Pages

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Alcohol News - 43/2014

Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Time to tackle alcohol abuse
Alcohol misuse is one of Australia's major health issues. Alcohol-related harm pervades society. It is not just a problem of George Street in Sydney or Lygon Street in Melbourne or Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. The devastating consequences of alcohol misuse extend from our cities into rural and remote areas and the number of alcohol-related assaults tops 70,000 a year.
WebMD - More Kids Harmed by Pregnant Drinking Than Thought
Although drinking during pregnancy has long been considered taboo, new research suggests that as many as one in 20 U.S. children may have health or behavioral problems related to alcohol exposure before birth.
WAAY - State cigarette tax linked to alcohol consumption decline
A new study released earlier this year suggests raising state tobacco taxes may not only reduce the amount of smokers, but also alcohol consumption.
Irish Independent (Ireland) - Over 1,000 dead from alcohol in past 12 months
Pub and hotel staff are being urged to complete a new hard-hitting training course that shows the dark side of life behind the bar as it was revealed that more than 1,000 people died of alcohol-related causes in the last 12 months.
Manchester Evening News (UK) - Huge rise in number of women ending up in hospital because of alcohol abuse
The number of women ending up in hospital thanks to alcohol abuse has soared by 60pc in parts of Greater Manchester.
Science 2.0 - As Seen on TV: Advertising’s Influence on Alcohol Abuse
Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of premature death in the U.S. and responsible for one in every 10 deaths. The statistics that describe the ways in which we drink ourselves to death are staggering.
Belfast Telegraph (Northern Ireland) - Worrying rise in alcohol abuse among Northern Ireland's elderly
Alarming numbers of senior citizens are turning to alcohol in what is being called one of Northern Ireland's biggest hidden problems.
Daily Mail (Scotland) - Scotland to cut drink drive limit in time for Christmas after 1 in 10 road deaths are linked to alcohol
The drink-drive limit is to be cut in Scotland in time for Christmas, it was announced today. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill revealed plans which to reduce the blood alcohol limit from 80mg in every 100ml of blood to 50mg from December 5.
Medical Xpress - Binge drinking in young men linked with increased risk of hypertension
Binge drinking in early adulthood is associated with an increased likelihood of high blood pressure in males, while low to moderate alcohol use in early adulthood is associated with a decreased likelihood of hypertension in females.
Cyprus Mail (Cyprus) - ‘Alcohol too easily accessible to minors in nightclubs’
CYPRUS HAS the second highest level of accessibility of alcoholic drinks for minors in nightclubs across Europe, parliament heard on Thursday.
Science Nordic - Few really boost health with alcohol
Only about 15 percent of the population can use their health as an excuse for enjoying a couple of glasses of red wine daily.
Iceland Magazine (Iceland) - 67 per cent of Icelanders oppose to the idea of allowing the sale of wine in grocery stores
A new researched carried out by Fréttablaðið newspaper reveals that 67 per cent of Icelanders are opposed introducing new laws that allow the sale of wine and beer in grocery stores. 30 per cent are in favour. The result comes as a surprise to Vilhjálmur Árnason, MP for the Independence Party, who presented the bill to Alþingi yesterday.
ERR News (Estonia) - Tallinn Health Committee Wants to Ban Alcohol Sale on Sundays
The Health Committee of Tallinn City Council has proposed a ban on selling alcohol in Tallinn on Sundays.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Alcohol News - 42/2014

