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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Alcohol News - 9/2018

Express.co.uk - Dementia study SHOCK - Experts warn link to alcohol could be WORSE than thought
AUTHORS of a dramatic dementia study which provides a strong link between alcohol abuse and early onset of the degenerative illness have claimed the reality could be much worse than we think.
The Guardian (Scotland) - Alcohol must cost at least 50p per unit in Scotland, minister rules
Scotland’s health secretary, Shona Robison, has confirmed that all alcoholic drinks in Scotland must cost at least 50p per unit of alcohol from May this year.
The Guardian (Australia) - NT puts minimum price on alcohol in Australian first
A minimum price will be set for alcohol in the Northern Territory under sweeping legislative reforms that are the first such move of their kind in Australia.
The Western Star (Canada) - Canadian program providing alcohol to heavy drinkers envied by Scotland
A radical treatment that provides daily doses of alcohol to people struggling with problem drinking in several Canadian cities is getting attention from other countries wanting to emulate its success.
The Times (UK) - Cheaper alcohol boosts calls for minimum prices
Beer sold in supermarkets is 22 per cent cheaper in effect than it was five years ago, increasing the pressure for minimum unit pricing, campaigners say.
Newshub (New Zealand) - 'Supermarket owners are the biggest drug dealers in the country' - Alcohol Action NZ
A lobby group says the only way to stop Kiwis drinking excessively is to raise the tax on liquor.
Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Barriers to shield children from alcohol ‘are too short’
New barriers to shield children from alcohol in shops and supermarkets will have little impact as they will be no taller than a 7-year-old, the National Off-license Association association has warned.
The Times (Scotland) - Advice on alcohol in pregnancy ignored
More than half of women in Scotland were drinking alcohol at about the time they became pregnant, despite advice warning against consuming any when trying to conceive, a survey found.
PerthNow (Australia) - Alcohol-related disease kills almost 6000 people in Australia every year: WA study
ALCOHOL-related diseases are being blamed for causing the deaths of nearly 6000 Australians each year.
The Ticker - Study Confirms Alcohol Consumption Increases Aggression
People drink alcohol on various occasions in their lives. They may drink to celebrate their birthdays or to release a long week’s stress on a Friday night. However, scientists have become more aware that drinking alcohol is linked to aggression.
euronews (Lithuania) - The world’s biggest drinkers meet the EU’s toughest alcohol laws
On a Friday night a team of two police officers and three officials from the Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Department (DTACD), carry out a number of raids in Lithuania's second largest city, Kaunas.
The Conversation AU (Australia) - Fewer alcohol-related visits to inner Sydney emergency room since ‘lockout laws’ introduced
The emergency room at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital has seen a 10% reduction in the incidence of fractures that are often caused by a punch to the face over the two years since the so-called “lockout laws” were introduced.
High North News (Greenland) - New Alcohol Act Shall Prevent Abuse and Care Neglect
A new Alcohol Act on Greenland aims to prevent abuse on several levels. – It is the way we drink that creates problems, says Health Consultant Kasper Brix Bærndt of Greenland’s Health Department.
Global Government Forum (Russia) - Russian alcohol restrictions cut crime by 20%, study finds
Russian anti-alcohol policies have produced a significant decline in juvenile and adult crimes, according to new report.
The Local (France) - Health risk or national treasure? Why France is warring over wine
Should wine be given special treatment over other alcohols when it comes to health? France's outspoken health minister said 'no', but then came the backlash.
ETSC (Switzerland) - Swiss cancellation of alcohol interlock programme will make road safety targets harder to reach
The Swiss parliament has voted to cancel the planned introduction of alcohol interlocks for drink-driving offenders in Switzerland in a move described by Swiss road safety experts as ‘incomprehensible’.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Alcohol News - 8/2018

Telegraph.co.uk - Alcohol fuels majority of early onset dementia cases, study finds
The study of more than 1 million dementia sufferers, published in the Lancet Public Health Journal, found almost six in ten diagnoses before the age of 65 were linked to heavy drinking.
