Pages

Monday, July 29, 2013

Alcohol News - 30/2013

YLE Uutiset (Finland/Estonia) - Special researcher proposes measures to reduce cross-Gulf booze running
Special researcher from the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) Esa Österberg claims that the best way to control the “spirit rally” between Estonia and Finland is to ensure that people are informed about what is legal and what is not.
BBC (Denmark/Scotland) - Minimum alcohol pricing: Position of Denmark
Opinions of European Union member states on Scottish government plans for minimum alcohol pricing have been released to BBC Scotland. Position of Denmark on Notification 2012/0394/UK on the draft Alcohol (minimum price per unit).
The Norway Post (Norway) - Increased smuggling of alcohol
Increasing amounts of illegal alcohol are being smuggled into Norway. So far this year, police has confiscated 54 per cent more beer and 59 per cent more liquor than in the same period in 2012.
Radio Sweden (Sweden) - Fraught history behind iconic Swedish vodka
The Museum of Spirits in Stockholm just opened an exhibit telling the odd story behind one of Sweden's most successful exports. For as much as the Absolut Vodka brand is iconic, its story is also ironic: even as Sweden was busy producing it, the country was also ramping up restrictions on alcohol as it struggled to keep its people from drinking too much.
YLE uutiset (Finland) - Hashi’s comments fuel alcohol debate
Turku security guard and freelance journalist Wali Hashi has touched a soft spot with the Finnish public. His opinion, published in an Yle online column, that the Finnish way of consuming alcohol is extraordinary and disgraceful, has sparked heated discussion. Hashi believes that alcohol is Finland’s greatest problem.
Finland Times (Finland) - Minister suggests discussions for alcohol law amendment
The Health and Social Services Minister, Susanna Huovinen on Mondayunderscored the necessity for detail discussions to bring amendment in the alcohol law.
Irish Times (Ireland) - Ministers favouring alcohol sports ban told to find new funds
Government Ministers remain deadlocked over banning alcohol sponsorship in sport, with those pushing for the move being told they will have to come up with alternative sources of funding.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Government U-turn on 'guilt lanes' follows that on alcohol and cigarettes
First the Government backed down over minimum pricing for alcohol. Then it retreated on plain packaging for cigarettes. Now ministers have thought twice about a proposed ban on confectionery and fattening foods being displayed at supermarket checkouts – the ''guilt lanes’’ aimed at luring in shoppers as they head to the till.
STLtoday.com - Drunk or not, alcohol causes damage over time
My question is regarding my husband. We have argued several times about his drinking habits, so I have decided to enlist your help in determining whether I am making a mountain out of a molehill.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Alcohol is a factor in many fatal assaults, says forensics expert
ALCOHOL plays a significant role in many fatal assaults that occur on the street, in licensed premises and at house parties, according to the Deputy State Pathologist Michael Curtis.
Scotsman (Scotland) - Alcohol syndrome babies slip through safety net
LARGE numbers of children in Scotland affected by their mothers drinking alcohol during pregnancy have not been diagnosed, experts suspect.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Europe's wine producers fight alcohol minimum pricing in Scotland
France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Bulgaria have said the policy is illegal and ineffective and would have the effect of unfairly protecting Scotland’s drinks producers from competition.
Scotsman (Scotland) - Labour in bid to tackle Scotland’s alcohol problem
A FRESH bid is to be launched to tackle Scotland’s alcohol problem by tagging bottles, cracking down on drink adverts near schools and banning tonic wines with a high caffeine content.
Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Debate looms on city's alcohol policy
The Christchurch City Council's draft local alcohol policy (LAP) - a provision of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 - seeks to minimise alcohol-related harm in our community, but some fear it could also kill Christchurch's nightlife and drive young people out of the city.
The Guardian (USA) - College culture? An alcohol-fueled frenzy of sexual harassment
It's freshman year. I'm at a new student orientation party at the University of Pennsylvania, wondering what exactly is in my cup. "Jungle juice", I'm told, as if that should explain things.
98FM (Ireland) - Ban On Alcohol Sponsorship Of Sports May Be On The Way
Alcohol Action has welcomed reports today that the Government has agreed in principle to ban alcohol sponsorship of sports.
decanter.com (China) - China austerity affecting corporate alcohol spending, says study
Chinese companies are cutting their spending on alcohol in response to a govenment initiative, but fine wine has not yet been seriously affected, says a new study.
EIN News - DESIGNATED DRIVERS OFTEN DO NOT REFRAIN FROM CONSUMING ALCOHOL
When Floridians go out for a night on the town, it is common these days for them to arrange for a designated driver to take them home at the end of the evening. In such cases, people tend to assume that the designated driver will not consume alcohol during the night.
China Daily (EU/China) - EU, China step up fight against fake alcohol
The European Union and China signed a letter of intent on Tuesday to fight the trade in fake alcohol.
NEWS.com.au (Australia) - Attorney General's Department suggests raising drinking age to Citizens' Jury to help reduce alcohol-related violence
RAISING the legal drinking age, introducing minimum alcohol pricing and restricting the number of liquor outlets are some of the ideas put forward by the Attorney General's Department to help reduce alcohol-related violence in the city.
The Canberra Times (Australia) - Push to ban alcohol ads on the field
Alcohol commercials should be banned from television before 8.30pm and the alcohol industry prohibited from sponsoring sporting and cultural events under far-reaching proposals designed to curb the ''control'' of the companies.
The Conversation (Australia) - Trans-Pacific Partnership rules could block alcohol warnings
New rules for alcohol labelling were discussed in Malaysia earlier this week by countries negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The proposed rules could stymie the introduction of effective health warnings on alcohol products in all the countries involved.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Alcohol News - 29/2013

