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Monday, September 30, 2013

Alcohol News - 39/2013

Dr.dk (Denmark) - Many Danes feel pressured into drinking
More than half of all Danes feel they need to justify saying no to alcohol, according to a new survey conducted by the Danish Health and Medicines Authority.
UiO (Norway) - Binge Norway: Alcohol consumption in the transition to adulthood
Norway is a binge drinking country, and over half of 28-year old Norwegians binge drink on a typical drinking occasion (5 + units). Numerous research reports have highlighted the wide range of adverse consequences associated with this pattern of alcohol consumption, such as unintentional injuries, interpersonal violence, traffic accidents and social exclusion.
15min.lt (Lithuania) - Health Ministry proposes further restrictions of alcohol ads in Lithuania
Lithuania's Health Ministry has registered amendments to impose further restrictions on advertising alcohol, Lietuvos Žinios daily reports.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Hundreds of under 11s sent to A&E due to drugs or alcohol
A total of 293 children were admitted to accident and emergency for problems connected to drinking – an increase of a third from 2011.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Martin joins call to cut alcohol links to sport
THE Archbishop of Dublin has warned that Ireland's pervasive culture of drink must be "confronted and challenged", as he called on sporting bodies to seek alternative sources of sponsorship to the drinks industry.
The Atlantic (Russia) - How Alcohol Conquered Russia
Picture the Russian alcoholic: nose rosy, face unshaven, a bottle of vodka firmly grasped in his hands. By his side he has a half-empty jar of pickles and a loaf of rye bread to help the devilish substance go down.
Hotelier Middle East (Dubai) - More Dubai hotels going alcohol-free
Dubai has long been known as the playground of the Middle East, where Westerners can drink in some of the flashiest bars in the world.
Scoop.co.nz (New Zealand) - Another step forward for Local Alcohol Policy
After five weeks of deliberations on public submissions the Committee reviewing the draft Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) will make a number of recommendations to the incoming Christchurch City Council.
Express.co.uk (UK) - Alcohol related deaths on UK roads rise by almost 20 per cent
Official figures show 280 people were killed in accidents involving alcohol in 2012, 17 per cent up from the previous year. The findings are laid bare in the Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain: 2012 Annual Report published yesterday.
Los Angeles Times (USA) - Alcohol at U.N. luncheon to blame for missed Rouhani-Obama meeting?
While Western analysts have been speculating that Iran's moderate new leader failed to meet with President Obama at the United Nations this week because of opposition from hard-liners at home, Iranian political commentators are blaming the missed photo op on booze.
Voice of America (Sudan) - In South Sudan State, Women Turn to Alcohol
In South Sudan's Unity state, more and more jobless women are turning to alcohol -- not out of desperation but to make money to support their families, pay for health care and send their kids to school.
Irish Health (Ireland) - Docs want minimum price for alcohol
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has called for minimum pricing to be introduced on alcohol. The IMO told the Oireachtas Health Committee that introducing a minimum price on alcohol would effectively reduce the burden of problem alcohol abuse of future generations in Ireland.
NEWS.com.au (australia) - Alcohol industry lags on mandatory pregnancy warning labels
ALCOHOL companies are flouting government guidelines to warn mothers of the dangers of drinking while pregnant.
Medical Xpress - 'Traffic light' test could prevent hundreds of people developing alcohol-related cirrhosis
A simple 'traffic light' test that detects hidden liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in high risk populations could reduce harmful drinking rates and potentially prevent hundreds of alcohol-related deaths a year.
Bangkok Post (Thailand) - Students call for alcohol sales ban
University students from the Youth Network Against New Drinkers on Tuesday called for a ban on alcohol sales near academic institutions.
