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Thursday, June 28, 2018

Alcohol News - 26/2018

New York Post - The unexpected consequences of binge drinking
Young adults who binge drink have heightened cardiovascular-disease risk factors, including higher blood sugar, higher total cholesterol and higher blood pressure, according to a new report in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Skift - The Tricky Business of Selling Alcohol on Planes
Once a month, and often more, we read about U.S. airline passengers who drink too much alcohol and act out. Sometimes, they start fights, or abuse other passengers. Or they try to open an emergency exit, scaring fellow passengers.
Medical News Today - What causes alcohol addiction? Study investigates
Is a faulty signaling mechanism in the brain area that processes emotion the reason that only a minority of those who drink alcohol become addicted to it?
ESPN - UEFA lifts Champions League and Europa League alcohol ban
Fans at Champions League and Europa League matches will be able to buy alcohol next season after UEFA changed regulations banning its sale in stadiums.
Irish Times (Ireland) - Train drivers' alcohol limit four times higher than taxi and bus drivers'
Current legislation which permits train drivers and other railway workers to have four times more alcohol in their blood than other professional drivers “fell between the gaps”, an Oireachtas Committee has heard.
Traveller - Drunk passengers on planes: Ryanair calls for alcohol restrictions in airports
Following a series of incidents involving boozed-up passengers, Ryanair, one of the world's largest international carriers, has recently called for a restriction on the number of alcoholic beverages passengers are allowed to consume pre-flight.
CBC.ca (Canada) - 'Sobering report' tracks 53,000 Manitobans' struggles with alcohol, barriers accessing help
A robust 25-year study suggests the key to helping Manitobans in the grips of alcohol disorders could be all about more timely diagnoses and removing barriers to prescriptions and treatment so those with addictions can get quicker access to care.
Wall Street Journal - Dealing With an Aging Parent’s Alcohol Problem
Yvonne Mirilovich came home from work in January 2016 and found her mother drunk while babysitting her two young daughters.
Georgia Today (Georgia) - Alcohol consumption in Georgia more like Italy than Eastern Europe
According to a report by the World Advertising Center on World Drink Trends compiled in 2005, drinking-age people are consuming alcohol in Georgia drastically less than in Poland, Estonia, Hungary, or Russia--to name a few.
The Star, Kenya (Kenya) - 4.9m Kenyans abusing alcohol and drugs, high schools a haven
Nacada has reported that 4.9 million Kenyans aged 15 – 65 years are abusing at least one drug or other substance.
The Roar (Australia) - You booze, you lose: Why the NRL must ban alcohol ads
Earlier last week, a report released by La Trobe University found that on State of Origin nights there was a 40 per cent increase in domestic assault incidents and approximately a 70 per cent rise in non-domestic assaults.
Independent Online (South Africa) - Booze adverts targeted because 'youngsters see alcohol glamorised'
The debate surrounding the banning of alcohol advertising sponsorships in sport is raging on, and advocacy group the Southern Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance (Saapa) held discussions on Wednesday to explore alternative funding options.
Great Lakes Ledger (Canada) - Alcohol and Tobacco Cost Canadians $38 Billion
A study released on 26 June shows that Canadians paid for substance use $38.4 billion in 2014. The report was done by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction and the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research.
WIRED - THE TROUBLED END OF AN ETHICALLY COMPROMISED BOOZE STUDY
WORDS YOU DON’T want to hear about a $100 million, 10-year scientific study: “significant concerns.” Also bad: “inadequately powered.”
Medical Xpress - Research finds counting your drinks reduces alcohol consumption
The most effective way for Australians to reduce their alcohol consumption is counting their drinks, new research led by Curtin University has found.
Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Doctor: Booze industry needs mandatory warnings for pregnant women
New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) chair Dr Kate Baddock is calling for mandatory labelling on alcoholic drinks packaging to warn of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy, which can lead to foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Economic Times - Substance abuse disorder directly affects kidney & brain; can further cause anxiety, paranoia, delusions
Amit’s addiction story started with his college friends telling him to try a shot of alcohol at a wedding “just one time”, followed by peer pressure to “smoke only when you are drinking”.
The Local France (France) - French risk 'preventable' cancers by smoking, drinking and eating unhealthily
The French are needlessly putting themselves at risk of developing cancer by smoking, drinking and eating unhealthily, a new study reveals.