Copenhagen Post (Denmark) - Enhedslisten calls for ban on alcohol advertising
Nearly 3,000 people die of alcohol-related causes in Denmark each year, leading members of the far-left party Enhedslisten (EL) to argue that it is time for alcohol to join tobacco and other products on the list of items not allowed to be advertised.
The Local (Sweden) - 'Government must act on alcohol tax': minister
The government must fulfil its pre-election promise to raise taxes on alcohol by 2014, said Health Minister Maria Larsson on Thursday, adding that time is ticking on the matter to be resolved before its second terms draws to a close.
TNP (Norway) - Norwegian Wine Monopoly Sets Eye on Alcohol Sales at Airports
Alcoholic beverage sales in the Wine Monopoly (Vinmonopolet) stores falls, while there is an increase in duty free shops. So, the Wine Monopoly (Vinmonopolet) wants to take over alcohol sales at airports.
The Local (Norway) - Liquor monopoly wants tax-free licence
The Norwegian state liquor monopoly wants to take over the sale of wine and spirits in tax-free, saying that airport sales threaten the alcohol vendor's legitimacy and financing.
Baltic News Network (Latvia) - New set of rules for alcoholic drinks adverts comes into force in Latvia
Friday, July 19 marks the coming into force of amendments to the Law on the Circulation of Alcoholic Drinks. These amendments provide a set of rules that will reduce alcohol consumption rates, especially in regard to underage persons, says Ilze Zunde, head of the consumers information and communication department of the Consumers’ Rights Protection Centre (CRPC).
YLE.fi (Finland) - FINLAND OPINION: DO IMMIGRANTS DARE SPEAK UP ABOUT ALCOHOLISM?
Finland’s worst enemy at this time is not Russia, nor is it immigrants, Islamists or even extremists. It is alcohol, according to freelance journalist and opinion writer Wali Hashi. The following is an English version of Hashi's most recent opinion piece.
WHO (Estonia) – Case study on socially determined inequities in alcohol consumption patterns in Estonia
This alcohol and equity case study focuses on examining socially determined inequities in alcohol consumption patterns in Estonia. That is, it focuses on analysis of differences or differentials in social determinants that are considered to be avoidable, unfair and remediable – namely inequities.
The Baltic Course (Estonia) - Alcohol-caused mortality rate in Estonia is highest in EU
Leading statistician of the Statistics Board Marianne Leppik wrote in the board’s blog entry that alcohol-related mortality rate in Estonia is the highest among all EU countries, writes LETA/National Broadcasting.
Huffington Post UK (UK) - Alcohol Is Killing An Increasing Number Of Women In Their 30s And 40s, Study Suggests
There has been a "worrying" increase in the number of women in their 30s and 40s who are dying from alcohol misuse, research suggests.
Scotsman (Scotland) - Pregnant women in alcohol warning after quiz
Thousands of pregnant women have been quizzed about their drinking habits, amid concerns about the effects of alcohol on their health and their babies, figures reveal.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Health advisers quit over scrapping of minimum alcohol price
A group of government advisers has resigned in protest at David Cameron’s decision not to introduce a minimum price for alcohol.
Cordis News (EU) - Toward evidence-based public policy for alcohol
Europeans are the world's heaviest drinkers. Per capita consumption is equivalent to each EU citizen aged 15 years or older drinking around 12 litres of pure alcohol per year, or just under three standard drinks per day in most European countries.
Zambia Daily Mail (Zambia) - Productivity and alcohol abuse by youths
PRODUCTIVITY has now become an everyday watchword. It is crucial to the welfare of industrial firms as well as for the community, social and economic progress of the country.
The Local.es (Spain) - Spaniards outstrip expats in smoking spend
Spaniards are among the world's heaviest smokers and spend more per person on both alcohol and tobacco than foreign residents in the country.
NHS Choices (UK) - Media blames 'ladettes' as alcohol-related deaths rise
"More young women dying of alcohol abuse," The Times reports, with much of the media covering the story that the risk of death from an alcohol-related health condition has increased for women in their 30s and 40s.
Toronto NewsFIX - Alcohol increases haemorrhagic stroke risk
Heavy drinkers run an increased risk of having the kind of stroke caused by bleeding into the brain.
Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) - Alcohol poisoning rates rise 10% yearly for 5 years
Alcohol poisoning rates in the South have risen an average of 10% annually for the past five years, a new Southern District Health Board alcohol report says.
Northampton Herald and Post (UK) - New approach to alcohol related violence paying dividends
THE new approach by police to dealing with anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol is paying dividends. The force is pleased with the results of their new approach in Northampton town centre last Friday and Saturday nights.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