Metro (UK) - Aldi alcohol advert banned for appealing to children
Aldi’s animated Christmas star ‘Kevin the Carrot’ has landed the discount supermarket in hot water after viewers said its alcohol ad appealed strongly to children.
Daily Mail - We are evolving an 'ultimate hangover' gene that may stop us from becoming addicted to alcohol
Scientists claim this gene variant is being favoured by evolution - and, in time, could stop us from drinking alcohol in the future.
The Conversation US - Alcohol probably makes it harder to stop sexual violence – so why aren’t colleges talking about it?
All colleges and universities that receive Title IX funding are federally mandated to offer intervention programs, where bystanders are trained to intervene in risky sexual situations.
Gisborne Herald (New Zealand) - New policy to restrict alcohol sale hours
A LOCAL liquor accord (forum) for licensees will be held in Gisborne on February 27, six days before Gisborne District Council’s local alcohol policy comes into effect on March 5.
Medical Xpress - Study shows letting kids taste alcohol is a risky behavior
Parents who allow their young children to occasionally sip and taste alcohol may be contributing to an increased risk for alcohol use and related problems when those kids reach late adolescence, according to a new study by a University at Buffalo psychologist.
the Irish News (Ireland) - Belfast councillors' alcohol bill after meetings runs into hundreds of pounds a year
BELFAST City Council is spending hundreds of pounds a year on alcohol for councillors after monthly meetings.
Novinite.com (Russia) - Russia Limits Alcohol Sales during the World Cup
Virtually all cities - future hosts of matches from this year's football World Cup in Russia, will limit alcohol sales during the games, and in places and the day before, informs Izvestia, referring to local authorities.
Modern Ghana (Ghana) - Minister Warns Against Alcohol Abuse
Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu has sternly cautioned the public against excessive intake of alcoholic beverages.
Novinite.com (Greece) - 10% of Greeks are Addicted to Alcohol
Consumption of spirits has become a problem for Greece, as 10 per cent of the country's population is completely dependent on alcohol, BNT reported.
PerthNow (Australia) - Health experts lament alcohol floor price miss in WA liquor reforms
Health experts say the State Government has squibbed an ideal chance to enact its highly touted floor price on alcohol after revelations that this week’s liquor overhaul will not consider the controversial measure.
VICE - Quitting Alcohol Doesn't Have to Be the End of Your Social Life
Christmas was a sober one for me. Thanks to a course of antibiotics you genuinely can't drink on, I was teetotal for five whole weeks. That meant a lot of lime and sodas, a healthier bank balance than ever before, and—to my surprise—absolutely no change to my social life.
GhanaWeb (Ghana) - Alcohol ads ban: Errant media houses to be prosecuted
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) says media houses who blatantly disregard its directive against the advertisement of alcoholic beverages before 8pm will be dragged to court.
Men's Health - Just 2 Drinks Can Turn You Into a Total Jerk, Science Says
According to researchers at the University of New South Wales in Australia, it might take just two alcoholic drinks to inhibit functioning in your prefrontal cortex, the region of your brain that regulates things like decision-making and social behavior and generally keeps you from lashing out at your perfectly innocent friends.
Deccan Chronicle - Spouses have strong influence on potential alcohol abuse risk in partners: Study
Spouses with uncontrolled drinking problems have a “large and rapid” influence on the likelihood their partner will also be diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder, according to a long-term study of married couples in Sweden.
Yukon News (Canada) - Yukon’s alcohol label study back on but without a cancer warning
The Yukon government has re-started a study on alcohol warning labels but without a label that linked the risk of cancer to alcohol consumption.
Medscape - Advising Under the Influence: Alcohol Guidance Demands Full Disclosure
One of my patients who has prediabetes approached me last week: "I read this news story about two new studies that found that drinking wine can reduce my risk of developing diabetes. Is that true? Should I start drinking?"
Irish Times (Ireland) - Alcohol abuse costs Irish economy €2.3bn a year, Dáil hears
A Fianna Fáil TD has asked the Government to consider introducing general health warning labels on alcohol products rather than specifically highlighting cancer because it is linked to so many other diseases.
The Parliament Magazine (EU) - What will new voluntary EU alcohol labelling rules look like?
