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Thursday, December 19, 2019

Alcohol News - 50/2019


The Conversation AU (Australia) - Cap your alcohol at 10 drinks a week: new draft guidelines
New draft alcohol guidelines, released today, recommend healthy Australian women and men drink no more than ten standard drinks a week and no more than four on any one day to reduce their risk of health problems.
CBS News (USA) - "Sober curious" Americans are reshaping nightlife: "I actually have more fun without alcohol"
A growing group of Americans are reducing their consumption of alcohol or cutting it out entirely. Interest in the "sober curious" community can be seen at new alcohol-free bars and events and online, with more than 1.2 million #soberlife Instagram posts and more than 500,000 #soberissexy posts.
Eng.Lsm.lv (Latvia) - Health Ministry plans to reduce drink drive limit, tighten alcohol advertising
The permitted blood alcohol limit should be reduced to 0.2 % for all drivers and a raft of restrictions introduced on alcohol advertising and promotion according to a Health Ministry plan for 2020-2022 submitted to government December 19.
News-Medical.net - Harmful alcohol consumption pattern may damage heart tissue
A pattern of harmful alcohol consumption, or heavy drinking, increases level of blood biomarkers indicating heart tissue damage, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the open access journal of the American Heart Association.
Al Jazeera America (USA) - Wall Street firms swap alcohol for mocktails this holiday season
Wellness themes cater to health-conscious employees while helping firms avoid alcohol-fueled liabilities in #MeToo era.
Extra.ie (Ireland) - ‘We cannot wait forever’ – Varadkar says minimum alcohol pricing will have to go ahead without NI
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that ‘we cannot wait forever’ to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol despite continuing uncertainty over Stormont.
Aberdeen Evening Express (UK) - Children’s exposure to TV ads for alcohol and gambling stabilises
Children’s exposure to television ads for alcohol and gambling has broadly stabilised while the number of junk food ads they see has significantly declined since 2016, according to new figures.
Inverse - 726 teen brains show alcohol had one surprising, long-term effect
While the novelty of binge-drinking in a basement can wane as teens transition into young adulthood, those early drunken moments stick around as physical traces in the brain.
News Now Finland (Finland) - Drug and alcohol deaths up again in 2018
A record number of people died from drugs-related causes in Finland during 2018 – up more than 20% from the year before at 261 death.
SowetanLIVE (South Africa) - EFF wants alcohol adverts to be banned
The EFF wants a total ban of alcohol advertisements in SA. This was one of the resolutions taken by the party delegates at its three-day assembly that, among other things, elected a new leadership in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
Atlanta Journal Constitution - Study: Light alcohol consumption linked to cancer
A recent Japanese study found that light to moderate drinking increases the risk of cancer.
Qrius (USA) - The Evolving Drinking culture in US
Alcohol is an integral part of many cultures around the world, including the United States. Alcohol is used for celebration, for mourning, and everything in between.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Alcohol News in 2019

Alcohol has been a major news in 2019. In a local and global level. With important research findings, changing the way alcohol is seen and discussed. Policies have been improved and sometimes also weakened. Alcohol was in the headlines and here is a short overview. Come back to our weekly newsletters also in 2020.