FASD News - 28/2013

NEWS and ARTICLES
Scotsman (Scotland) - Pregnant women quizzed on alcohol intake
Thousands of pregnant women have been quizzed about their drinking habits amid concerns about the effects of alcohol on their health and their babies, figures reveal.
Science World Report - Maternal Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy Affects Learning and Memory Function in Offspring
A latest study highlights the association between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its effect on the learning and memory function of the infant.
HealthCanal.com - Pre-pregnancy alcohol consumption affects alcohol use among pregnant women, suggests new study
Most women who consume alcohol pre-pregnancy will continue to consume alcohol throughout their pregnancy even when healthcare guidelines promote abstinence, suggests a new study published today in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
WebMD.Boots.com - Regular drinkers 'more likely to continue when pregnant'
Women who drink alcohol each week before conceiving are 50% more likely to carry on drinking when pregnant, according to a study.
Stroud News and Journal (UK) - No change in advice to avoid alcohol in pregnancy say midwives
RESPONDING to research to be published tomorrow, in BJOG on pre-pregnancy alcohol consumption among pregnant women, Janet Fyle, professional policy advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “This is very useful research that supports our advice to women about alcohol and pregnancy.
Medical Xpress - Study explores fetal alcohol impact at molecular level
While some physicians tell women a small amount of alcohol is OK during pregnancy, Ben Laufer vehemently disputes any such advice – and he has the research to back it up.
American Academy of Pediatrics - 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.
Chicago Tribune (USA) - Raising a child with profound birth defect
Sometimes, the best expert isn't someone with a long list of credentials, but a parent, especially when the child has a disability. The relentless demands of caring for a child with profound birth defects is its own graduate school and can rarely be described to someone who hasn't "been there."