The alcohol industry has a huge impact on the EU’s economy. Beer, wine and spirits are some of the food and drink sector’s most important products. This makes it increasingly important for people to know exactly what they are consuming. Therefore I don’t understand why alcoholic beverages are exempt from the labelling requirements in the food information regulation.
Read more
The Portugal News (Portugal) - Portugal’s women increasingly turning to alcohol and cannabis
A new study has found that Portugal’s women are adopting increasingly risky behaviours in terms of drug and alcohol consumption, and particularly more mature women.
Express.co.uk (UK) - Help children escape the influence of alcoholic parents
Receiving little or no help at state or local level, these forgotten youngsters are the secret victims of a conspiracy of silence around Britain’s booze culture.
AutoExpress (EU) - Safety body calls for mandatory alcohol interlocks
Alcohol interlocks – devices that prevent a vehicle from being started if a clean breath sample is not provided – should be fitted to vehicles belonging to repeat drink drivers professional drivers, a leading safety body has said.

Sunday, February 18, 2018

FASD News - 7/2018

National Institutes of Health (USA) - Study of first-graders shows fetal alcohol spectrum disorders prevalent in U.S. Communities
A study of more than 6,000 first-graders across four U.S. communities has found that a significant number of the children have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), with conservative rates ranging from 1 to 5 percent in community samples.
TIME (USA) - Fetal Alcohol Disorder May Be More Common Than Previously Thought
In a new JAMA study of more than 6,000 first-graders, researchers estimate that between 1.1% and 9.8% of American children have developmental or neurological problems caused by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)—a significantly higher number than previous studies have reported.
Deccan Chronicle (USA) - Expert suggests Florida shooter may have fetal alcohol syndrome
Looking at the incident from a psychological point of view, experts are suggesting that the boy expelled from school a year back may be suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome.
ABC Online (Australia) - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder clinic wanted in Alice Springs amid misdiagnosis fears
At Megan Brown's home in Alice Springs, sharp objects are out of sight and laminated signs encouraging good behaviour are blue-tacked to the wall.
Mother Jones - Drinking While Pregnant May Feel Empowering. That Doesn’t Mean It’s Not Hurting Your Baby
Neurological problems caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy might be much more common than previously thought. A new study suggests that as many as 1 in 10 American children may suffer from these disabilities—a rate far greater than that of autism, which affects 1.5 percent of children.
University of Rochester - Building the right mobile app for caregivers of children with FASD
After years of working with patients and researching fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), Christie Petrenko, a research associate at the University’s Mt. Hope Family Center, knew a mobile app might be just the tool she was missing in order to help families and caregivers of children with FASD.
The Guardian (Australia) - WA study finds 89% of children in detention have severe cognitive impairment
Eighty-nine per cent of children in detention in Western Australia have a severe cognitive impairment and 36% have foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), according to a world-leading study.
InsideHalton.com (Canada) - Education Act amendment to increase FASD awareness in hands of Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris
It’s now up to Halton MPP and Ontario’s Minister of Education Indira Naidoo-Harris. Parents and caregivers of those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) across the province will be waiting.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Kids in prison with brain disorders: If we can predict it, we should prevent it
News that nine out of 10 young people in Western Australia's only juvenile prison have a cognitive impairment is alarming, but not unexpected.
KUNM - Shifting The Way We Think About Addiction And Pregnancy
An Albuquerque police officer was honored in front of the whole country during the State of the Union address earlier this week. While on duty, he met a woman who was addicted to heroin and adopted her baby.
Attachment and Trauma Network - FASD and RAD — “Cannot vs. Will Not”
Early childhood trauma. Complex behaviors. The two often go hand in hand as parents and professionals will attest.
SBS (Australia) - Call to 'do better' to help detained youth
Researchers have uncovered unprecedented levels of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and severe cognitive delays among incarcerated young Australians.

UPCOMING
The Royal Society of Medicine - understanding neurodevelopmental disorder prenatal alcohol exposure (ndpae) (22 May 2018; London UK)This one day conference will review in a multi professional forum the neurodevelopmental disorders linked to prenatal alcohol exposure (NDPAE).