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Alcohol News - 25/2018

ITV (Wales) - Wales passes law introducing minimum price for alcohol
The cost of cheap, strong alcohol is set to rise in Wales after the National Assembly passed a new law introducing a minimum price.
France24 (Spain) - Officials target 'alcohol tourism' in Mallorca poster drive
Local authorities on Spain's holiday Island of Mallorca have put up 20 posters warning of heavy penalties for nudity, fighting and other alcohol-fuelled misbehaviour, it was announced on Wednesday.
Popular Science - Your risk of cancer likely increases with each additional drink of alcohol
When broken down, the researchers found that that slightly lower risk of death with light drinking—which gives the graph its characteristic dip and J shape—didn’t exist when looking at cancer as a cause of death. Instead, both cancer risk (which measures newly-diagnosed cases) and cancer-related death both rose steadily with increased alcohol consumption.
The Conversation AU - Why alcohol after sport and exercise is a bad idea
Drinking alcohol after sport is a social ritual that has become ingrained in Australian culture, and it seems professional athletes are no exception, despite being paid generously to be in peak physical condition.
New York Times - It Was Supposed to Be an Unbiased Study of Drinking. They Wanted to Call It ‘Cheers.’
The director of the nation’s top health research agency pulled the plug on a study of alcohol’s health effects without hesitation on Friday, saying a Harvard scientist and some of his agency’s own staff had crossed “so many lines” in pursuit of alcohol industry funding that “people were frankly shocked.”
Newsweek - BINGE-DRINKING ALCOHOL JUST ONCE COULD DISTURB GENE THAT REGULATES SLEEP
A single binge-drinking episode could disturb the gene that regulates sleep, scientists believe. Previous studies have suggested drinking alcohol to excess can affect a person’s sleep quality, so researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia set out to understand why.
iNews (Scotland) - People in Scotland drank an average of 10 litres of pure alcohol each last year
People across Scotland drank an average of 10.2 litres of pure alcohol each last year, according to an NHS report on drinking levels in the country.
RTE.ie (Ireland) - Measures agreed on alcohol cancer warnings
Measures to warn drinkers about the link between cancer and alcohol on bottles have been agreed by the Oireachtas Health Committee.
News-Medical.net - Alcohol and marijuana use linked to heightened risk of condomless sex in young adults
Young persons who use alcohol and/or marijuana experience heightened likelihood of condomless sex, according to a new study published in The American Journal on Addictions.
Mirror.co.uk - Ryanair introduces new rules on bringing duty-free alcohol on board - what you need to know
Drinks on a plane can often be expensive and you might be tempted to buy your own to save money - but Ryanair is cracking down on passengers hoping to get boozed up in-flight.
Express.co.uk - Ryanair calls for airports to BAN morning alcohol sales and limit drinks per passenger
RYANAIR is pleading with airports to limit alcohol sales to passengers at airports following a series of drunk and disorderly incidents on board their aircraft - although they continue to sell alcohol in the cabin.
Chron.com - Drugs, alcohol leading to more inflight groping
Citing a significant increase in the number of reported in-flight sexual assaults on commercial airlines, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning travelers to watch out for inappropriate touching by seat-mates or other passengers – and if something happens, to report it.
Globalnews.ca (Canada) - Government should limit alcohol content of sugary alcoholic drinks: committee
A House of Commons committee is calling on the federal government to place severe restrictions on the contents and advertising of sugary alcoholic drinks.
Mirror.co.uk (Spain) - Magaluf bans free alcohol in hotels in bid to end 'drunkenness tourism' epidemic
Brits planning a boozy break in Magaluf have been dealt a blow after authorities ruled free alcohol shouldn't be available in hotels.
Newshub (New Zealand) - New Zealand reaches crisis point with drinking
An alcohol expert warns New Zealand has reached 'peak booze' - and some the worst affected are older generations.
Dublin Live - Aer Lingus echo calls by Ryanair for 'zero tolerance' alcohol policy on flights
Aer Lingus has echoed calls by Ryanair for a 'zero-tolerance' policy when it comes to dealing with drunken passengers.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