Science Daily - Underage Youth Get Cigarettes and Alcohol from Friends and Family
A survey conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) shows that a majority of those underage students in Ontario, Canada who smoke or drink are getting cigarettes and alcohol from a friend or family member.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Alcohol News - 38/2013

News in English (Norway) - Winning leaders tackle the issues
This is another issue where the Progress Party and the Christian Democrats are as diametrically opposed as they are on asylum and immigration issues. The Christian Democrats claim they can’t accept any further liberalization of rules restricting access to alcohol (through serving times in bars and restaurants, opening hours at the state-controlled retailer Vinmonopolet and rules over when other stores are allowed to sell beer), nor will they lower taxes on beer, wine and liquor.
Read more
Statistics Norway (Norway) - Health, care and social relations, survey on living conditions, 2012
Has the focus on a healthier lifestyle and better health in recent years made any difference? National figures on health behaviour show that daily smoking has decreased, and that more people are physically active. As far as alcohol consumption and being overweight are concerned, the picture is unchanged.
Read more
Sveriges Radio (Sweden) - Home delivery of alcohol to expand
Home delivery of alchohol from state-owned alcohol retailer Systembolaget, a service which was initiated on a trial basis about one year ago, will be extended and made available in four provinces, including all of Stockholm and Skåne in October.
Read more
Psychiatric News (Sweden) - Early-Onset Dementia Linked To Alcohol Abuse, Other Factors
In this nationwide cohort study, researchers identify nine risk factors for dementia that could be traced to adolescence, suggesting strong opportunities for early intervention.
Read more
Julkari (Finland) - Alcohol Policy Changes and Trends in Adolescent Drinking in Finland from 1981 to 2011
Alcohol policy changes between 1981 and 2011 seem not to have had noticeable influence on alcohol drinking or drunkenness among the under-aged in Finland.
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/48/5/620
Eurocare (Lithuania) - We can all do more to reduce the impact of alcohol use in pregnancy- says Commissioner Borg
Eurocare has held a successful event in the European Parliament earlier this week (Tuesday 17th September). The event was kindly hosted by MEPs Vincas Paleckis and Radvile Morkunaite-Mikuleniene from Lithuania.
http://www.eurocare.org/library/updates/alcohol_use_in_pregnancy
City News (Canada) - Panel supports conditional sentences for people with fetal alcohol disorder
A panel on legal issues facing people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is recommending conditional sentences would be better for those convicted of offences.
http://www.citynews.ca/2013/09/21/panel-supports-conditional-sentences-for-people-with-fetal-alcohol-disorder/
BreakingNews (Ireland) - Doctors slam Arthur's Day ahead of talks on Ireland's alcohol problem
Doctors have attacked the upcoming Arthur's Day event organised by Diageo to promote Guinness.
http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/doctors-slam-arthurs-day-ahead-of-talks-on-irelands-alcohol-problem-607761.html
Daily Telegraph - Red Bull 'influences' alcohol research, academic claims in British Medical Journal
THE potential harm caused by energy drinks mixed with alcohol is being downplayed by research funded by the energy drink industry, an Australian academic claims in the latest edition of the British Medical Journal.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/red-bull-8216influences8217-alcohol-research-academic-claims-in-british-medical-journal/story-fni0cx12-1226723803123
Huffington Post - Gun Violence And Alcohol: Study Finds Proximity To Liquor Store Increases Chances Of Being Shot In Chicago
The city of Chicago has been plagued by horrific incidences of gun violence, as more and more lives have been claimed, particularly in the city's south and west sides.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/20/gun-violence-alcohol-chicago_n_3964346.html?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=Chicago
Express (UK) - Police release drink-drive audio warning
The devastating effects of alcohol are being made clear ina hard-hitting audio recording released by West Yorkshire Police.
http://www.hemsworthandsouthelmsallexpress.co.uk/news/local-news/police-release-drink-drive-audio-warning-1-6074637
Zee News (india) - Alcohol-related deaths on the rise!