Alberta (Canada) - Supporting Employment Success in Adults with FASD (February 21, 2018)
This webinar will be of interest to persons directly affected by FASD, employers and anyone else supporting persons with FASD.
Read more
Wayne State University - Introduction To FASD in Children/Youth, Featuring Daniel Dubovsky (May 24, 2018)
For Parents, Foster Parents, Parent Support Partners, and other caregivers supporting a child or youth with a diagnosis of FASD or suspected FASD.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
OrphanCare Recources - FAS and NAS: Alcohol and Drug Related Birth Defects
This webinar will explain FASD and NAS and offer an introductory view of their implications for the life of a family. It will discuss symptoms, assessments, the school system, daily life, and how they effect the brain.
Helsedirektoratet - Drikk alkoholfritt sammen
Birmingham City University - Exploring the identities of adults diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Using ecological systems theory and additions frameworks: theories of stigma, intersectionality, human-social dignity and human rights a qualitative interpretive approach, to interviews with adults diagnosed with FASD will enable a thematic analysis. These themes will be used to design an international online survey. The findings from these would be triangulated with a review of literature and policy analysis.

RESEARCH
JAMA - Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in 4 US Communities
These findings may represent more accurate US prevalence estimates than previous studies but may not be generalizable to all communities.
JAMA - Implications of Higher Than Expected Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a group of serious, chronic, systemic diseases that are caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and characterized by central nervous system damage and physical deficits that subsequently lead to a wide range of permanent and lifelong health consequences.
Read more
Brain Sciences - Preliminary Findings that a Targeted Intervention Leads to Altered Brain Function in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) exhibit behavioral dysregulation, executive dysfunction, and atypical function in associated brain regions.
Reproductive Toxicology - A Utilitarian Comparison of Two Alcohol Use Biomarkers With Self-Reported Drinking History Collected in Antenatal Clinics
Alcohol use is reported accurately among pregnant women in some populations.
Alcoholism - Effects of early alcohol exposure on functional organization and microstructure of a visual tactile integrative circuit
Because ethanol disrupts activity-dependent neuronal plasticity, a process that is essential for refining connections during cortical development, we hypothesize that early alcohol exposure results in alterations in multisensory cortical networks, which could explain the multisensory processing deficits seen in FASD.
Biochem Cell Biol - Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE): Insights into FASD using PAE Mouse Models.
The potential impact of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) varies considerably among exposed individuals, with some displaying serious alcohol-related effects and others showing few or even no overt signs of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
BMJ Open - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and youth justice: a prevalence study among young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia
This study, in a representative sample of young people in detention in Western Australia, has documented a high prevalence of FASD and severe neurodevelopmental impairment, the majority of which had not been previously identified.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Addressing the public health concerns of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Impact of stigma and health literacy
Stigma experienced by biological mothers of children with FASD generalizes to women who consume alcohol while pregnant.
Applied Neuropsychology: Child - Deferred diagnosis in children assessed for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Early intervention for individuals with FASD is paramount, thus exploring factors that affect the diagnostic process is critical.
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience - CB1R-Mediated Activation of Caspase-3 Causes Epigenetic and Neurobehavioral Abnormalities in Postnatal Ethanol-Exposed Mice
Alcohol exposure can affect brain development, leading to long-lasting behavioral problems, including cognitive impairment, which together is referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
International Journal of Law and Psychiatry - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the criminal justice system: A systematic literature review
Individuals with FASD may present with a wide range of difficulties including impairments in memory, attention, visual–spatial abilities, executive functioning, processing speed, intelligence, academic achievement, language, and social-emotional and behavioural functioning.
The Journal of Pediatrics - Utility of Genetic Testing in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
To study the utility of genetic evaluation and testing in patients with suspected fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Human Brain Mapping - Sensorimotor network alterations in children and youth with prenatal alcohol exposure
These alterations in the sensorimotor network lay the foundation for future studies to evaluate interventions and treatments to improve motor function in children with PAE.