FASD News - 24/2018

CBC.ca (Canada) - Yukon cited as a leader in FASD programs and services
Delegates at a national meeting on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Whitehorse say ensuring supports for people with the disability remains a priority.
Katherine Times (Australia) – Forum on hidden foetal alcohol spectrum disorders
A landmark Top End Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder forum was held in Darwin late last month.
The Guardian - The secret shame of being a sober mother
After the birth of her second child, Amelia Hill gave up drinking. Little did she realise that her simple lifestyle choice would carry such a social stigma.
Austin American-Statesman (USA) - Texas Digest: Court refuses killer’s appeal over fetal alcohol syndrome
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused an appeal from a San Antonio man on Texas’ death row for the gang rape and fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old girl in 1996.
waateanews.com (Australia) - More warnings needed on fetal alcohol effect
The Children's Commissioner wants to see more done to warn women of the risks of drinking during pregnancy.
Medscape - Umbilical Cord Tissue: A Better Way to Test for Prenatal Drug Exposure?
Clinicians are searching for quicker and easier collection methods and more accurate toxicology testing for infants affected by intrauterine substance exposure.
North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency - FASD: A Justice Perspective
Delegates, it is my privilege to be here today to talk about this most important issue. I am heartened by feedback over the last day as to the knowledge and hopes and dreams that have been shared here.
Whitehorse Daily Star (Canada) - Territory a leader in FASD, executive says
An Alberta-based executive is praising the territory for its work in addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Drink Tank (Australia) - Australia’s dangerously outdated health guidelines on alcohol and pregnancy
The Clinical Practice Guidelines: Pregnancy Care, published in February 2018, were developed to ”help ensure that women in Australia are provided with consistent, high-quality, evidence-based maternity care” and are intended for all health professionals who contribute to pregnancy care (including midwives, obstetricians, general practitioners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and allied health professionals).
The Borgen Project (South Africa) - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in South Africa: Mentor Mothers Fight Back
With a rate 14 times higher than the global average, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is more prevalent in children in South Africa than any other country in the world. In South African communities in the Western and Northern Cape, FAS is often a result of poverty, violence, substance abuse and teen pregnancies.

UPCOMING
EUFASD - European Conference on FASD 2018 (September 24-26, Germany)
The EUFASD conferences bring together academics, educators, non-governmental organisations and charities, legislators and politicians, lawyers and individuals involved in the criminal justice system, birth and adoptive families alongside individuals who themselves have FASD; shared learning will help promote the understanding of this disorder in Germany, Europe and internationally.
NOFASD Australia - It’s a Brain Thing (June 21, 2018 Australia)
In this webinar, we'll talk about how FASDs impact a person's cognitive and everyday skills, why it can be so difficult to support, and common responses we have to behaviors that may not be effective.

MATERIALS
Indiana NOFAS - 8 Magic Keys: Strategies for Students with FASD
You can support NOFAS by buying NOFAS materials. This 21-minute animated video introduces the topic of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and demonstrates key strategies that have been proven to help students who experience brain-based disorders become more successful in school and in life.