MATERIALS and VIDEOS
The Knowledge Network (Scotland) - NHS' first on-line course/resource on fetal alcohol harm
The resource has been developed to support a range of activity led by the Scottish Government to substantially reduce the harm caused by alcohol consumption in pregnancy across Scotland.
Atlantic Intergovernmental Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Partnership Update
Women and Alcohol in the EU
The European Institute of Women’s Health has published a new policy brief called “Women and Alcohol in the EU.”
THE CULTURAL POLITICS OF FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND THE DIAGNOSIS OF DIFFERENCE
This dissertation is based on an ethnographic study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and the racial, cultural and political considerations that shape the meaning of diagnosis for Alaska Native individuals and families in Anchorage, Alaska.
Variety Charity - Variety - the Children's Charity & Kimberley Diamond Company - supporting the Marulu Strategy

RESEARCH
Pediatrics - Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Educational Achievement in Children Aged 8–9 Years
This study examines the relationships between the dose, pattern, and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure and achievement in reading, writing, spelling, and numeracy in children aged 8 to 9 years.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Luxemburger Wort (Luxembourg) - Null Prozent Alkohol während der Schwangerschaft oder der Stillzeit
Ständig warnen Mediziner und Wissenschaftler vor den Gefahren von Alkoholkonsum während der Schwangerschaft oder nach der Geburt. Der Genuss kann zu fetalen Alkoholspektrumstörungen (FASD) mit körperlichen Missbildungen, Gehirnschäden oder geistigen Behinderungen führen.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Alcohol News - 28/2013

Radio Sweden (Sweden) - State alcohol shop sues food chain over online wine offer
A government-sponsored report has suggested tighter controls of alcohol marketing, after it increased markedly in the last few years. Meanwhile, monopoly alcohol retailer Systembolaget has sued the food retail chain City Gross for announcing recently that online customers would be offered wine for purchase.
Radio Sweden (Sweden) - Alcohol sales fall
Alcohol sales from Sweden's state-owned alcohol sales (off-licence) monopoly Systembolaget fell by 2.2 percent between March and June 2013 compared to the same period last year, according to new figures.
News ERR (Estonia) - Alcohol, Tobacco Still Eroding Healthy Life Expectancy, Experts Say
Healthy life expectancy has dropped in the last three years to just 55.5 - seven years off the EU average. Experts point to a combination of increased tobacco and alcohol use and financial insecurity from the last recession.
NordAN - Alcohol advertising in Nordic and Baltic countries
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network (NordAN) is focusing on alcohol advertising and its role to drinking and especially on young peoples relationship to alcohol in Nordic-Baltic region.
Stuff.co.nz - Alcohol strongly linked to cancer – study
Alcohol has been identified as one of the leading contributors to breast cancer deaths in a University of Otago study.
WalesOnline (Wales) - Binge drinkers to be filmed and shown their behaviour as alcohol treatment centre hailed a success
A teacher passed out in a taxi, a student saved from hypothermia and a French foreign exchange student glassed were among those helped at a world-first alcohol treatment centre.
New York Daily News (USA) - Alcohol labeling: Coming to a liquor store near you
People tend to overlook 'liquid calories,' particularly those that come from alcoholic beverages – because if you don't chew, it seems like it doesn't count. Sadly, that's not the case.
Northern Star - Legalise drug to curb drinking says alcohol research expert
THE head of Australia's leading alcohol research body has said that marijuana should be legalised in an effort to curb binge drinking.
Metro.us - Preschool habits can predict future alcohol use, according to a new study
A new study shows that how children act before they reach age five might predict their alcohol use a decade later.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Conservatives retreat over minimum price on alcohol
Theresa May, the Home Secretary, is expected to tell MPs that the Prime Minister’s personal pledges to restrict access to cheap alcohol will not be implemented.
UPI.com (USA) - Alcohol making more appearances in movies for U.S. Teens
Branded alcohol is making more and more appearances in movies rated for U.S. teen audiences, a researcher says.
Scotsman (UK) - Alcohol pricing: SNP to press ahead on price law
THE Health Secretary Alex Neil yesterday underlined his determination to press ahead with alcohol minimum pricing, saying he is fully committed to the “life-saving” policy.
Toronto NewsFIX - Women Drinking Alcohol at Increased Risk of Numerous Cancers
Women who drink alcohol are unknowingly putting themselves at increased risk of cancer. This is the finding of a study performed by researchers from Britain’s University of Oxford, who studied more than 1.3 million women.
The Local.es (Spain) - Spain raises taxes on alcohol and tobacco
The Spanish government, which is struggling to cut one of the eurozone's largest public deficits during a double-dip recession, on Friday raised taxes on tobacco and alcohol, except wine and beer.
News-Medical.net - Smoking and heavier alcohol consumption speed up cognitive decline
The combination of smoking and heavy drinking speeds up cognitive decline, according to new research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
Irish Mirror (Ireland) - We're paying the tab for our costly booze culture
There is no doubt we have a very unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Is this another result of both the Celtic Tiger and its demise?
The Sidney Morning Herald (Australia) - Government bows to liquor industry on discounts
Supermarket giants have strongarmed the state government into backing out of its planned ban on shopper docket alcohol discounts.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Monday, July 8, 2013