Reproductive Health - Warning about drinking during pregnancy: lessons from the French experience
In France, since 2007, there is a compulsory warning recommending abstinence during pregnancy on every container of alcohol. Awareness of this warning, which consists of a small pictogram, is unknown.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health - Surveying social adversity in pregnancy: The antenatal risk burden experienced by Australian women
Many, varied, antenatal risk factors can adversely impact children's health, behaviour and cognition. Understanding the antenatal risk factors experienced by women can help identify which families are most likely to benefit from additional early supports; however, there is a dearth of published Australian antenatal risk data.
Communique - Conditions for Further Study: Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
The Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism branch of the National Institute of Health (NIH) indicates that there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy (NIH, 2015).
Developmental Psychobiology - Maternal care-related differences in males and females rats’ sensitivity to ethanol and the associations between the GABAergic system and steroids in males
This study investigated the effect of maternal care on adolescent ethanol consumption, sensitivity to ethanol-induced hypnosis, as well as gonadal hormones and γ-aminobutyric acid type-A (GABAA) systems.
OpenUCT - A study of event-related electrocortical oscillatory dynamics associated with cued motor-response inhibition during performance of the Go/NoGo task within a sample of prenatally alcohol-exposed children and age-matched controls
Our research explored neocortical processing in heavy-exposed children from Cape Town, South Africa, performing the Go/NoGo response inhibition task.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Helsedirektoratet (Norway) - Seminar alkoholfritt svangerskap
Seminaret belyser alkoholens og legemidlenes virkninger på det ufødte barnet og hvordan forebygge medfødte russkader (FAS og FASD). Det presenteres undersøkelser som har kartlagt holdninger og erfaringer blant gravide samt helsepersonell.
express kaszubski (Poland) - Kartuzy. O mitach i zagrożeniach związanych ze spożywaniem alkoholu w ciąży
Przedstawiciele samorządów, szkół, ośrodków pomocy społecznej i placówek służby zdrowia z powiatu kartuskiego zdecydowali o włączeniu się we wspólną kampanię uświadamiającą mieszkańców o szkodliwości spożywania alkoholu podczas ciąży.
Ruhr Nachrichten (Germany) - Drogenerbe der Mutter verfolgt ein Kind ein Leben lang
Sie wog weniger als zwei Päckchen Butter bei ihrer Geburt. Die Ärzte gaben dieser Handvoll Mensch im Brutkasten anfangs Drogen, sonst wäre der Entzug tödlich verlaufen. Die Folgen werden Alena Lange ein Leben lang begleiten. Obwohl sie erst spät erkannt wurden.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Alcohol News - 7/2018

IFLScience - Why Alcohol Can Turn You Into A Mean Drunk
A few too many drinks and some people turn into a dancing-machine, some won't shut up, some fall asleep, some want to hug you a lot, and others turn mean.
The Guardian - The children of alcoholic parents need help. I know this all too well
Even if you’ve brave enough to overcome the shame and stigma and seek help, you’ll find services are being cut heavily.
Metro (UK) - Parents’ drinking linked to more than a third of child abuse cases
A new study has found that alcohol misuse was implicated in 37% of cases where abuse or neglect led to a child’s death or serious injury between 2011 and 2014.
Science Daily - Neurotransmitter may play a role in alcohol relapse, addiction
A study on alcohol addiction led by Indiana University finds the neurotransmitter glutamate may play a role in some addiction cravings.
Independent Online - Low-alcohol drinks could lead to over consumption — study
Cambridge University researchers say the drinks are marketed for ‘lunchtime’ or ‘all occasions’, which may encourage them to be bought instead of soft drinks – raising overall booze consumption.
The Hindu (India) - Complete ban on alcohol to be sought
From February 20, women’s groups will start a 71-day agitation seeking a complete ban on alcohol across the State.
BreakingNews.ie (UK) - Study finds more than half of Britons have bought alcohol while underage
The majority of Britons have bought alcohol while underage - but it is now far less common than it was for older generations, a survey has found.
YLE News (Finland) - New alcohol law hits sales at state-owned Alko
With other stores allowed to sell stronger beer, cider and mixed drinks, overall sales at the former state monopoly have declined by eight percent year-on-year.