RESEARCH
University of Salford - Neurodevelopmental outcomes in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) with and without exposure to neglect : clinical cohort data from a national FASD diagnostic clinic
Postnatal neglect in this group did not make the developmental outcome any worse, suggesting that prenatal alcohol influences these outcomes independently.
International Journal of Law and Psychiatry - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Knowledge, attitudes, experiences and practices of the Western Australian youth custodial workforce
A lack of specific knowledge, inadequate training to recognise and manage young people with neurodevelopmental impairments, and inconsistent information-sharing processes reduce the ability of the custodial workforce to care for young people with FASD and other neurodevelopmental impairments.
Molecular Psychiatry - Review and gap analysis: molecular pathways leading to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
The main deficits in knowledge about FASD are the lack of pathophysiological understanding and dose–response relationships, together with the lack of reliable biomarkers for either FASD detection or estimation of susceptibility.
University of Texas - Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the Criminal Justice System
This thesis evaluates the primary areas of vulnerability for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders who encounter the criminal justice system.
Alcoholism - Alcohol‐related alterations in placental imprinted gene expression in humans mediate effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on postnatal growth
These findings identify alcohol‐related alterations in placental imprinted gene expression as potential biomarkers of adverse effect in FASD and suggest that these alterations may play a mechanistic role in fetal alcohol growth restriction.
American Academy of Pediatrics - Fetal Alcohol Exposure Remains an Urgent Public Health Issue
Investigators from multiple institutions conducted an active surveillance study to estimate the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), including fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, in first graders from 4 geographically disparate sites in the United States.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - Maternal Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Offspring: A Retrospective Analysis of the Millennium Cohort Study
The objective of this retrospective analysis of the longitudinal Millennium Cohort Study was to examine whether maternal alcohol consumption in pregnancy (MACP) is associated with the development of childhood autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Alcoholism - Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol Induces Functional and Structural Plasticity in Dopamine D1 Receptor‐Expressing Neurons of the Dorsomedial Striatum
Our model of PAE does result in persistent hyperactivity in offspring. In adult PAE offspring, hyperactivity is accompanied by potentiated glutamatergic strength and afferent connectivity in DMS D1‐MSNs, an outcome that is also consistent with the observed increase in alcohol preference in PAE offspring.
Qualitative Health Research - Mothers and Mentors: Exploring Perinatal Addiction and Recovery Through Digital Storytelling
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a growing problem for pregnant and parenting women. Woman-to-woman peer support may positively influence perinatal outcomes but little is known about the impact of such support on the women who are providing support.
JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SPORT - A CHILD WITH FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS) – NURSING CARE
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the group of conditions observed in children who happened to be exposed to the effects of alcohol in their prenatal development.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience - Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with adverse cognitive effects and distinct whole-genome DNA methylation patterns in primary school children
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is known to elicit a broad range of systemic effects, including neurophysiological alterations that result in adverse behavioural and cognitive outcomes.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Rynek Zdrowia (Poland) - Łódź: Punkt Diagnozy i Terapii FASD będzie także rehabilitować
W działającym w Łodzi Regionalnym Punkcie Diagnozy i Terapii FASD - spektrum alkoholowych zaburzeń płodu - otwarto w poniedziałek (11 czerwca) salę terapii integracji sensorycznej. Będą z niej korzystali mali pacjenci z całego województwa.
Express.de (Germany) - Tochter soll Alkohol-Krankheit FASD haben Adoptiv-Mutter: „Ich konnte nicht mehr“
Selten gab es so zahlreiche Zuhörer in einem Schadensersatzprozess. Darunter mehrere Eltern, die genau das gleiche Schicksal haben wie Klägerin Sonja L. (48): Sie bekamen ein Adoptiv-Kind vermittelt – ohne zu wissen, dass es unter der Alkoholkrankheit FASD leidet.
RTL NEXT (Germany) - Fetales Alkoholsyndrom beim Kind: Diese Folgen hat Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft
"Ach, das Schlückchen wird schon nicht schaden": Immer noch hört man diesen Satz von werdenden Müttern, die auch in der Schwangerschaft nicht konsequent auf Alkohol verzichten.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Alcohol News - 24/2018