Alcohol News - 27/2013

Views and News from Norway (Norway) - Tough liquor laws retain support
Even though Norwegians crowd into the tax-free shops at local airports and flock over the border to buy cheaper wine and liquor in Sweden, they apparently want to hang on to their restrictive wine and liquor laws. More than half think Norway’s punitive taxes on alcoholic beverages should remain unchanged, and an overwhelming majority support the state-controlled monopoly on retail sales, Vinmonopolet.
Eurocare (Denmark) - Cheaper beer in Denmark – How many lives will be lost?
The Danish government cut the beer tax by 15% on the 1 July and made alcohol more affordable for not only its own population, but also the neighboring countries like Sweden and Norway (that have higher taxes).
Danmarks Statistik (Denmark) - CONSUMPTION AND SALES OF ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO
The Local (Norway) - Norway rape victims 'often near unconscious'
The average blood alcohol content of Norwegian rape victims renders them "near unconscious", according to a Trondheim doctor whose research found that eight out of ten rape victims in Norway had been drinking before the assault.
Yle.fi (Finland) - Finnish youth less keen on alcohol
Alcohol and cigarettes are not as popular as they once were among young people in Finland. A new survey shows that they tend to spend more time on the internet than drinking with their peers.
The Baltic Course (Lithuania) - Excises for alcohol and tobacco in Lithuania to be raised in spring 2014
The spring 2014 will be marked by increase in the prices of alcohol and tobacco in Lithuania. On Tuesday, the Seimas has confirmed the Government's proposal for increase in excises, reports LETA/ELTA, referring to Lietuvos rytas.
ETSC (Lithuania) - Lithuanian Presidency makes road safety a priority
“We are in the unique situation where the two countries succeeding each other in holding the EU Presidency have been recognised for their respective efforts to improve road safety,” said Antonio Avenoso, ETSC Executive Director.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - One in ten primary school leavers 'has drunk alcohol in past week'
More than one in ten children in their final year of primary school admits to having drunk alcohol during the previous week, according to a new survey.
Kyiv Post (Ukraine) - Cabinet postpones introduction of new excise labels on alcohol and tobacco until Sept 1
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has postponed the introduction of new excise labels on alcohol and tobacco from August 1 to September 1, 2013.
Lancaster Newspapers (USA) - Liquor lobbyists spent over $900,000 towards privatizing alcohol sales in Pa.
Last week, Gov. Tom Corbett's dream of privatizing liquor sales in Pennsylvania went down in flames, as state senators couldn't agree on a plan to get the commonwealth out of the booze business.
Daily Mail - Just three pints of beer a week can dull your brain by 20% and make it harder to react to stimulus
Drinking three pints of beer – or three medium-sized glasses of wine – once a week permanently dulls the brain, according to a study.
SmartCompany.com.au (Australia) - Australian businesses lose $6 billion in productivity to workplace drug and alcohol issues, report warns
Australian businesses are being urged to act now to counter the effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace, with experts saying businesses are losing more than $6 billion annually in lost productivity and absenteeism.
Skift (Italy) - After complaints, Venice’s gondoliers may face drug and alcohol tests
They symbolise the romance and unique heritage of Venice, but the lagoon city’s famed gondoliers are becoming known for drunken antics and could soon be forced to take drug and alcohol tests.
Kyiv Post (Ukraine) - Economy ministry proposes to toughen requirements to beer, alcohol and tobacco outlets
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine has initiated toughening of the rules of sale beer, alcohol drinks and tobacco goods.
The Moscow Times (Russia) - Excise Stamp Row Risks Illegal Alcohol Influx
The amount of illegal alcohol on the domestic market could increase if regulators bow to producers' demands to extend the validity of old-style excise duty stamps until September 2015, alcohol market experts said.
Evening Standard (UK) - Liver disease on the rise among women 'in denial' about their drinking
Soaring rates of alcohol-related liver disease among young women professionals in some of London’s wealthiest boroughs have prompted a major campaign by health experts in the capital.
The Press (New Zealand) - 3000-plus respond to alcohol plan
More than 3000 submissions have been lodged in response to the Christchurch City Council's draft local alcohol policy.
Vancouver Sun (Canada) - Alcohol problems linked to legal drinking age: study
Raising the legal drinking age to 19 in all provinces could reduce alcohol-related harms and hospitalizations, says a new study from the University of Northern B.C.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