BBC News (UK) - Rise in liver deaths linked to alcohol
Public Health England says 24-hour drinking and higher levels of alcohol consumption are fuelling the "rapid and shocking" increase in death rates seen in recent years.
Herald Scotland (Scotland) - One child under 10 treated for alcohol abuse every week
HUNDREDS of children under 10 have been treated for alcohol-related injuries or illness in Scotland in the last three years, new figures show.
Irish Times (Ireland) - Be aware of the links between alcohol and cancer
Did you know that alcohol consumption is considered a risk factor for some types of cancer, and that limiting alcohol intake could reduce the risk?
Daily Mail - Obesity and alcohol may be more likely to trigger a heart attack than 'bad' genes
Lifestyle factors such as a poor diet, smoking and a lack of exercise are more likely to trigger heart attacks than family history, a new study has warned.
Communitycare.co.uk (UK) - Children living with parental alcohol abuse are being missed by system, report finds
Children living with parental alcohol misuse are missing out on support if their parents have not already sought treatment, according to a report by the children’s commissioner.
WalesOnline (Wales) - Young people in Wales drink more alcohol each week than any other part of the UK, new report reveals
Professor Mark Bellis, of Public Health Wales, says the impact of alcohol is creating an 'enormous pressure' on our health system.
Washington Post (France) - France, where children sip wine, wants to end binge drinking
When the French school semester started in September, most college students had no lack of drinking opportunities. As is common in other countries, French freshmen are usually encouraged to drink heavily in initiation ceremonies. But soon the excessive drinking could face a sudden end. According to a French draft health bill, inciting binge drinking could be punishable with up to a year in jail or a hefty fine.
BBC News (Finland/Scotland) - Finland backs Scottish minimum alcohol pricing
The Finnish government is set to give its support to the Scottish government in a controversial court case over minimum pricing levels for alcohol.
SunLive (New Zealand) - New alcohol limits looming
New drink drive laws halving the current alcohol driving limits will come in play on December 1. Under the new law the breath alcohol limit drops from 400 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath to 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre breath.
Daily Mail (UK) - Alcopops are 'fuelling a rise in liver deaths', warn doctors as death rate rises 40% in just 10 years
The ‘alcopop generation’ is dying needlessly from liver disease fuelled by alcohol and obesity, a report warns.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

FASD News - 41/2014

NEWS and ARTICLES
Sentinel-Standard - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: The missing diagnosis
Tracy, the 13-year-old adopted daughter of my friend, was expelled from school for two days last week. When she was asked why. she honestly couldn't remember. But when pressed for an answer, she yelled, "I hate math, I hate my teacher, I hate school!" Ironically, the problem occurred in homeroom, with her English teacher. Why did she lie? Did she lie?
Scoop.co.nz (New Zealand) - More to be done on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
A ‘Call to Action’ released today calls for more to be done to address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in New Zealand.
The Georgetown Dish (Italy) - Italy Teams With US
“It was good to welcome back NOFAS this year at our Embassy in support of such an important cause,” said The Ambassador of Italy Claudio Bisogniero at the 25th Anniversary Gala of NOFAS to celebrate International FASD Awareness Day and Smart Moms, Healthy Babies.
KUNM (USA) - Searching For Answers On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Terry Trujillo’s family has been facing an ordeal that would be familiar to a surprising number of Americans. Holding back tears, she remembers the moment she had to explain to her adopted nephew that his severe learning disabilities, memory problems and behavior issues were the result of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Uniontown Herald Standard - Attorney argues IQ, fetal alcohol syndrome should be considered in death penalty appeal
The attorney for a former Point Marion man on death row for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend argued in a state Supreme Court appeal that the man’s intellectual disability precludes capital punishment and he should be awarded a new trial in light of testimony that police withheld evidence from the original trial.
Open Democracy (UK) - If you could prevent brain damage in a child, would you?
Ahead of a debate in Parliament the eminent paediatrician and former first Children’s Commissioner for England urges the UK Government to take action on the most important preventable cause of brain damage in children.
BBC - Is it ever OK to drink when you are pregnant?
Women who binge drink and later find out they were pregnant at the time are seeking abortions under the misapprehension their babies will suffer foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a charity has warned.
CBCNews (Canada) - New FASD program builds bridges between children and police
A new recreation program in Waterloo Region is changing the way police officers look at boys with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, a developmental disability caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.
Sunday Express - Red wine is NOT good for pregnant woman, according to new study
ENJOYING the odd tipple of red wine while pregnant may not be good for you as hoped, according to scientists who say its 'healthy' ingredient could harm the unborn child's pancreas.
CBCNews - Mental illness best detected early in schools, doctors say
Schools can play an important role in reaching children and youth with mental illnesses that last into adulthood, say child psychiatrists who suggest ways to implement better access to care.