ERR News (Finland/Estonia) - Finnish health authority: Finns bringing less alcohol back from Estonia
This spring, the amount of alcohol brought into Finland by Finns visiting Estonia shrank by 23.1% on year, Finnish public broadcaster Yle said, citing Finland's National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
STAT (USA) - Alcohol study failed to seek FDA approval, possibly violating federal rules
The controversy surrounding a study of whether moderate drinking might prevent cardiovascular disease isn’t over: If one interpretation of federal regulations is correct, the study may be in violation of Food and Drug Administration requirements meant to protect the health of research volunteers.
The Drinks Business - AB INBEV CEASES FUNDING OF CONTROVERSIAL ALCOHOL STUDY
The world’s largest brewer, AB InBev, has pulled funding for a controversial US$100 million study, conducted by US-based National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is to examine whether there are any health benefits associated with moderate drinking.
Xinhua (Belgium) - All alcohol consumption impacts health: Belgian health council
Any consumption of alcohol, however moderate, has a negative impact on health, said the Superior Council of Health (CSS) in a research report published on Monday.
ERR News (Estonia) - Study: Alcohol consumption in Estonia remains steady in 2017
According to the results of a study of the Estonian alcohol market and consumption commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs and conducted by the Institute of Economic Research (EKI), Estonian residents' alcohol consumption increased 0.7% last year to 10.3 litres of absolute alcohol per adult.
Independent.ie (Ireland) - New Italian submission raises free-trade concerns over Irish alcohol legislation
Italy has raised significant concerns about the impact of Ireland's planned alcohol legislation on free trade in a new submission made to the Irish Government in recent weeks.
NHS Choices - Not drinking alcohol linked to taking more sick leave than moderate drinking
But the results don't mean that drinking alcohol makes you healthier. One obvious explanation may be that people with some health problems avoid alcohol because it makes their condition worse, or because they're on treatments that can't be taken with alcohol.
Daily Mail (UK) - Teenage girls who are dieting are more likely to binge on alcohol and cigarettes, new study finds
Teenage girls who are dieting are far more likely to go to parties, smoke and binge-drink, scientists have claimed.
Newsroom (New Zealand) - Alcohol Act struggles under industry pressure
Alcohol industry appeals have “muted” potential benefits of legislation aimed at reducing the estimated $14.5 million a day cost of alcohol harm, a new study finds.
Alcohol Law Review (USA) - New Study Measures Effectiveness of Various State Alcohol Polices on Preventing Adult Binge Drinking
A new study has been published comparing certain state alcohol polices and ranking their effectiveness in fighting adult binge drinking.
IAS (UK) - The economic impact of changes in alcohol consumption in the UK
2018 is set to be a significant year for the UK alcohol industry as, after a prolonged legal battle, the Scottish Government has imposed a minimum unit price for alcohol of 50p per unit. Beyond Scotland, the policy has sparked debate on UK-wide policy with calls to develop a new UK alcohol strategy focused on reducing harmful consumption.
Cancer Center - Double trouble: Tobacco and alcohol combine to elevate cancer risk
For many people, smoking and drinking go together like bacon and eggs or hot dogs at a baseball game. But when it comes to cancer risk, Stephen Lynch, MD, Primary Care and Intake Physician at our Phoenix hospital, compares alcohol and tobacco to a more volatile pairing.
Cancer Council (Australia) - What a month off alcohol does to your body
A huge 80% of Aussies are alcohol drinkers and just last year, a staggering 1.9 million of us consumed more than six standard drinks per day! Participating in Dry July is the perfect opportunity to give your body a well-deserved rest.
Express (UK) - Millions suffer blackouts every week because of binge-drinking
MILLIONS of Britons endure blackouts or memory loss on a weekly basis because of binge-drinking, according to research. A survey found five per cent of the population drink so much alcohol they cannot remember where they were or how they got home.
Irish Central - Ryanair in hot water after Twitter post encourages binge drinking
Ryanair has been met with controversy following a recent Twitter post on Wednesday encouraging binge drinking that was targeted at students going on summer holidays.
NordAN (Finland/Estonia) - How to cope with cross-border alcohol trade?
Estonia is facing a similar situation where Finland has been the last 15 years when a large number of its population (but still a minority) is getting its alcohol from a neighbouring country. For Finland, the source of cheap booze has been Estonia and for Estonia, it is now Latvia.