At a time when alcohol-related deaths are on the rise, the suggestion of Swami Agnivesh to ban alcohol sale in India could prove to be the perfect elixir for the problem. Alarmingly, the number of alcohol-related deaths has witnessed a sharp rise of nearly 21 per cent in 2012 over the corresponding period last year.
http://zeenews.india.com/exclusive/alcohol-related-deaths-on-the-rise_6642.html
Eyewitness News (South Africa) - Alcohol at the forefront of high crime
CAPE TOWN – Provincial Police Commissioner Arno Lamoer said on Wednesday he remains dedicated to pushing crimes levels down in the Western Cape.
http://ewn.co.za/2013/09/19/Alcohol-the-forefront-of-high-crime
Telemanagement - Alcohol’s Red Face Linked to Cancer Risk
It has been found that this flushing after drinking alcohol puts people at higher risk than those who do not have the flushing affect after alcohol consumption.
http://www.tele-management.ca/2013/09/alcohols-red-face-linked-cancer-risk/

Monday, September 16, 2013

Alcohol News - 37/2013

NCD Alliance (Norway) - Norway first to launch a national NCD strategy
100 years ago communicable diseases were the main causes of premature death. Poverty was the major risk factor. Today 80 % of Norwegians die from NCDs, many prematurely. The majorrisk factors are tobacco, alcohol, sugar, fat and physical inactivity.
Scanomark (Sweden) - Tax increases expected on alcohol in Sweden in line with the new budget
Sweden to increase taxes on alcohol - that is, taxes on wine and beer to go up by seven percent and the tax on spirits and very strong alcohol is to increased by a percentage point according to components of the governments upcoming autumn budge.
Medscape (Sweden) - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Prevalence High in Child Care Systems
Russia and Sweden had the highest prevalence of FAS (42.7% - 68.0%) in orphanages for children with special needs. The highest reported prevalences for FASD were 39.7% for Russian orphanages and 52.1% for adoptees from Eastern Europe in Sweden.
Time (Finland) - Smarter Kids Are Smart Enough to Avoid Alcohol and Drugs, Right?
The researchers followed 3000 healthy identical or fraternal twins in Finland, focusing on the group who had significant differences in verbal development as children and who also turned out to have varied drinking behavior as adults.
ABC Online (Australia) - Police Commissioner likens parents who give alcohol to kids 'drug dealers'
Western Australia's Police Commissioner has likened parents who supply alcohol to their children as drug dealers.
BBC News (Pakistan) - Pakistan battles growing alcohol addiction
Alcoholism is a growing problem in Pakistan despite it being illegal for the Muslim majority to drink. The BBC's Charles Haviland finds lives ruined and clinics and therapy groups trying to overcome a taboo subject.
Daily Mail - Why Red Bull and vodka is a recipe for trouble: Mixing alcohol and energy drinks could be even more harmful than previously thought
Mixing alcohol with energy drinks to get a bigger hit could be more harmful than research currently suggests, claims a leading psychologist.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Not all is gloomy in alcohol's 'dark markets'
WE are in the midst of a very interesting debate in this country about the wisdom of allowing sports sponsorship by the makers of alcoholic beverages. As usual we tend to think that the issue is entirely a domestic one, but of course it is not.
The Guardian (UK) - Alcohol marketing in TV football should be restricted, say scientists
Researchers have called for much tighter government restrictions or even a ban on the marketing of alcohol during televised football matches, arguing that the messages are seen by and affect millions of children.
Myanmar Times (Myanmar) - Experts report sharp rise in alcohol-related mental disorders
Alcohol-related mental health disorders are on the rise, experts warn. The number of patients admitted to Yangon Mental Health Hospital has risen more than 60 percent – from 1600 to 2600 a year – since 2008, says the hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Kyaw Soe.
Tax-news.com (Bulgaria) - 2014 Bulgarian Excise Rate For Cigarettes And Alcohol Confirmed
Bulgaria's Deputy Finance Minister Lyudmila Petkova has confirmed that there will be no excise tax increases on cigarettes and alcohol in 2014, despite a European Union directive that cigarette excise rates must reach a minimum of EUR90 per 1,000 by the start of 2018.