FASD News - 26/2013

NEWS and ARTICLES
TbNewsWatch.com - FASD and abuse
More than half of the reported child abuse cases in this city are connected to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, says a local FASD educator.
CBC.ca (Canada) - Northern Ontario university bar 1st in Canada to offer pregnancy tests
A campus pub at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., will be the first bar in Canada to install a pregnancy test dispenser in its bathroom. Healthy Brains for Children, an organization dedicated to preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, hopes other bars across the country will follow the Outpost's lead and do the same.
News1130 (Canada) - Port Alberni college hopes to continue program for students with FASD
A college on Vancouver Island hopes to come up with enough funding so it can continue a unique program serving students with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
ABC Local (Australia) - I want to make FASD history: young Fitzroy Crossing health worker
Jadnah Davies is travelling to communities in the Fitzroy Valley to deliver education and awareness about Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Regina Leader-Post (Canada) - FASD 'still such a brand-new disability'
If you were to come into contact with someone who suffers from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD, and if they were to tell you they'd been to the moon in the recent past, they wouldn't necessarily be lying.
MOFAS - Misinformation persists about drinking alcohol during pregnancy
The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) is concerned that the most recent study from Britain which says the children of mothers who drank ‘moderately’(defined as 3-7 drinks per week) in pregnancy actually grew up to have better balance than those who abstained, gives women a mixed message. - See more at:

MATERIALS and VIDEOS
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - Clinical Practice Guidelines
Health Professionals Working With First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Consensus Guideline
Canfasd - What's Your Cap? Prevention through Research - Christina Meeds McGowan and Justine Shenher
"Shining a Light on Canada's Multi-Layered Approach to FASD Prevention," an evening session on promoting women's health and preventing FASD, was held on February 28th, 2013 as a part of the 5th International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Vancouver, BC.
Walk A Mile trailer Elvis Tribute Artist born with fetal alcohol syndrome
Danny Frasier aka Little Elvis was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, lost both legs, taught himself to walk on his hands and is now an Elvis Tribute Artist. This is his story.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Dr Valerie McGinn
Dr Valerie McGinn, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, talks about the damaging effects of alcohol on the unborn child.
Vermont Family Network - What You Need to Know About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