RESOURCES
Be With Child Without Alcohol – WEBSITE
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries is committed to the safe, healthy and responsible use of alcohol. We believe people should be able to enjoy beverage alcohol products but not at the expense of anyone’s health and well-being.
forebygging.no - The Body-Behaviour Connection: A first hand perspective about FASD
Liz Lawryk, Chief Clinical Examiner and Executive Director of the FASD Foundation, Canada. Myles Himmelreich, living with FASD he provides a multidimentional, educational perspective.

RESEARCH
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Alcohol consumption during gestation causes histone3 lysine9 hyperacetylation and an alternation of expression of heart development-related genes in mice
Alcohol abuse during gestation may cause congenital heart diseases (CHDs). The underlying mechanisms of alcohol-induced cardiac deformities are still not clear. Recent studies suggest that histone modification may play a crucial role in this pathological process.
Studies in Family Planning - Intended and Unintended Pregnancies Worldwide in 2012 and Recent Trends
Periodic estimation of the incidence of global unintended pregnancy can help demonstrate the need for and impact of family planning programs. We draw upon multiple sources of data to estimate pregnancy incidence by intention status and outcome at worldwide, regional, and subregional levels in 2012 and to assess recent trends using previously published estimates for 2008 and 1995.
Alcohol - Effect of repeated alcohol exposure during the third trimester-equivalent on messenger RNA levels for interleukin-1beta, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2, and interleukin 10 in the developing rat brain after injection of lipopolysaccharide
Microglia undergo maturation during the third trimester of human development (equivalent to the first 1–2 weeks of postnatal life in rodents), during which these cells may be particularly sensitive to insult.
Addictive Disorders and Their Treatment - A clinical overview of fetal alcohol syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading cause of mental retardation worldwide and is also the foremost preventable cause of neurobehavioral and developmental abnormalities. In this paper, we discuss those aspects of fetal alcohol syndrome relevant to the clinician: its clinical characteristics, assessment, diagnosis, and prevention.
Addictive Disorders and Their Treatment - Investigation of the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (the ASSIST) version 3.0 in pregnancy
To investigate the utility of the World Health Organization’s Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) Version (V) 3.0 for identifying substance use disorders in pregnancy.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Temat.net (Poland) - Szuka rodzeństwa, walczy z czasem
Pan Adam* ponad 9 lat temu adoptował chłopca. Nikt wtedy nie przypuszczał, że adoptowany syn po latach okaże się ciężko chory. Pan Adam, oprócz tego, że zajmuje się intensywnym leczeniem syna, próbuje także dotrzeć do rodzin, które adoptowały młodsze rodzeństwo chłopca.
MondoLiberOnline (Italy) - Alcol e abuso: una piaga sociale
Due bambini su cento in Europa e uno su cento negli Stati Uniti soffrono di disordini feto-alcolici, ovvero difetti, disturbi dell’apprendimento, problemi comportamentali e malattie mentali causate dal consumo di alcol della loro madre durante la gravidanza. Per tentare di arginare la piaga, la European Fasd Alliance ha lanciato, in venti Paesi tra cui l’Italia, la campagna-shock “Too young to drink”.
Monitorul de Botosani (Romania) - Obiceiuri interzise în timpul sarcinii
Când afli că eşti însărcinată, începi să devii atentă la tot felul de informaţii şi să auzi tot felul de îndemnuri şi sfaturi, dintre care unele te pot speria mai mult, altele mai puţin.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Alcohol News - 41/2014