Hurriyet Daily News (Turkey) - Turkish PM refutes charge of intervention in lifestyles through alcohol restrictions
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan today refuted claims that the government was interfering in people’s lifestyles with the restrictions on the sale of alcohol that came into effect on Sept. 9.
Newcastle Herald (Australia) - EDITORIAL: Children drinking alcohol
MAKING parents and guardians more accountable for alcohol consumption by minors under their care seems a reasonable enough idea. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that some adults aren't as careful or responsible as they should be when it comes to alcohol and young people.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Move to tackle cheap alcohol sales 'on way'
NEW government policy is being drawn up to tackle the type of alcohol that is "too freely available at too low a cost", said Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney.
Examiner.com (USA) - Chicago bans guns in bars and restaurants serving alcohol
According to an NBC News report on Wednesday, Chicago’s City Council took a swipe at the new Illinois gun laws and approved the ban of guns in all city restaurants that serve alcohol and all bars and nightclubs. The notion that a lawsuit will arise from the new City Council ruling hasn’t stopped the lawmakers who obviously have a mind of their own when it comes to guns in the city that has been pegged the murder capital for over a year now.
RedOrbit - Sober Drinking Knowledge Often Fails ‘In The Moment’ Of Intoxication
Approximately one-third of all fatal crashes each year in the U.S. involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Prior research has shown that alcohol alters perceptions of risky behaviors such as drinking and driving.
BBC News - Bradford study finds binge drinkers increased 'small baby' risk
Women who binge drink in the second three months of pregnancy are 68% more likely to have a small baby, research has shown.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Alcohol News - 36/2013

The Copenhagen Post (Denmark) - Parents drink, children follow
In a new study, the national public health institute, SIF, shows that children between the ages of 13 and 15 are more likely to drink, and have been drunk, if their parents drink daily, when compared to those children whose parents drink less frequently.
VTI (Sweden) - Fataly risk of alcohol involved driving in Sweden
The risk of a driver to be killed or injured in a crash increases considerably under the influence of alcohol. The risk increases with increased alcohol concentration.
ADD (Sweden) - 160 Swedish CSOs recognize alcohol as a hindrance to development
The Swedish NGO umbrella organisation “Forum Syd” has adopted a policy document which points at alcohol as a hindrance to development and a factor which can obstruct work for rights and poverty reduction. 160 NGOs are members of Forum Syd.
Postimees - Alcohol dependence is undertreated in Estonia – specialist
Alcohol use disorder is the most undertreated medical problem in Estonia, says Jaanus Harro, University of Tartu professor and councillor at the executive committee of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology who steers an international conference on alcohol dependence in Tallinn on Friday.
ERR News (Estonia) - Temperance Activists Warn Against Lifting Open Container Ban
The Temperance Union said a bill aiming to end the ban against public consumption of alcoholic beverages is a move in the wrong direction.
Hurriyet Daily News (Turkey) - Restrictions on alcohol sales go into effect today in Turkey
A series of controversial regulations placing limits on the sale and advertising of alcoholic beverages in Turkey takes effect as of today, despite criticism from many small shop owners.
HealthCanal.com - Alcohol-Free Wombs: Ulster Experts Focus On Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
University of Ulster healthcare researchers will join leading medical professionals today to focus on the risks of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
MedPage Today - Risk for Fetal Alcohol Damage Higher for Kids in Care Systems
Children living in orphanges, foster care, and similar settings had higher rates of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) compared with those in the general population, according to a meta-analysis.
The Australian - Study links high lead levels to anxiety, alcohol problems
CHILDHOOD lead exposure in the South Australian city of Port Pirie has been linked to psychological illness and substance abuse problems in adulthood.
IrishCentral (Ireland) - Irish university launches first ever alcohol free dorms
As Irish universities return for the start of a new college term, one school is piloting an unlikely new initiative: alcohol free dorms.