TIME (USA) - Drugs, Alcohol and Suicide Are Causing Life Expectancy in America to Drop Dramatically
U.S. life expectancy has decreased for the second year in a row, and an editorial in the BMJ points to three contributing factors: drugs, alcohol and suicides, particularly among middle-age white Americans and those living in rural communities.
IamExpat.nl (Netherlands) - Alcohol abuse to be tackled in Dutch National Prevention Programme
The National Prevention Programme in the Netherlands will no longer target only smoking and obesity. Alcohol abuse has a great impact on one’s health and it has therefore been included in the themes which are to be targeted.
Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Even legal alcohol levels can impair driving, new series reveals
A new driving series on RTÉ reveals how even legal limits of alcohol can have potentially fatal consequences when motorists get behind the wheel.
Delano.lu (Luxembourg) - CAMPAIGN INTERVENTION FOR LUX DRINK PROBLEM
Luxembourg’s relationship with alcohol is the latest target of a government campaign aimed at lowering health risks and accidents.
Ahval (Turkey) - Turkish governor bans drinking in public space
The governor of the western Turkish province of Burdur has banned the consumption of alcohol in all public places on grounds of “public safety” and “prevention of crime.”
Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong) - Hong Kong lawmakers vote to ban shops from selling alcohol to minors, after six-hour debate
Bars and restaurants are banned from selling alcohol to minors under liquor licensing rules, but the law does not apply to retailers, who voluntarily agree not to sell alcohol to underage consumers. Under the new law, convenience stores and supermarkets will also have to follow the rule.
InDaily (Australia) - World high rates of alcohol-related disorder in Australian youth offenders
Nine in 10 young people in detention have at least one form of severe neurodevelopmental delay, while at least a third have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), according to an Australian-first study.
Wall Street Journal (Canada) - Lawmakers, Alcohol Industry Tussle Over Cancer Labels on Booze
A month after slapping bright red and yellow cancer warnings on bottles of wine, vodka and other tipple late last year, workers at the government-run liquor store in Whitehorse, Canada, took them all off again.
Stap (Netherlands) - Light alcohol consumption also increases the risk of breast cancer
The Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy STAP has started an information campaign about alcohol use and breast cancer. This is in line with similar campaigns in England and Denmark. For this campaign a special website has been developed: www.alcoholenborstkanker.nl. The new campaign is supported by scientists and doctors.
The Lancet - Stop the toasts: the Global Fund's disturbing new partnership
In the preface to Heather Wipfli's history of WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), she recounts how when she joined WHO to work on the FCTC, a recent fellow graduate from her masters programme invited her to lunch.
UK Parliament (UK) - Parental Alcohol Misuse and Children
Parental Alcohol Misuse (PAM) can negatively affect children’s physical and mental health, and other outcomes including educational attainment and behaviour. Effects can be acute when experienced in conjunction with other adverse experiences such as domestic abuse, marital conflict, and deprivation.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Alcohol News - 6/2018

New York Times (USA) - Far More U.S. Children Than Previously Thought May Have Fetal Alcohol Disorders
More American children than previously thought may be suffering from neurological damage because their mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy, according to a new study.
NBCNews.com (Scotland) - Scotland tackles alcohol crisis with minimum price law
The land of whisky is trying to kick its alcohol problem. Scotland will become the first country to impose minimum prices on booze when a new law takes effect on May 1.
ABC Online - Increasing risk of alcohol's long-term effects can start with just a few drinks every night
As alcohol is woven into daily routines and social lives, health authorities are warning that just a few drinks a night could actually be a form of chronic alcoholism.
BreakingNews.ie (Ireland) - Health Minister hits out at drinks industry 'efforts to scupper' Alcohol Bill
The Health Minister Simon Harris has told the Dáil that the drinks industry has been promoting myths about Ireland's alcohol consumption.
DutchNews.nl (Netherlands) - Government targets alcohol abuse alongside obesity and smoking
A government drive aimed at lowering the number of people with a chronic disease will include measures to combat alcohol abuse, junior health minister Paul Blokhuis told parliament in a letter on Tuesday.