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Alcohol News - 23/2018

EL PAÍS in English (Spain) - Half of Spaniards believe alcohol is “often” to blame for rape
A new survey has revealed Spaniards’ attitudes toward sexual violence against women. According to the results, half of Spanish men and 45.6% of Spanish women believe that rape “often” happens because of alcohol consumption, and that this makes the attackers less to blame. Indeed, 15% believe the victim is partly at fault for “having lost control” if she is drunk.
Medical News Today - Alcohol may prime the brain for Alzheimer's, but how?
Some studies have suggested that alcohol consumption could expose people to a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life. But the mechanics behind this relationship have been unclear — until now.
ERR News (Estonia) - Study: Alcohol consumption in Estonia remains steady in 2017
According to the results of a study of the Estonian alcohol market and consumption commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs and conducted by the Institute of Economic Research (EKI), Estonian residents' alcohol consumption increased 0.7% last year to 10.3 litres of absolute alcohol per adult.
EURACTIV (EU) - EU health chief not satisfied with industry’s alcohol labelling proposal
EU Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis is not pleased with the “inconsistent” proposal recently submitted by the alcohol industry on labelling and insisted that European consumers should be presented the full information of the products they purchase.
WalesOnline (Wales) - Drunk offenders will be able to go on alcohol awareness courses rather than be prosecuted
People taken into police custody after committing low-level crimes while drunk could now be offered the chance to go on an alcohol awareness course instead of being taken to court.
Telegraph.co.uk (Nigeria) - 'Sin tax' looms on tobacco and alcohol in Nigeria as fears grow of a public health crisis
Nigeria’s government defied private-sector opposition to impose a new “sin tax” on Monday amid fears that growing tobacco and alcohol consumption could threaten a public health crisis.
Park Cities People (USA) - Children Suffer When Parents Abuse Alcohol and Drugs
We are all profoundly influenced by the people who raise us. These influences include not only the genetic information we inherit from our parents, but also learned behaviors and habits, morals, and personal values, as well as the ways we relate to others – both physically (through communication) and mentally (through empathy and understanding).
Clinical Advisor - Alcohol Consumption Inversely Linked to Nonfatal Coronary Heart Disease
Alcohol consumption is inversely linked to the risk of nonfatal coronary heart disease (CHD) but not to other cardiovascular events such as ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, according to a study published in the BMJ.
Health24 - Study shows alcohol, tobacco cause more health harm than illegal drugs
Tobacco use and alcohol abuse kill nearly six million people a year, according to the WHO.It's smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol – and not taking illegal drugs – that pose the greatest risks to people's health, according to a new international study.
nDaily (Australia) - Health warning after cuts to SA Aboriginal drug and alcohol services
The head of South Australia’s drug and alcohol services network says federal funding cuts to some of the state’s Aboriginal-run drug and alcohol organisations will place imminent strain on the health sector.
Euro Weekly News - BOOZE CRACKDOWN: Ryanair bans duty free alcohol from cabin on Ibiza flights
RYANAIR has announced that passengers flying to tourist hotspot Ibiza this summer will be unable to bring alcohol bought in duty free shops onto the plane with them.
The Guardian (UK) - It’s not just the young who have a drink problem
I consume 100 times more alcohol than my dad did. Now I’ve learned that harmful drinking affects older people most, I feel I need to do better.
Global News (Canada) - Canadian women increasingly drinking themselves to death: report
The rate of women who died from causes linked directly to alcohol has increased by 26 per cent since 2001, compared with a roughly five per cent increase over the same period for men, according to CIHI.
CancerCenter - Double trouble: Tobacco and alcohol combine to elevate cancer risk
For many people, smoking and drinking go together like bacon and eggs or hot dogs at a baseball game. But when it comes to cancer risk, Stephen Lynch, MD, Primary Care and Intake Physician at our Phoenix hospital, compares alcohol and tobacco to a more volatile pairing.
Drink Tank - The strong link between cancer and alcohol
Around one in six deaths annually worldwide are due to cancer. As more countries adopt ‘Western’ lifestyles, by 2035 the number of new cancer cases worldwide is expected to rise to 24 million per year.
Business Insider - The World Cancer Research Fund has launched an online 5-minute test to show whether or not you're 'cancer attractive'
The World Cancer Research Fund with Arthur London and director Rankin have created a Cancer Health Check to see how "cancer attractive" you are.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

