcohol
Leading supermarkets and drinks companies distorted evidence in an attempt to prevent the Scottish Government introducing a minimum price for alcohol, researchers say.
Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Doctors tired of alcohol damage
Surgeons across Australia are urging a change to the nation's drinking culture, saying they are tired of patching up people hurt as a result of drunken violence.
ABC Online (Australia) - Call for tougher restrictions on alcohol advertising in sport
New research analysing alcohol advertisements during the finals series of both the AFL (Australian Football League) and NRL (National Rugby League) reveals the large number of alcohol ads during both broadcasts.
Daily Free Press (USA) - Student alcohol abuse misjudged, study suggests
Despite older research stating otherwise, a new study suggests alcohol abuse and related deaths may be more prevalent on college campuses than previously thought, something that several Boston University students said could be reversed with increased awareness.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Anna Soubry: Minimum alcohol pricing is still Government policy
Anna Soubry, the minister for public health, has said that minimum alcohol pricing is still necessary despite David Cameron scrapping the controversial measures.
Atlanta Business Chronicle (USA) - Survey: Up to 3 million alcohol-impaired teens could soon hit roads
The next few months bring graduations and summer celebrations – and likely more teen drinking and driving, according to a survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions.
CBC.ca (Canada) - 'Responsibly' ads for alcohol moderation get mixed reviews
An Alberta advertising campaign encouraging drinking in moderation that wraps up this week received mixed reviews.

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Sunday, April 28, 2013

FASD News - 16/2013


NEWS and ARTICLES
NOFAS – NOFAS responds to “light drinking” Research
Research published last week in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology affirms that, “…the safest option for pregnant women is to avoid drinking [alcohol] during pregnancies.” Although, if you read the headlines or the research sponsor’s news release you wouldn’t find that statement anywhere.
Canada.com (Canada) - Signs warn of risk in mixing booze, pregnancy
Nanaimo's liquor-service sector will soon be required to warn patrons about the dangers of mixing alcohol with pregnancy.
Canada FASD Research Network - Light Drinking During Pregnancy: CanFASD Responds to Confusing Information That Continues to Cloud the Issue
A recent article, in the BBC (April 16, 2013) online reported about a study in an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BJOG). The headlines read: “Light drinking ‘not harmful to baby’ say scientists,” and “Light drinking during pregnancy does not harm child behavioural or mental development.”
UPI.com - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder linked to pot's active ingredient
Endocannabinoids, compounds chemically similar to the active ingredient in marijuana, play a role in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, U.S. researchers say.
The Toronto Observer (Canada) - Ad campaign turning heads one belly at a time
While roaming around Toronto these days you might have seen some interesting poster ads. Ads displaying words such as ‘love’, ‘joy’, ‘mom’ and ‘hope’, have been turning heads because the letter ‘O’ is actually the bare belly of a pregnant woman.
Northern Advocate (New Zealand) - Safer Journeys - North mums-to-be putting babies at risk
Mums-to-be are putting their babies at risk by continuing to drink during pregnancy, and even driving under the influence of alcohol.
Medical Daily - Rich Women Most Likely to Binge Drink
Binge drinking is a risk factor in many health and social problems that affect women, including unintentional injuries, violence, liver disease, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, breast and other cancers, reduced cognitive function, and alcohol dependence.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
YourAlberta - FASD Prevention: Women and Pregnancy
This session provides background information on FASD including data on alcohol use during pregnancy, how FASD can be prevented, and challenges that are faced in interventions.
YourAlberta - The Role of the Grandmother in FASD Care and Support
In this session, Florence and Donita explore the seven stages of a woman's life, to create awareness of what the woman requires at each stage and how best to support her.
YourAlberta - Engaging Students with FASD
Dr. Jacqueline Pei gives a brief overview of the challenges a child with FASD will face in the classroom environment and focus on strategies for their success.
YourAlberta - Forensic Assessments of Youth Affected by FASD
Dr. Ann Marie Dewhurst will discuss the differences between traditional psychological assessments and forensic assessments.
YourAlberta - Living with FASD - As a Person, As a Parent
This session is intended to share the experiences of a mother who both lives with a diagnosis of FASD and parents one child with and one without FASD.
YourAlberta - Winning the Battle With FASD: A Family Success Story
The Soetaert Family will provide an in depth conversation of how a family of five affected by FASD cope with the day to day challenges as well as successes.
YourAlberta - FASD and Practice: Issues for Prosecutors
This session will provide a brief overview of mental health provisions of the Criminal Code.
mofasorg - FASD Prevention
Do you know what FASD is? Can you describe one symptom of someone with an FASD? Did you know that there are myths and facts surrounding FASD? This training will help to answer those questions and will provide strategies and resource information for you or someone that you know. FASD is preventable.
YourAlberta - Financial Literacy for Individuals with FASD
This session will examine the financial literacy training needed by individuals with FASD.
Telethon Institute Newsletter - Alcohol, Pregnancy and FASD Newsletter
Welcome to the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research Alcohol, Pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Research Group April 2013 Newsletter.
SAMSHA – FASD the Course

UPCOMING EVENTS
First International Conference on Prevention of FASD - September 23 - 25, 2013
This is the first international conference to address the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of FASD. Plenary sessions will promote discussion and reflection on promising and innovative approaches for preventing FASD, such as policies and programs to address alcohol use and the social determinants of health.
Australasian FASD Conference - 19- 20 November 2013
The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) invite you to the Australasian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Conference in Brisbane on 19- 20 November 2013.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Best Practices in the Last Frontier - May 22-24, 2013

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
YLE (Finland) - Alkoholivaurioituneet lapset tarvitsevat enemmän tukea
Suomessa ei tarkkaan diagnosoida alkoholivaurioituneita lapsia. Lapsi jolla on FASD, eli alkoholin altistuksen aiheuttama monimuotoinen oireyhtymä, tarvitsee neuropsykologi Åse Fagerlundin mukaan enemmän yhteiskunnan tukea.
Berliner Zeitung (Germany) - Expertin: Kinder suchtkranker Eltern brauchen mehr Hilfe
Kinder suchtkranker Eltern brauchen nach Ansicht von Experten noch mehr gezielte Hilfe aus der gesamten Gesellschaft.