Central Western Daily (Australia) - Tough measures introduced for drug and alcohol-affected drivers
MID-RANGE drink-driving offenders will have to blow into a breathalyser to prove they are sober before turning the keys to their cars and the speed camera network on the state's roads will be turned on to catch people using their mobile phones behind the wheel as part of tough state government reforms announced on Tuesday.
European Commission (Sweden) - Commission decides that the Swedish intention to impose a ban on alcohol advertising on two UK broadcasters is not compatible with EU rules
The European Commission has decided, on the basis of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), that the Swedish intention to impose their ban on alcohol advertising on two broadcasters based in the UK and broadcasting in Sweden is not compatible with EU law.
Irish Times (Ireland) - Link between alcohol and cancer emphasised by Government
Minister for Health Simon Harris has stressed the link between cancer and alcohol consumption as he prepares to bring the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill back before the Oireachtas this week.
CBC.ca (Canada) - 'Pinking' of alcohol marketing spurs culture of 'wine moms,' says author Ann Dowsett Johnston
When it comes to women and drinking, sometimes a glass of wine isn't just a glass of wine, says journalist and author Ann Dowsett Johnston.
SBS (Australia) - High alcohol consumption during holiday season has led to rehab for many: expert
The hangover from the party season has left many Australians searching for rehab help, according to experts in the industry.
ERR News (Estonia) - Next alcohol excise duty hike enters into force
The excise duty on alcohol was increased in Estonia as of Thursday by half the initially planned amount.
Deutsche Welle (Turkey) - Fighting alcohol with taxes in Turkey
The Turkish government has introduced taxes to battle alcohol on religious grounds, to the annoyance of many citizens, especially in the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul. Some are resisting by brewing their own beer.
Clydebank Post - Alcohol playing key role in development of cancer and strokes
ALCOHOL is playing a key role in the development of cancer and strokes, a report has told. Analysis has revealed the extent to which the substance contributes to ill-health and admissions to hospital in Scotland.

Sunday, February 4, 2018

FASD News - 5/2018

TheRecord.com - How to help 'violent' students with FASD
This story represents almost the last straw for me. I lead a group of nine experienced Ontario educators who have spent the last 10 years trying hard to help Ontario educators find a solution to the problem of students who are "violent" at school.
AAFP News - CDC Offers Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Resources
As part of its support for the Collaborative for Alcohol-Free Pregnancy: Partnering for Practice Change(www.cdc.gov) initiative, the CDC has launched a website featuring free fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) training and resources(nccd.cdc.gov) for health care professionals, including offerings specific to family physicians.
CBC.ca (Canada) - Behind the statistics: The story of 2 Indigenous children on the brink of becoming court wards
Provincial child welfare authorities in Ottawa filed an application in court this month seeking to place two Indigenous children under permanent state care with the aim of adopting them out.
HuffPost (USA) - A Montana Prosecutor Wants To Jail Moms-To-Be Who Drink Or Do Drugs
The prosecutor’s office in Big Horn County, Montana, has announced an “immediate crackdown” on any expectant mothers who use drugs or drink alcohol.
New Scotland - Owning her disability lets Tillou spread hope and understanding to others
Rebecca Tillou lives with fetal alcohol syndrome but doesn’t let it define her. Because her mother was an alcoholic, she was born addicted to alcohol.
My Baby Manual - Alcohol in Pregnancy? Is it worth the risk?
Recent research has estimated alcohol use in pregnancy to be just under 10%[3]. During pregnancy, alcohol reaches the growing baby through the placenta. The baby’s liver is unable to process alcohol the way an adult is able to and exposure to alcohol can affect their development in several ways.
The Optimus Blog (UK) - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: in need of our understanding
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) may sound obscure, but misdiagnosis or misunderstanding in schools can have a lasting effect on young people who have the condition.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
The Royal Society of Medicine - Introduction and review of co-occurring psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with intellectual disability
In this lecture, Dr Kieran O'Malley reviews the conceptual understanding of challenging behaviours as a clinical concept, drawing on alcohol related birth defects to illustrate his points. Dr O'Malley also considers the neurobiology of aggression as a key component in understanding NDPAE.