Sunday, December 8, 2019

FASD News - 49/2019


CBC.ca (Canada) - Adults in the N.W.T. can soon get diagnosed at a new FASD clinic
Eric Wardell has long suspected he has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), but he's never been diagnosed. The 51-year-old who lives in Yellowknife says he's been told by relatives his mother drank when he was in​​ the womb.
National Health Executive (UK) - Foetal disorder research set to be ‘best data in UK’
A research fellow from the University of Salford is currently working on what could be the ‘best data’ in the UK on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
UMM News, Sports & Events (USA) - Preventing Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy in Native Youth
A UMD public health faculty member has been collaborating with several Northern Plains American Indian tribes to address the problem of alcohol-exposed pregnancies (AEPs) in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women.
East Village Magazine (USA) - Neurodevelopmental Center for Excellence marks first year of helping Flint kids
In the spring of 2018 the case was settled for the plaintiffs and the funds became available: $3 million allowed the start-up of the Neurodevelopmental Center of Excellence (NCE), an expansion of GHS assessment services for autism and fetal alcohol syndrome.
The News Journal (USA) - Instead of stigma, these babies exposed to drugs and alcohol found open arms
Three sets of tiny eyes looked up at Erin Meyer and Sandra Medinilla that Friday morning around their kitchen island. The first pair belonged to caramel-skinned 3-year-old Xavier and his permanent slight smile.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Alcohol lobby says new pregnancy warning labels 'too expensive'
The alcohol lobby has launched a fresh offensive against the regulator's mandatory pregnancy warning labels, claiming it will cost manufacturers $600 million to redesign their products.
ABC15 Arizona (USA) - New non-profit treats newborns with substance exposure
Jo and Brain Jones are describing the end of their 2019 as, "a little surreal." That's because their non-profit Jacob's Hope, named after their late adopted son is now caring for their very first baby.
Binghamton University (USA) - DOCTORAL STUDENTS EARN NATIONAL AWARDS FOR ALCOHOL-RELATED RESEARCH
Two doctoral students in behavioral neuroscience have received prestigious NIH National Research Service Awards from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
Drymester - CHAMPIONING HEALTHY PREGNANCIES THIS CHRISTMAS
At #DRYMESTER, we’re encouraging mums-to-be to go alcohol free for the duration of their pregnancy as this is the safest approach for a healthy pregnancy. We’re also asking families, friends and local communities to get on board and show their support for mums-to-be this Christmas.
Alcohol.org - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Dysmorphic)
It is well-known that drinking can harm fetal development during pregnancy. This can include the earliest stages of pregnancy, so drinking at all while attempting to become pregnant can be harmful to the child.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Health Nexus Santé - W25-E Webinar: FASD and the Role of ECEs in the Prevention of FASD
Develop a basic understanding of FASD including prevalence, diagnosis and FASD-Informed Approaches. Learn about the most effective ways to prevent or reduce the incidence of FASD with parents and the young children they work with, as well as the larger community.
NOFASD Australia - Building Carer Resilience #1 - Eileen Devine
Managing the Toll of Caregiver Trauma and Building Resiliency in Families Impacted by FASD. NOFASD Australia has partnered with FASD specialist Eileen Devine to provide a 3-part web series on building resilience for parents and carers of those living with FASD.
Alive People - Courts no place for fetal alcohol victims
When Teina Pora’s appeal was upheld by the Privy Council in 2015, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) gained a rare moment in the spotlight.
Werry Workforce Whāraurau - Champions’ Forum - Michelle Brewerton, Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui, FASD
Hosted by Werry Workforce Whāraurau, SPHC: Supporting Parents Healthy Children Champions' Forum 2019