Scottish Daily Record (Scotland) - Dad's heartbreaking letter to dead daughter who drank herself to death at just 24 as he calls for radical change to alcohol laws
JIM Thomson penned the heart-rending letter to his daughter Leigh which we publish today and said: "Your illness meant things were just beyond your control. I just hope that lessons can be learned from your situation."
The Conversation UK (UK) - Medicating alcohol problems shouldn’t mask moralising about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ drinking
The use of nalmefene to reduce alcohol consumption was recently endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Nalmefene is a drug that is used to incrementally reduce cravings for alcohol. NICE recommends it is used, alongside psychosocial treatments such as counselling, to treat people regarded as dependent on alcohol.
Health24.com - Alcohol, not Ebola, possible cause of Briton's death in Macedonia
Doctors in Macedonia have "serious indications" that alcohol, not Ebola, may have killed a British man visiting the Balkan country, a senior health official said on Friday.
HealthCanal.com - Alcohol awareness needed to beat cancer
A Monash University and Cancer Council New South Wales study suggests only 47 per cent of the general public know that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for cancer.
Times of India - Moderate alcohol intake affects sperm quality
The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, examined 1,200 Danish male military recruits between the ages of 18 and 28 years, all of whom underwent a medical examination between 2008 and 2012.
The Guardian (Australia) - Half of Australians unaware excessive alcohol increases cancer risk
Many Australians are putting themselves at risk of developing cancer because they have no idea that drinking too much alcohol is an important risk factor, new research shows.
Herald Sun (Australia) - Booze takes deadly toll as alcohol problems hit harder than drugs
The figures show more than 26,000 Victorians drank themselves into hospital beds in 2012-13 — more than three times those hospitalised for using illicit drugs.
Irish Medical Times (Ireland) - Another round in the alcohol debate
The great debate over our love affair with alcohol is never far from our lips, but at Budget time both sides tend to raise their voices, if not their glasses, that bit more.
Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) - Massive response to DCC alcohol plan
Plans to bring forward the 4am closing time of Dunedin bars have sparked the highest number of submissions to the Dunedin City Council for any issue in years.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Alcohol News - 39/2014

NHS Choices (UK) - Minimum alcohol pricing would 'save 100s of lives'
“‘Hundreds of lives lost' over failure to bring in minimum alcohol pricing,” The Independent reports. The news is based on research that modelled the effect of a minimum alcohol price per unit of around 40-50p. It suggested that this would be 50 times more effective than the current ban on "below-cost sales" (where alcohol is sold at a loss to attract sales of other goods).
Boston magazine's Boston Daily - Researchers Identify Brain Changes in Alcohol-Related Sleep Disturbances
Drinking too much can make you “pass out” or ease into sleep faster, but we all know the truth: Drunk sleep is the worst.
The Independent (UK) - Average Briton spends £50,000 on alcohol over course of lifetime
The average person in Britain spends almost £50,000 on alcohol during their lifetime, a charity has warned, calling for people to abstain from drinking in October.
ABC Online (Australia) - Alcohol interlock devices mandatory in Victoria for drink-drivers who have licences cancelled
Drink-drivers in Victoria who have their licence cancelled will today have special locks fitted to their cars to prevent them driving while under the influence.
Medical News Today - We drink more alcohol on days of increased physical activity
Worked hard at the gym today? Chances are you will treat yourself to a drink or two, according to a new study. Researchers from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, found that that on days when exercise increases, so does alcohol consumption.
CBC.ca (Canada) - Moderate alcohol use increases breast cancer risk, UVic study says
Even moderate drinkers face an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, according to a new study from the University of Victoria’s Centre for Addictions Research of B.C. (CARBC).
NEWS.com.au (Australia) - Fears raised of ‘death or serious injury’ from alcohol-fuelled violence if Adelaide parklands dry zone fails
A DEATH or serious injury will occur unless a dry zone is created throughout the south parklands blighted by escalating alcohol-fuelled violence, critics say.
TheParliamentMagazine.eu (EU) - Alcohol responsible for 'nearly 10 per cent' of energy intake in adults
The EU must rethink its alcohol labelling legislation to help consumers to make 'healthy choices', says Glenis Willmott.
Daily Mail (Australia) - Anti-alcohol group calls for booze to be banned on planes following increase in mid-air incidents
Most travellers have experienced a tiresome flight being seated next to the stag party guzzling beers at eight in the morning, or the passenger who over-indulged on the free wine in the lounge.
CommDigiNews - Shocker: Alcoholics subsidizing the alcohol industry
Out of all American adults, 10% have the distinction of almost single-handedly supporting the spirits industry. A recent poll shows that 30% of American Adults don’t drink – ever. Another 30% of American adults drink less than one drink per week.