RESEARCH
BJOG - Light drinking versus abstinence in pregnancy – behavioural and cognitive outcomes in 7-year-old children: a longitudinal cohort study
The findings suggest that light drinking during pregnancy is not linked to developmental problems in mid-childhood. These findings support current UK Department of Health guidelines on drinking during pregnancy.
Alcoholism - Associations Between Multivitamin Supplement Use and Alcohol Consumption Before Pregnancy: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2004 to 2008
Approximately 50 to 70% of childbearing-aged women consume alcohol and up to 23% of pregnancies have some level of prenatal alcohol exposure.
The Journal of Neuroscience - Anandamide–CB1 Receptor Signaling Contributes to Postnatal Ethanol-Induced Neonatal Neurodegeneration, Adult Synaptic, and Memory Deficits
The transient exposure of immature rodents to ethanol during postnatal day 7 (P7), which is comparable with the third trimester in human pregnancy, induces synaptic dysfunctions.
Health Education and Behavior - A Comparison of Maternal Outcomes From an Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention Program for Mothers Choosing an Intervention Versus Being Randomized
Self-determination theory and substantial research findings suggest that more desirable outcomes may occur when participants are able to choose their prevention or treatment interventions, as having a choice may lead to greater motivation and feelings of self-efficacy.
Disease Models and Mechanisms - Long lasting alterations to DNA methylation and ncRNAs may underlie the effects of fetal alcohol exposure
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are characterized by life long changes in gene expression, neurodevelopment, and behavior. What mechanisms initiate and maintain these changes are not known, but current research suggests a role for alcohol induced epigenetic changes.
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Monday, April 22, 2013

Alcohol News - 16/2013


The Foreigner (Norway) - Norway Liberals liberate supermarket wine sales
It looks as though Norway might be moving towards a more (foreign) shopper-oriented alcohol policy just over five months before the general election. Last weekend’s national Party congress saw a majority vote in favour of wine and beer over 4.75 per cent alcohol by volume gracing the shelves of ordinary supermarkets and shops.
The Local (Denmark/Sweden) - Danish beer bottles 'too sexy' for Sweden
A cartoon depiction of a topless woman has been deemed too sexy for Sweden's state run liquor store monopoly Systembolaget, forcing a brewery in Denmark to change the beer bottle's label for the Swedish stores.
The Foriegner (Norway) - Supermarket wine will never work, says Norway trade organisation
Norwegian alcohol industry players think politicians and consumers will have a hangover after buying wine and strong beer in supermarkets.
YLE.fi (Finland) - Alcohol industry claims higher taxes will mean tax losses
Finland's alcohol beverage industry says that a planned tax hike for its products will lead to more people buying cheaper drink in Estonia, depriving Finland of hundreds of millions in tax revenues.
MedPage Today - Excess Alcohol Tied to Diabetes Precursor
Prediabetes in younger patients with early-stage hypertension may be one more risk to add to the list for heavy drinking, a study showed.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Minimum alcohol pricing may not happen over 'big, bossy government' fears
Minimum alcohol pricing may be scrapped over fears the Coalition would seem like a "big bossy government cracking down on people who don't have a problem", a health minister has admitted.
U.S. News & World Report (USA) - Drunk Driving Not the Only Way Alcohol Leads to Teen Deaths: Study
Less than one-third of the 4,700 annual underage drinking-related deaths in the United States result from road crashes, according to a new study.
Science Daily - Parents Can Help Their Children Avoid Alcohol Pitfalls During Transition from High School to College
Prior research has shown that the transition from high school to college is a particularly vulnerable time, associated with increased alcohol use and risk of negative alcohol-related consequences.
Medical Xpress (Australia) - Australians drink to get drunk but want alcohol reforms
Australians are increasingly drinking alcohol to get drunk but just one in five believe they drink too much.
UPI.com - Taste of beer, not alcohol, said trigger of urge to drink more
Just the taste of beer, even without alcohol, causes the release of brain chemicals that make us want to drink more and become intoxicated, U.S. scientists say.
New Zealand Herald (New Zealand) - Alcohol most available in Chch's poorest suburbs
People living in Christchurch's poorest suburbs have the easiest access to booze and cause the most alcohol related harm.
KYW Newsradio - Study: People Consume More Calories When Drinking Alcohol
If you feel like you’re eating more when you drink alcohol, you’re probably right. According to a study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, people consume more calories on days they drink than on days when they don’t imbibe.
Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Expert: Ireland operates as ‘conveyor belt’ for alcohol industry
Ireland operates as a “conveyor belt” for the alcohol industry with 60,000 children starting to drink every single year, an Oireachtas committee has heard.
aidsmap (EU) - Liver disease a major cause of illness and death across the EU: action needed to save lives
Liver disease is the cause of a considerable burden of illness across the European Union (EU), investigators report in The Journal of Hepatology. The authors calculate that 170,000 deaths each year are attributable to liver cirrhosis, with 47,000 of these caused by liver cancer. The main causes of liver disease were excess alcohol consumption, viral infections and obesity, all of which are “amenable to prevention and treatment”.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Doctors warn alcohol sponsorship of sports 'grooming' child drinkers
DOCTORS today demanded a ban on alcohol sponsorship of sporting events warning the drinks industry is “grooming” child drinkers.
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