RESEARCH
Bioelectricity - Preventing Ethanol-Induced Brain and Eye Morphology Defects Using Optogenetics
These results, particularly the last, raise the exciting possibility of using bioelectric modulation to treat ethanol-induced brain and eye birth defects, possibly with extant ion channel drugs already prescribed to pregnant women. This may prove to be a simple and cost-effective strategy for reducing the impact of FASD.
University of Calgary - A profile of young Albertans with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
These findings provide evidence that collaborative programming, resourcing and planning may enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for children with FASD in Alberta.
Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity - Recent developments in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
The current review highlights recent publications from January 2018 to August 2019 showing continued medical advancement in improving the care for children and families affected by FASD.
pubs.iseralaska.org - FASD Costs: Evidence from Hawaii Medicaid Data
We find evidence that the number of initial conditions is positively associated with the number of visits and accumulated medical costs and that 20% of the patients are responsible for 85.85% of the total spending.
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Distribution of Phosphatidylethanol in Maternal and Fetal Compartments after Chronic Gestational Binge Alcohol Exposure
All major PEth homologues were detected in maternal and fetal blood following chronic gestational binge alcohol exposure; homologue distribution profiles were tissue specific.
Children and Youth Services Review - Identifying Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and psychiatric comorbidity for Children and Youth in Care: A community approach to diagnosis and treatment
This study supports the utility of an integrated community approach to diagnosing and treating comorbid psychiatric disorders in FASD by employing existing child protection and physician services in a community setting.
Forensic Scholars Today - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Sexually Inappropriate Behaviors: A Guide for Criminal Justice and Forensic Mental Health Professionals
These examples provide detailed descriptions of the various areas of functioning affected by FASD and how this can result in different kinds of inappropriate sexual behaviors resulting in involvement in both the mental health and criminal justice systems.
International Medico-Legal Reporter Journal - Alcohol Consumption in Women during Pregnancy and Lactation
This review gives you the detailed study about how the pregnant can get harm by the alcohol during pregnancy.
Bioethics - Abortion is incommensurable with fetal alcohol syndrome
A recent article argued for the immorality of abortion regardless of personhood status by comparing the impairment caused by fetal alcohol syndrome to the impairment caused by abortion.
Disability and Health Journal - Mental health outcomes among parents of a child who has a developmental disability: Comparing different types of developmental disability
These findings are important for understanding families which include a child with a DD, as a guide for future research, and for developing effective programs and services for these parents.
Health & Place - My partner and my neighbourhood: The built environment and social networks’ impact on alcohol consumption during early pregnancy
Interventions and recommendations should include an ecological perspective on prenatal community-health programs – focusing on individual, social, and natural factors as well as the built environment.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Effects of maternal binge alcohol consumption on emotional, cognitive and addictive behaviour in mice
Maternal alcohol binge drinking during pregnancy can be deleterious for the developing foetus, leading to a wide range of long-lasting morphological and neurobehavioural disabilities known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, associated with a higher risk of developing substance use disorders later in life.
Midwifery - Barriers and facilitators in antenatal settings to screening and referral of pregnant women who use alcohol or other drugs: A qualitative study of midwives’ experience
Availability of a multidisciplinary team, funds and specialised care facilities such as detoxification and mental health services, especially in regional and rural areas, are necessary to effectively support at-risk pregnant women.
SMAD, Rev. Eletrônica Saúde Mental Álcool Drog. - The use of alcoholic beverage among pregnant teens
The need for actions to prevent alcohol use during gestation and the relevance of the role of nurses in the integral follow-up during prenatal care is reafirmed.
The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine - In utero teratogen exposure and cardiometabolic risk in 5-year-old children: a prospective pediatric study
Children exposed to both maternal smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy presented with cardiometabolic risk factors 5 years after birth. In addition, maternal adiposity, male sex, and low birth weight were associated with higher IMT at age 5 years.
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth - Alcohol use, pregnancy and associated risk factors: a pilot cross-sectional study of pregnant women attending prenatal care in an urban city
Alcohol consumption is prevalent in the periconceptional period and during pregnancy in pregnant women attending prenatal care in Zambia. Findings underscore the need for targeted alcohol use screening and intervention for pregnant women.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Alcohol use and binge drinking among U.S. men, pregnant and non-pregnant women ages 18–44: 2002–2017
Drinking increased in U.S. women ages 21–44, but not those who were pregnant. Increases in women and continuing high rates in men indicate the need for better public health efforts.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Healthnews (Germany) - Alkohol ist schuld an zahlreichen angeborenen Behinderungen
Der Deutsche Verband der Ergotherapeuten (DVE) warnt vor Alkoholkonsum, denn dieser gehört in Deutschland zu den häufigsten Ursachen für geistige Beeinträchtigungen bei Nachkommen.
Wirtualna Bogatynia (Poland) - Wernisaż wystawy "Ciąża bez alkoholu"
W ramach bogatyńskich działań, związanych z Gminnym Programem Profilaktyki i Rozwiązywania Problemów Alkoholowych, Gminna Komisja Rozwiązywania Problemów Alkoholowych, Biblioteka Publiczna oraz Grupa BG Flesh włączyła się w kampanię opracowując ulotki, bilbordy, plakaty oraz wystawę, której wernisaż odbędzie się 17 stycznia 2020 roku o godzinie 17:00 w Bibliotece Publicznej Miasta i Gminy w Bogatyni.
RP ONLINE (Germany) - Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft - die große Gefahr für werdende Mütter
Trinken werdende Mütter während der Schwangerschaft Alkohol, gefährden sie ihr Baby massiv. Mit den Spätschäden müssen sich Kind und Eltern für den Rest ihres Lebens auseinandersetzen.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Alcohol News - 49/2019