RESEARCH
Pediatria - Alcohol intake in lactating women assisted in a University Hospital
To determine the prevalence of alcohol intake and the degree of alcohol-related risk among nursing mothers attended at the Child Care Service of Hospital das Clínicas of Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil.
Nutrition Journal - Consumption habits of pregnant women and implications for developmental biology: a survey of predominantly Hispanic women in California
Healthy post-pregnancy outcomes are contingent upon an informed regimen of prenatal care encouraging healthy maternal consumption habits. In this article, we describe aspects of maternal intake of food, drink, and medication in a population of predominantly Hispanic women in Southern California.
Alcohol - Effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on bony craniofacial development: A mouse MicroCT study
Craniofacial bone dysmorphology is an important but under-explored potential diagnostic feature of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Alcoholism - Participation of Catalase in Voluntary Ethanol Consumption in Perinatally Low-Level Lead-Exposed Rats
Environmental lead (Pb) exposure and alcohol abuse pose significant public health problems for our society. One of the proposed mechanisms of action of the developmental neurotoxicant Pb is related to its ability to affect antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT).
Alcoholism - Suppression and Epigenetic Regulation of MiR-9 Contributes to Ethanol Teratology: Evidence from Zebrafish and Murine Fetal Neural Stem Cell Models
Fetal alcohol exposure produces multiorgan defects, making it difficult to identify underlying etiological mechanisms. However, recent evidence for ethanol (EtOH) sensitivity of the miRNA miR-9 suggests one mechanism, whereby EtOH broadly influences development.
Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience - Acetaldehyde reinforcement and motor reactivity in newborns with or without a prenatal history of alcohol exposure
Animal models have shown that early ontogeny seems to be a period of enhanced affinity to ethanol. Interestingly, the catalase system that transforms ethanol (EtOH) into acetaldehyde (ACD) in the brain, is more active in the perinatal rat compared to adults.
BJOG - Alcohol-use disorders during and within one year of pregnancy: a population-based cohort study 1985–2006
Mothers with an International Classification of Diseases 9/10 alcohol-related diagnosis, indicating heavy alcohol consumption, recorded on population-based health datasets (non-Aboriginal n = 5839; Aboriginal n = 2583) were identified through the Western Australian data-linkage system.
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics - Maternal Factors Predicting Cognitive and Behavioral Characteristics of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
To provide an analysis of multiple predictors of cognitive and behavioral traits for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).

UPCOMING EVENTS
Eurocare/EUFASD - Policy Debate: Protecting the unborn baby from alcohol - Tuesday, 17 September 2013. 10h00 a.m - 13h00 p.m.
Unfortunately, many women are not aware that throughout pregnancy, even at low levels of exposure, alcohol interferes with the normal development and can seriously damage the unborn child.
First International Conference on Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Dr. Egon Jonsson welcomes you to attend our First International Conference on Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). A conference about preventing harm from alcohol use during pregnancy.
2013 National FACE Roundtable and FASD Conference – September 5-7 2013

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Weser Kurier (Germany) - Weil Mama zur Flasche greift
Probleme in der Schule, im Alltag und auf dem Arbeitsmarkt: Der 23-jährige Marco Peters (Name von der Redaktion geändert) leidet an dem sogenannten fetalen Alkoholsyndrom (FASD). Diese Störung kann entstehen, wenn Mütter während der Schwangerschaft trinken und wird oft nie oder erst sehr spät diagnostiziert.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Alcohol News - 26/2013