Eyewitness News (South Africa) - Foetal alcohol syndrome still destroying communities
The Western Cape Heath Department officials say awareness around foetal alcohol syndrome is crucial as it traps communities in a cycle of poverty.
Lawyers Weekly Canada (Canada) - Grappling with the challenge of fetal alcohol disorder in law
The man pleading guilty to sexual assault set off alarm bells in the judge’s head. “It was his speech, plus the fact that he would answer that he understood something, but could not then say it back to me in his own words, or even repeat my words,” Chief Judge Carol Snell of Saskatchewan’s Provincial Court explained.
BBC News (Scotland) - Tories seek review of ban on alcohol at Scottish football matches
The Scottish Conservatives want a review of the ban on the sale of alcohol at Scottish football matches. Strict controls were introduced in 1980 after violent clashes during the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Gerry Adams 'shocked' by Lapgate alcohol bill
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said he was "shocked" by the revelation that a whopping €1,440.80 was spent on alcohol in the Dail bar on the night of the late-night vote on the abortion bill.
Prague Daily Monitor (Chech Republic) - Experts: Some 500,000 Czechs have problems with alcohol
An estimated 500,000 to 700,000 people in the 10.5 million Czech Republic have problems with alcohol dependence, representatives of the 65-year-old Addiction and Substance Dependence Clinic in Prague said Thursday.
Medical Xpress - Study quantifies direct effect of alcohol misuse on 20-somethings
University of Otago, Christchurch researchers have for the first time quantified exactly what damage alcohol abuse is inflicting on 20-somethings, and in turn society.
Irish Times (ireland) - Alcohol has ‘enormous bearing’ on suicide and self-harm rates, says Lynch
Alcohol has an “enormous bearing” on suicide and self-harm rates in Ireland, Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch said yesterday.
Cambridge News (UK) - UK is 'addiction capital of Europe'
The UK is the "addiction capital of Europe", with some of its highest rates of opiate addiction and dependence on alcohol, a major new report warns.
NEWS.com.au (Australia) - Super binge drinkers guzzle 3090 drinks a year
AUSTRALIA'S binge drinkers have graduated into super binge drinkers consuming more than 3090 standard drinks a year.
Radio New Zealand (New Zealand) - Hospitality NZ supports plan to make public drunkenness illegal
Hospitality New Zealand says it supports a plan by the Wellington City Council to make public drunkenness illegal, and wants the police to have the ability to fine people.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

FASD News - 35/2013

NEWS and ARTICLES
National Institutes of Health (USA) - NIH statement on International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day
International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day, recognized every year on Sept. 9th, is an important reminder that prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disorders in the United States.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus (UK) - Binge drink warning to Bradford mums-to-be
The nine per cent of pregnant women in Bradford who binge drink have been warned their actions could lead to permanent health problems in their children.
Prince Albert Daily Herald (Canada) - FASD Committee urges pregnant women to stay away from alcohol
On Monday, the Prince Albert Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) committee, along with 30 other organizations around the province, will be bringing awareness to the disorder.
Wawatay News (Canada) - FASD program helps community better understand disorder
For the last 10 years, the NorWest Community Health Centre has been running a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) program out of the Thunder Bay site.
The State Journal-Register - Karel Homrig: Alcohol use during pregnancy comes with costs
Sept. 9 is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. Each year, roughly 40,000 children are born in this country with some form of birth defect as a result of alcohol use during pregnancy.
Nunatsiaq News - Advocate for the disadvantaged, Nunavut judge tells lawyers
In a stinging judgment Sept. 4 that lambastes the Government of Nunavut for ignoring the many people who suffer from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Justice Robert Kilpatrick called on the territory’s lawyers to advocate for the needs of the disadvantaged.
Phys.Org - Study associates poor academic achievement and maternal drinking
Researchers from WA and the UK have linked heavy drinking and binge drinking, even occasionally during pregnancy, to children's academic achievement in reading, writing and spelling; and this impact is related to the trimester in which the exposure occurred.