FASD News - 22/2018

Holyrood (Scotland) - Child poverty - the missing link
One of Scotland’s strengths is our collective willingness to face our flaws, find them unacceptable, and, (eventually!) decide to replace ‘words with deeds’. Some of Scotland’s best minds, organisations and agencies are now creating a formidable set of links in the public, third sector and philanthropic chain of research, legislation, funding, policy, and action to reduce child poverty.
The Delta Discovery - How to Correct Behavior Related to FASD
We have adopted fraternal twins who were prenatally exposed to alcohol. Our son is quite intelligent and does well in kindergarten, however issues arise at home, where is almost constantly defiant and seems to always have an agenda.
Lethbridge News Now (Canada) - FASD expert says accused in manslaughter trial is “globally impaired”
According to the testimony of a defence expert, 56-year-old Jillian Across the Mountain suffers from significant brain damage as a result of her mother’s drinking during pregnancy.
Macleod Gazette Online (Canada) - No amount of alcohol safe for pregnant women
It’s time for Albertans to talk about alcohol and pregnancy. That’s the conversation Debbie Deak is initiating in her role with the South Alberta FASD Network.
Yorkton This Week - Short doc tackles FASD
A team of recent university graduates are bringing their intimate documentary to the Yorkton Film Festival (YFF) to compete for the Ruth Shaw Award.
The Spokesman-Review - Diagnosis, revelation steer EV Parent Partnership senior on road to success
“I had a lot of excuses that I could have used to quit,” Heath said recently. “Because of FASD, I’ve always had memory problems and struggled in math. When I was 14 or 15, I started running away and acting out, and my parents wanted clarification, so we went to a psychologist who gave us that diagnosis.
The Guardian (South Africa) - Township trauma: the terrible cost of drinking during pregnancy
In a dusty township in South Africa’s sun-drenched wine country, Charay Afrika says only one thing helped numb her through a turbulent relationship and two pregnancies: alcohol.
Brides - Should You Stop Drinking While Trying to Conceive?
Despite what you may have seen on Mad Men, it's well known by now that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about alcohol before you’re actually pregnant? Is it safe to have your favorite cocktail while you're trying to conceive?
SteemKr - Childhood Diseases – A Sad & Unfortunately a Real Tragedy: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
I decided to do this article a little differently because I am covering a very serious and tragic childhood disorder called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It is a very sad and, unfortunately, a very real situation that causes our children to be born into this world with challenges and multitudes of obstacles that they must meet each day of their lives.
DrinkTank (Australia) - Historic step towards FASD screening for young detainees
Following revelations of the high presence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in youth detention last year, on 9 May 2018, Shadow Minister for Families, Youth and Community Services Elizabeth Kikkert, called upon the ACT Government to screen detainees for FASD upon entering Canberra’s Bimberi Youth Justice Centre.
AdoptionUK (UK) - FASD conference: 100 pioneers
It was standing room only. 100 parents from all over the UK, with something very important in common: They were all raising children disabled by foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This could have been a heavy and distressing day. But every one of these 100 people is a passionate advocate for their children, and a pioneer in the diagnosis and needs of children with FASD. So in fact, the day was inspiring and full of hope.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Saskatchewan Ministry of Education - Planning for Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This document is intended to assist educators in meeting the needs of students who are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Across Saskatchewan, school personnel have been working to find the best approaches for meeting the needs of all students.
AandF Podcast - Podcast Special - Adoption UK’s FASD Scotland Conference
We were delighted to be invited by Adoption UK to attend their FASD conference in Scotland to record interviews with some of their speakers and attendees. FASD is an issue that is in most of our minds, and is becoming more and more recognised as an issue that affects families where children no longer live with their birth parents.
NOFAS UK (UK) - Hear Our Voices
A new report from the FASD UK Alliance – prepared by NOFAS-UK. Drawing on experiences of more than 50 individuals and families affected by FASD.
4 Paws for Keenan

UPCOMING
EUFASD - European Conference on FASD 2018 (September 24-26, Germany)
Registration is now open. The fee schedule is given below. Click on the relevant link below to be transferred to the FASD Deutschand site for registration and payment. If you have any questions about registration, contact the EUFASD Alliance or the FASD Deutschland team.
Occupational Therapy - WEBINAR: Occupational Therapy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - FASD (25th Jun 18, Australia)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the leading cause of preventable non-genetic developmental disability in Australia. FASD is a serious public health issue with more children being born with FASD then Autism Spectrum Disorder, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and SIDS combined.
Arkansas Association for Infant Mental Health - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders 6th Annual Conference (September 20, USA)
The State Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD’s) is proud to announce the date for our 6th Annual Conference on FASD’s! This year’s conference will be held on September 20th (location to be determined). We are excited to have two very special speakers who can bring both the parent and professional perspectives to our attendees.
FASDinNC - Don’t Miss This Webinar on June 8th! FASD Prevalence and Maternal Risk Factors (June 8, 2018 USA)
Hosted by Tara Blackwood. Webinar is through NIH’s National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