Reuters - Instagram to collect ages in leap for youth safety, alcohol ads
Facebook Inc’s Instagram said it will require birthdates from all new users starting on Wednesday, expanding the audience for ads for alcohol and other age-restricted products while offering new safety measures for younger users.
EurekAlert - Stricter alcohol policies related to lower risk of cancer
In a new study, researchers at Boston Medical Center and Boston University have uncovered a new association between more restrictive alcohol policies and lower rates of cancer mortality.
The Conversation UK (UK) - Alcohol deaths in the UK – second highest since records began
It’s easy to forget how toxic alcohol is, although this collective lapse of memory is not accidental as the alcohol industry does all it can to curate a positive image of drink. In the UK, the industry depends on heavy drinkers and spends around £800 million a year on marketing.
The Independent (UK) - MORE THAN 1,000 BRITISH SKIERS INJURED EVERY DAY AFTER DRINKING ALCOHOL ON SLOPES
More than 1,000 Britons a day get injured on skiing holidays after consuming alcohol, according to new research.
Iowa State Daily - Study finds alcohol ads lead to an increase in underage drinking
Advertising strategies used by beer companies appear to influence underage drinking, according to new research from Iowa State.
Medical Xpress - The influence of alcohol consumption among cohabitating partners
Research has linked a partner's or spouse's drinking with changes in alcohol-related behaviours, but few studies have considered only cohabiting relationships.
BBC News (Scotland) - Alcohol death rates dropping in Scotland
Death rates caused by alcohol have dropped in Scotland in the past 10 years, according to new figures.
ERR News (Estonia) - Minister of Finance says alcohol tax cuts increased economic growth
Minister of Finance Martin Helme (EKRE) speculated that the government's decision to reduce the alcohol excise duty was behind the 4.2 percent economic growth in the third quarter announced on Friday.
7NEWS.com.au (Australia) - Alcohol health strategy 'lacks ambition'
A new national strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm lacks ambition, health advocates say. The Public Health Association of Australia said the strategy had been too long in the making and too influenced by the alcohol industry.
ERR News (Estonia) - Tallinn removes alcohol sale restrictions from city council agenda
Though the Tallinn city council was set to approve the capital's alcohol sales restrictions bill during its sitting on Thursday, the city government withdrew the bill from the agenda.
Medical Xpress - New report exposes 'pink and pretty' alcohol marketing tactics to women
A new report has uncovered the tactics the alcohol industry is using to make their products more appealing to women and calls on the Australian Government to introduce stronger controls on alcohol marketing, independent of the alcohol industry.
msnNOW - This is the Amount of Alcohol That Increases Breast Cancer Risk
Alcohol has long been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, but how much is enough to make a difference? It seems even a moderate intake—drinking one glass of wine, beer, or any other type of alcohol a day—may raise your risk of breast cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund.
Telegraph.co.uk - How to survive Christmas when you're a recovering alcoholic
For years, Catherine Renton relied on alcohol to get her through social situations. When she turned her back on drinking in her mid 30s, Catherine had to endure isolation and panic attacks but she's now looking forward to a clear-headed party season — and here's how you can too.
The Brussels Times (Belgium) - Green light for alcohol ban in Brussels pedestrian zone
The Brussels city council approved an alcohol ban on the downtown pedestrian zone on Monday, following in the footsteps of other districts and municipalities due to numerous nuisance complaints.
Isle of Wight County Press (Isle of Wight) - Almost 1,500 Isle of Wight people dependent on alcohol
ALMOST 1,500 people on the Isle of Wight are dependent on alcohol — but numbers have fallen.
Budapest Business Journal (Hungary) - Food, alcohol spending well above EU average
Research by Eurostat on household expenditures across the European Union in 2018 reveals that Hungarians spend a larger than average proportion of their expenses on food; alcohol and tobacco; fuel and maintenance of personal transport; and communications.
Flux Magazine - How to inform your children about drug and alcohol addiction
There are a few reasons why parents should definitely talk to their children about drug or alcohol addiction. The first reason is that D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Reinforcement Education) programs that were at schools some time ago didn’t have any positive results.
Irish Post (Ireland) - Over 75% of young people in Ireland have tried alcohol while 24% have tried marijuana
OVER THREE-QUARTERS (78%) of young Irish people have tried alcohol, a new study has revealed. It's also emerged that almost one in four (24%) young people in the country have smoked marijuana at least once.
NL Times (Netherlands) - BREWERIES REWARD STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS FOR MORE ALCOHOL USE: REPORT
While student associations like Vindicat in Groningen made agreements to reduce excessive alcohol use among its members, doing so in practice will prove to be difficult. Because student associations are financially rewarded by beer breweries and other alcohol providers for selling more alcohol to their members, RTV Noord reports based on its own research.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Alcohol lobby says new pregnancy warning labels 'too expensive'
The alcohol lobby has launched a fresh offensive against the regulator's mandatory pregnancy warning labels, claiming it will cost manufacturers $600 million to redesign their products.