Medical Xpress (South Africa) - Studies examine fetal alcohol syndrome in South Africa
Two recently published studies report prevalence data about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in South Africa and find that negative consequences of prenatal exposure to alcohol may be lessened if a child is provided with adequate nutrition and appropriate cognitive and behavioral stimulation in his or her first seven years of life.
National Post - Why some pregnant women are ignoring conventional wisdom and having a cup of coffee or a glass of wine
No smoking. No alcohol. No caffeine. No drugs. No carbonated beverages. No deli meats. No sushi. No hot dogs. No hot tubs. No hair dye.
The Guardian - Alcohol before first pregnancy raises breast cancer risk, says study
Higher alcohol consumption by women before their first pregnancy increases the risk of developing breast cancer, US researchers have found.
The Daily Telegraph (Australia) - Pregnant women warned to adopt zero tolerance approach to alcohol intake
TO DRINK or not to drink during pregnancy: the age-old debate is ramping up with the State Government ordering expectant mums not to touch a drop of alcohol.
Jagran Post (Australia) - Women drink less alcohol during pregnancy: Study
Pregnant women are consuming less alcohol overall but the trend to cut back has failed to carry through to high-risk drinkers, a new Australian study found.
Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Alcohol consumption during pregnancy down
There has been a “marked reduction” in alcohol consumption among pregnant women, according to new research.
Londonderry Sentinel (UK) - Boozing during pregnancy danger booklet launched
A CROSS-BORDER health agency has issued a new pocket-sized boolet on boozing during pregnancy to coincide with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day.
ABC Online (Australia) - Pregnant women continuing to drink alcohol despite warnings from medical experts
The study published in the Medical Journal of Australia, based on data from 2007 to 2011, shows the majority of women are choosing not to drink any alcohol while pregnant.
The Telegram - Invisible disability
If you saw Tanya, you might never know there was anything different about her. If you got to know her, you might wonder why she’s jumped from job to job. You might call her unfocused.
British Columbia - Support and awareness are key to ending FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) affects an estimated nine in every 1,000 infants. And because the wide-ranging symptoms are not always visibly apparent, it is sometimes called an invisible disability. Yet those who live with FASD face life-long challenges that most of us don’t ever have to worry about.
scoop.co.nz (New Zealand) - Auckland marks World FASD Awareness Day
Monday 9 September is World FASD Awareness Day. At precisely 9.09am people around the world take a moment to reflect on the harm that can happen when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, which can result in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

UPCOMING EVENTS
Eurocare and EUFASD - Protecting the unborn baby from alcohol
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the leading known cause of birth defects and developmental disorders in the EU. 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 FASD
Prevention of harm from alcohol use during pregnancy is of rapidly growing concern in many countries. The International Conference on Prevention of FASD will be the first event of its kind to focus entirely on this important subject. The conference is expected to draw up to 1,000 participants, including many renowned experts in research and policy.
SAMHSA - “Preventing Alcohol Use during Pregnancy – Applying New Solutions to Ongoing Needs”: An International FASD Awareness Day Webinar Hosted by the SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence
In our continuing effort to raise awareness of the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy, the SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence will host a Webinar on September 09, 2013, International FASD Awareness Day.

MATERIALS and VIDEOS
SAMHSA - 2013 SAMHSA FASD Center FASD Awareness Day Flyer
Ask the Expert” page of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Center for Excellence
Every month, Dan Dubovsky, M.S.W., the Center’s FASD Specialist, or a special guest will use this space to write about an aspect of FASD in response to questions from the Center’s audience.
YourAlberta - Alberta recognizes International FASD Awareness Day
Alberta recognizes International FASD Awareness Day on September 9 -- a time to share the message that expectant mothers should not drink alcohol during pregnancy.