INDIGENOUS APPROACHES TO FASD PREVENTION
This booklet provides a brief introduction to ways of working with Indigenous girls and women to address alcohol, pregnancy, and other related concerns.
Utility Films - FASD - The cost of ignorance
Sharon Jackson from FASD Awareness South East in a short extract from the Utility Films documentary 'Hidden in Plain Sight' which is currently in production. The film will be released later this year.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Healthy Families Waitakere - Understanding Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Monday 19 March 2018; Auckland New Zealand)
Teaching a child with a hidden neuro-disability can be challenging. FASD is a diagnosed medical condition consisting of a constellation of significant learning, memory, attention, behavioural and other health challenges.
Knowsley and Sefton - FOETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER (FASD) TRAINING (23rd March; Liverpool, UK)
This is a free training event which will cover the prevalence, impact, relevance and prevention of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The training is being provided by Knowsley and Sefton Public Health Teams and will be delivered by Dr Raja Mukherjee.
Donegal Education Centre - FASD in School (08-02-2018; Donegal Ireland)
This workshop provides an overview of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD). It will highlight some of the most common associated behavioural and cognitive difficulties and some simple & practical responses teachers and schools can adopt to enhance classroom management and teaching and learning in general.
ONEIDA Community Centre - FASD Awareness Conference 2018 (23 February; Ontario Canada)
The 3rd Annual FASD Conference will be held at the ONEIDA Community Centre on February 23, 2018.

RESEARCH
Acta Paediatrica - Review shows that early fetal alcohol exposure may cause adverse effects even when the mother consumes low levels
Studies are increasingly focusing on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on child health. The aim of this review was to provide paediatricians with new insights to help them communicate key messages about avoiding alcohol during pregnancy.
Health Promotion. Journal of Australia - Online scan of FASD prevention and health promotion resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) includes a range of life-long impairments caused by alcohol exposure in utero. Health professionals are vital to preventing FASD but many are hesitant to discuss FASD with clients due to their need for additional resources to aid the conversation.
Biochemistry and Cell Biology - Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE): Insights into FASD using PAE Mouse Models
The potential impact of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) varies considerably among exposed individuals, with some displaying serious alcohol-related effects and others showing few or even no overt signs of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
University of Manitoba - The lived experience of foster parents in placing children in care on medication for the management of behaviors associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
First Nations children, in the care of Child and Family Services in Manitoba are often placed on medication for the management of behaviours associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or its comorbid condition Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Scientific Reports - Supplement of Betaine into Embryo Culture Medium Can Rescue Injury Effect of Ethanol on Mouse Embryo Development
Mammal embryos can be impaired by mother’s excessive ethanol uptake, which induces a higher level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interferes in one carbon unit metabolism.
Issues in Mental Health Nursing - An Environmental Scan of the Role of Nurses in Preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Nurses are in an ideal position to talk to their patients of reproductive age about alcohol use and encourage the prevention of alcohol-exposed pregnancies.
OpenUCT - Parietal dysfunction in children with prenatal alcohol exposure
The parietal lobe has been shown to be one of the regions most affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Functional domains dependent on intact parietal functioning, including mathematical and visuospatial ability, have been consistently implicated in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Birth Defects Research - Recognition of clinical characteristics for population-based surveillance of fetal alcohol syndrome
The diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) rests on identification of characteristic facial, growth, and central nervous system (CNS) features.
Alcoholism - Mechanisms Underlying Chronic Binge Alcohol Exposure-Induced Uterine Artery Dysfunction in Pregnant Rat
A cardinal feature of fetal alcohol syndrome is growth restriction. Maternal uterine artery adaptations to pregnancy correlate with birth weight and survival.
The University of Arizona - Socioeconomic Conditions, Environment and Lifestyle Affect Severity of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Precision medicine uses data on an individual's person’s diet, exercise routine, family history, environment, genetics, and more to tailor treatment and prevention of certain conditions to that person’s unique characteristics.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
MDR (Germany) - Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft
FASD ist eine lebenslange Schädigung, die Schwangere ihren ungeborenen Kindern zufügen können.