University of Iceland (Iceland) - The financial crash reduced smoking and alcohol consumption
“The study aims to find out whether and how the economic crash influenced alcohol and tobacco consumption, specifically considering changes in the labour market, i.e. the reduction in the number of work hours and lowering of real income. Such labour market changes can influence health behaviour, i.e. how people invest in their present and future health,” says Þórhildur Ólafsdóttir, Doctoral Student of economics on a study that forms part of her doctoral thesis.
Daily Mail (Denmark) - People who have more than two alcoholic drinks a day may be TWICE as likely to die after surgery
People who have more than two alcoholic drinks a day are more likely to suffer complications after surgery than light drinkers. Infections and slow wound healing were the most common complications associated with heavy drinking, according to lead author Marie Eliasen of the National Institute of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark in Copenhagen.
Jyllands Posten (Denmark) - Ferry operator revises alcohol policies after booze-related death
Fjord Line has moved to curb the drinking culture on its ferries after a young man died of alcohol poisoning while he was being held in detention on one of its vessels in April.
Sverige Radio (Sweden) - Sweden’s alcohol monopoly challenged
Buying wine online may get easier in Sweden. That's if grocery chain City Gross has its way. It wants to join forces with wine delivery service Winefinder to offer home deliveries to customers who order wine over the internet.
YLE.fi (Finland) - Finnish food and drink pricier than EU average
Statistics Finland reports that a comparison of prices made in the spring of 2012 showed that Finnish prices were 19 percent higher than the EU average. In the European Union, Denmark has the highest price level while Poland is the cheapest.
Reitingi Latvijas (Latvia) - Saeima adopts in the final reading law amendments to reduce consumption of alcoholic beverages by young people
On Thursday, 20 June, the Saeima in the third and final reading supported amendments to the Handling of Alcoholic Beverages Law to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages among children and young people.
BBC News (Wales) - Online shopping children drink worry, says Alcohol Concern Cymru
Significant numbers of children and young people in Wales are using online supermarket grocery services in order to buy alcohol, warns Alcohol Concern Cymru.
TVNZ (New Zealand) - Alcohol 'akin to asbestos in cancer stakes' – expert
New Zealand's excessive drinking culture is causing cancers with abysmally low survival rates, oncology experts say.
Medical Daily (USA) - A Third Of Kids Taste First Sips Of Alcohol As Early As Age 8, Study Says
In a study following adolescents from the Pittsburgh area, the majority kids admitted to trying alcohol before 18 years old, with 37 percent sipping alcohol as young as age 8, a study finds.
GlobalPost (Spain) - Spain raises taxes on alcohol, tobacco
The Spanish government, which is struggling to cut one of the eurozone's largest public deficits during a double-dip recession, on Friday raised taxes on tobacco and alcohol, except wine and beer.
Perth Now (Australia) - Push by health advocates to ban alcohol advertising online to protect children
HEALTH advocates want the Federal Government to ban the advertising of alcohol and other harmful products on websites that attract children.
Huffpost - Are Alcohol-Fuelled Arguments Ruining Your Friendships And Relationships?
We’ve all been there – you’ve both had a few too many drinks and somehow you end up rowing with your partner or your friend about the most inane thing. When it happens once in a while, it’s not too much of a concern, but when it starts happening regularly, you may need to do a stock take of whether alcohol is ruining your relationships.
Scientific American - Boozy Memory Blocking Reduces Risk of Relapse among Alcohol Abusers
Wiping out drinking-associated memories could help those with alcohol problems to stay sober, suggests a study in rats.
Daily Mail (UK) - Sunbathing and alcohol cause cancer rates to soar: Unhealthy lifestyles blamed for huge rises in past decade
Sunbathing has been blamed for a massive surge in cancer rates over the past ten years. Cancers caused by unhealthy lifestyles, such as drinking and smoking, have seen a rise of up to two-thirds in the last decade, official figures show.
Peru this Week (Peru) - Teenagers say it’s easy to buy alcohol in Peru
The last public opinion survey conducted by the Center for Education and Prevention of Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (Cedro) scared many parents in Peru. According to the survey four out of five youngster age 12 to 18 said it is easy for them to buy alcohol and cigarettes in this country.
IOL (South Africa) - This is your brain on alcohol
The human brain does not stop developing until a person’s mid-twenties – meaning heavy use of alcohol under the age of 21 can damage necessary growth processes.
Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Sinking lid proposed in new alcohol policy
A sinking-lid for off-licence liquor outlets could be on the cards for the Hauraki district as part of its council's first local alcohol policy.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Too much alcohol will grind the body to a halt
We are a nation of complicit drinkers: Sure, go on, have another one! At any triathlon or road race, the prospect of racing within your own age group is always fun if you're not a contender for the podium. Usually it's a shoe-in for a prize if you're running in the bottom 18-19 and 20-24 age groups as they are always direly underrepresented.
Glasgow Evening Times (Wales) - Glasgow's poor are smoking and drinking less
PEOPLE in the most deprived areas of Greater Glasgow's health board are smoking and drinking less and eating healthier than a decade ago.
Edinburgh Evening News (Scotland) - Fears pensioners ‘drinking themselves to death’
PENSIONERS in Scotland are drinking themselves to death as doctors try to combat an “epidemic” of alcohol abuse amongst the elderly.