RESEARCH
European Journal of Neuroscience - Lasting changes induced by mild alcohol exposure during embryonic development in BDNF, NCAM and synaptophysin positive neurons quantified in adult zebrafish
Given the evolutionary conservation across fish and mammals, we emphasize the implication of our current study for human health: even small amount of alcohol consumption may be unsafe during pregnancy.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry - A Brief History of Awareness of the Link Between Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Our analysis provides a brief overview of the discourse regarding historical awareness of the detrimental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on fetal development leading to the formal recognition of FASD as a distinct clinical entity.
Curtin University - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Fine Motor Skills: A Population-based Study of Children in the Fitzroy Valley
Fine motor skills of 108 predominantly Aboriginal children in the remote Fitzroy Valley of Western Australia were evaluated as part of a population-prevalence study on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Advances in Neurotoxicology - Developmental Neurotoxicity of Alcohol: Effects and Mechanisms of Ethanol on the Developing Brain
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) encompasses all the consequences of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy in the offspring.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry - The Standardization of Diagnostic Criteria for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Implications for Research, Clinical Practice and Population Health
Disagreement on the adoption of a standardised tool is reflective of existing gaps in research on the conditions and factors that influence fetal vulnerability to damage from exposure. This discordance has led to variability in research findings, inconsistencies in government messaging, and misdiagnoses or missed diagnoses.
Frontier in Endocrinology - Thyroid function in pregnant women with moderate to severe alcohol consumption is related to infant developmental outcomes
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have an estimated global prevalence of 2-5% of births, but prevalence is reported to be as high as 15.5% for FASD in certain high-risk communities in South Africa.
Research in Developmental Disabilities - Mathematics intervention for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A replication and extension of the math interactive learning experience (MILE) program
The replication and extension of the math intervention appears to have significant, positive impact on mathematics achievement scores of children with PAE and FASD.
Clinical Neurophysiology - Hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex as measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy and their relationships to neurobehavioral outcomes in children with FASD
Children with a history of PAE had unique characteristics in the relationships between the indices of PFC functioning and neurobehavioral problems that may be useful in differentiating alcohol-exposed children from typically developing children and those who have neurobehavioral problems not associated with PAE.
Alcoholism: Clinical and experimental research - Feasibility and acceptability of maternal choline supplementation in heavy drinking pregnant women: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
This study demonstrated that a choline supplementation program with very heavy drinkers during pregnancy is feasible even among highly disadvantaged, poorly educated women.
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology - Prenatal alcohol exposure reduces 5-HT concentration in mouse intestinal muscle and mucosa
The influence of prenatal alcohol exposure on the serotoninergic system in the brain has been well studied, however its influence on the serotoninergic system in the gastrointestinal system remains unknown.
Acta Paediatrica - Children who face development risks due to maternal addiction during pregnancy require extra medical and psychosocial resources
Children born to women with addictions during pregnancy faced a high risk of developmental problems and should be offered additional CHS resources to minimise negative long‐term consequences.
Scientific reports - Prenatal alcohol exposure increases the susceptibility to develop aggressive prolactinomas in the pituitary gland
Excess alcohol use is known to promote development of aggressive tumors in various tissues in human patients, but the cause of alcohol promotion of tumor aggressiveness is not clearly understood.
Alcoholism - Efficacy of maternal choline supplementation during pregnancy in mitigating adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on growth and cognitive function: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
This exploratory study is the first to provide evidence that a high dose of choline administered early in pregnancy can mitigate adverse effects of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure on EBC, postnatal growth, and cognition in human infants.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger (Germany) - Kölnerin zu Alkohol in Schwangerschaft „Ich vergesse, dass ich gegessen habe“
Mein Alltag läuft seit meiner Kindheit nur rund, wenn ich eine feste Struktur habe. Die brauche ich, weil ich einige Probleme habe. Zum Beispiel vergesse ich oft, dass ich vor kurzem schon was gegessen habe und esse dann noch einmal. Auch jeden Tag duschen zu gehen, fällt mir sehr schwer.“
Express.de (Germany) - Kind soll Alkohol-Krankheit haben Adoptiv-Mutter klagt auf 100.000 Euro Schadensersatz
Weil sie selbst keine Kinder bekommen kann, hatten sie und ihr Ehemann sich für eine Adoption entschieden und daraufhin 1998 über das Jugendamt des Kreises Euskirchen die damals einjährige Emily (alle Namen geändert) vermittelt bekommen.
folkehelseinstituttet (Norway) - Helse i svangerskap, fødsel og nyfødtperiode
Gravide kvinner i Norge lever jevnt over sunt og under gode materielle forhold. Gjennomsnittsalderen for fødende stiger stadig, og en økende andel barn kommer til verden etter assistert befruktning.