FASD Awareness Day
Help CAMH recognize FASD Awareness Day on September 9th by learning more about the dangers of mixing alcohol and pregnancy.
Center4Disabilities - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day
September 9th is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day! Every year, on the ninth day of the ninth month at 9:09 a.m., International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day is observed.
MOFAS: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Basics Webinar
This free online training is for anyone interested in learning more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) including parents, professionals and educators.
Juvenile Court Programs - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - Trying Differently
A presentation by one of the leading authorities on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Diane V. Malbin, M.S.W., Founder of FASCETS, will explain what FAS is, how it is diagnosed, and treatment venues.

RESEARCH
Circumpoar Health - Prenatal alcohol exposure among Alaska Native/American Indian infants
Recent reports indicate a decline in rates of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) among Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) infants. Nevertheless, AN/AI infants remain disproportionately impacted by the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.
Circumpolar Health - An Examination of the Social Determinants of Health as Factors Related to Health, Healing and Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a Northern Context – The Brightening Our Home Fires Project, Northwest Territories, Canada
The Brightening Our Home Fires (BOHF) project was conceptualized as an exploratory project to examine the issue of the prevention of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) from a women’s health perspective in the Northwest Territories (NT).
Alcoholism - Infant Emotional Withdrawal: A Precursor of Affective and Cognitive Disturbance in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Our aim was to test the hypothesis that emotional withdrawal is an early indicator of affective disorder in infants heavily exposed prenatally to alcohol, which is independent of alcohol-related effects on mother–infant interaction and temperament and discriminated between children later diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and partial FAS (PFAS) and predicted cognitive and affective outcomes at 5 and 9 years.
Alcohol Research - Dysregulation of microRNA Expression and Function Contributes to the Etiology of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are members of a large class of non–protein-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules that represent a significant, but until recently unappreciated, layer of cellular regulation.
Alcohol Research - In Utero Alcohol Exposure, Epigenetic Changes, and Their Consequences
Exposure to alcohol has serious consequences for the developing fetus, leading to a range of conditions collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Most importantly, alcohol exposure affects the development of the brain during critical periods of differentiation and growth, leading to cognitive and behavioral deficits.
Alcohol Researcher - Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Cellular Differentiation: A Role for Polycomb and Trithorax Group Proteins in FAS Phenotypes?
Exposure to alcohol significantly alters the developmental trajectory of progenitor cells and fundamentally compromises tissue formation (i.e., histogenesis). Emerging research suggests that ethanol can impair mammalian development by interfering with the execution of molecular programs governing differentiation.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Neue Nordhäuser Zeitung (Germany) - FASD KANN VERMIEDEN WERDEN
Seit dem 9. 9. 1999 findet jährlich der internationale Tag des alkoholgeschädigten Kindes statt. Zum einen, dass diese besonders unserer Unterstützung bedürfenden Kinder nicht „vergessen“ werden und zum anderen als Präventionskampagne und Aufruf „kein Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft“. In Sülzhayn wird daran erinnert...
CleanKids-Magazin (Germany) - Kein Alkohol in Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit
Zum Tag des alkoholgeschädigten Kindes am 9. September 2013 warnt die BZgA vor den Risiken des Alkoholkonsums in Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit.
Soester-anzeiger (Germany) - Ungewollte Adoption: Weitere Eltern melden sich
Das Schicksal des Soester Ehepaars, das ohne sein Wissen das Kind einer alkoholkranken Mutter adoptiert hat, ist offensichtlich kein Einzelfall. Auf den Anzeiger-Bericht vom vergangenen Donnerstag haben sich weitere Eltern gemeldet, denen genau das gleiche Unglück widerfahren ist. Eine Adoptivmutter schreibt: „Es ist eine Tragödie!“
Oberlandesgericht Hamm (Germany) - Ungewollte Adoption eines alkoholgeschädigten Säuglings – mögliche Amtshaftungsansprüche sind verjährt Adoptieren Eheleute einen infolge eines Alkoholmissbrauchs der leiblichen Mutter behinderten Säugling, ohne nach ihrer Darstellung vom zuständigen Jugendamt über den Alkoholmissbrauch und dessen Folgen aufgeklärt zu werden, verjährt ein möglicher Amtshaftungsanspruch innerhalb von drei Jahren, nachdem die Eheleute von seinen Voraussetzungen erstmals Kenntnis erlangt haben.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Alcohol News - 35/2013

News 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.
The Local (Norway) - Progress Party pledges to legalize moonshine
Norway's Progress Party has said it would end bans to poker, professional boxing, and home-distilled moonshine in a nakedly populist plan to remove 30 different prohibitions.
BMC Public Health (Sweden) - Prevalence of alcohol use before and during pregnancy and predictors of drinking during pregnancy: a cross sectional study in Sweden
The prevalence of drinking during pregnancy is relatively low in Sweden. However, 84% of the women report drinking in the year preceding pregnancy and most of these women continue to drink until pregnancy recognition, which means that they might have consumed alcohol in early pregnancy.
Radio Sweden (Sweden) - Alcohol tax to rise 13 per cent?
The Swedish government may increase tax on alcohol by 13 per cent, financial paper Dagens Industri reports, citing TV4.
Health Aim - Study: Drinking Prior to First Pregnancy Could Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Drinking just one drink with alcohol a day during the years prior to a woman’s first pregnancy could increase the risk of her developing breast cancer at a later stage in life, indicated a large study that was just published.
RT (UK) - 'Addicted man of Europe': Study says drug, alcohol addiction a crisis in UK
The UK is the addiction capital of Europe, with some of the highest rates of opiate and alcohol dependency as well as a worldwide hub for so-called ‘legal highs’.
PsychCentral.com - Alcohol Disrupts Brain Links That Help Read Social Cues
Alcohol intoxication reduces the communication between the two areas of the brain that work together to properly interpret and respond to social signals, according to a new study.
HealthDay - Alcohol Dominates in Pop Music Lyrics: Study
Today's popular music often celebrates excessive drinking as a fun, beneficial pastime, even highlighting select booze brands in many lyrics, a new study finds.
Catholic Herald Online - Pope to young people: Avoid drug and alcohol culture
Fight off a drug- and alcohol-pushing culture and other hazardous trends sweeping across today’s world, Pope Francis has told young people.
AllAfrica.com (South Africa) - South Africa: Proposed Alcohol Advertising Ban May Be Just the Start
Alcohol abuse is the third biggest cause of premature death in South Africa, and researchers argue a total ban on alcohol advertising should be just the start.
Monthly Prescribing Reference - Alcohol Consumption Tied to Endometriosis Risk
Alcohol consumption seems to be associated with increased endometriosis risk, according to a meta-analysis published in the August issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Express.co.uk (UK) - Society is being destroyed by UK's drink and drug addictions, warns think-tank
Think-tank The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) says addicts are buying class A drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine from mail order websites, and the UK has become a hub for websites peddling "legal highs" or "club drugs" such as Salvia or Green Rolex.
Times of Malta (Malta) - Should minimum drinking age be raised?
The adverse social and health consequences of excessive drinking are well known. The battle to tackle anti-social drinking in modern, more affluent societies like ours has to start early if it is to be successful.
The Press (New Zealand) - Alcohol-related harm the focus for policy
A new one-way door policy stopping people from entering bars after 1am could become compulsory from December, says Marlborough alcohol advisory committee member John Leggett.
Herald Scotland (Scotland) - Alcohol-related fatalities fall 13%
THE number of people in Scotland dying from alcohol-related diseases has fallen to its lowest level since the 1990s.
About - News & Issues (USA) - Colleges Failing at Curbing Binge Drinking
If you are sending children off to college this year you may not find much comfort in the fact that most colleges are failing miserably in trying to curtail dangerous binge drinking on campus and in their communities.