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Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Alcohol News - 39/2018

World Health Organisation - Global status report on alcohol and health 2018
More than 3 million people died as a result of harmful use of alcohol in 2016, according a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) today. This represents 1 in 20 deaths. More than three quarters of these deaths were among men. Overall, the harmful use of alcohol causes more than 5% of the global disease burden.
World Health Organization - Adolescents drink less, although levels of alcohol consumption are still dangerously high
A new WHO report published today, Adolescent alcohol-related behaviours: trends and inequalities in the WHO European Region, 2002–2014, provides new insights into data collected over 12 years on adolescent drinking.
The Times (UK) - Teenagers are calling time on alcohol
Teenage drinking has declined dramatically in Scotland over the past decade with one of the largest falls in alcohol consumption in Europe.
RACGP (Australia) - NT putting a minimum floor price on alcohol: Evidence shows it works to reduce harm
From October 1 2018, one standard drink in the Northern Territory (NT) will cost a minimum of A$1.30. This is known as floor price, which is used to calculate the minimum cost at which a product can be sold, depending on how many standard drinks the product contains.
BBC News (Italy) - Venice considers nightly ban on carrying alcohol
Venice is set to ban carrying bottles in the streets in its latest effort to combat the torrent of tourists that flood the city every year.
Big Think - The 'harmful use' of alcohol leads to about six deaths per minute, says new WHO report
Alcohol is responsible for 5 percent of all deaths worldwide, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The report, which used global data for 2016, includes some sobering statistics.
EURACTIV (ÈU) - EU Commission seeks ‘quick fix’ solution on alcohol labelling proposals
The European Commission is pushing for a “quick fix” solution to the alcohol labelling deadlock before the end of its mandate, an official close to the issue told EURACTIV.com.
Reykjavík Grapevine (Iceland) - Bill To Legalise Alcohol Sales In Icelandic Shops
Torsteinn Víglundsson, the vice chair of the Reform Party, has submitted a bill to Parliament that, if passed, would legalise the sale of alcohol in private shops, RÚV reports.
Eater Montreal (Canada) - Here’s Where Quebec’s Political Parties Stand on Alcohol Laws, Food Policy, and the SAQ
Quebec’s election is coming up on Monday October 1, and while much of the campaign has been dominated by issues such as immigration, healthcare and the economy at large, each of the four major parties have distinct policies on issues around food, alcohol and cannabis, nightlife, and government bodies that are involved with the hospitality world like the SAQ and Loto-Québec.
The Independent (UK) - One in five university students say they do not drink any alcohol
More than one in five students say they are teetotal – and the demand for alcohol-free university events and halls is on the rise, a report has found.
The Scotsman (Scotland) - Limit access to and marketing of alcohol, experts advise
Government intervention and regulation is key to reducing the harmful effects of alcohol, says a leading health campaigner.
Mirror.co.uk (UK) - More than HALF of British military personnel 'drinking dangerously high levels of alcohol'
More than half of servicemen and women are drinking dangerously high levels of alcohol , top brass have been warned.
tvnz (New Zealand) - Researchers call for Government action on alcohol harm as up to 3000 babies born with alcohol-related brain damage a year
Otago University researchers are calling for government action on reducing alcohol-related harm, as a new study shows a large number of New Zealand women drink alcohol during pregnancy despite evidence of potential harm to their babies.
The Lancet - Partnerships with the alcohol industry at the expense of public health
Public Health England (PHE) and Drinkaware launched the Drink Free Days campaign on Sept 10, 2018. 1 PHE's partnership with the alcohol industry-funded body Drinkaware attracted widespread criticism before the launch when 46 public health professionals called for it to be halted.
Moneycontrol.com - Increasing excise taxes might discourage people from buying alcohol: Report
The harmful effects of alcohol are the fifth leading risk factor for premature deaths and disability. It is among the top risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, the report said.
The Journal (Ireland) - Decision to not include cancer warnings on alcohol products an 'insult to those who have suffered from cancer'
SENATOR FRANCES BLACK has condemned Simon Harris’ decision to drop proposed cancer warning labels on alcohol products from the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill.
The Journal (Ireland) - Cancer warning labels on alcohol products will not be ditched from Public Health Alcohol Bill
CANCER WARNING LABELS on alcohol products will be kept in the new alcohol laws, despite opposition for them to be scrapped.
Cancer Health (USA) - Inside the NIH Website Controversy Around Alcohol and Cancer Risk
Last week, a public health researcher from Boston University called out the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to change information on one of its websites about the links between drinking alcohol and developing certain types of cancer.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

FASD News - 38/2018

ABC News (Australia) - Thousands of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder miss out on NDIS funding due to lack of diagnosis
Thousands of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are missing out on National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding because there are so few specialists who can diagnose and assess the impact of the disorder.
AAP News (USA) - Managing patients with FASD: New report offers clinical guidance
“I did not know alcohol could harm his brain while his mom was pregnant.”
Those are the words of a father unaware that alcohol is a known teratogen and that prenatal alcohol exposure is the etiology of the most common preventable cause of intellectual disability and developmental delay in the U.S.
ScienceBlog.com - Maternal Cytokine Balance May Play Role in FASD Risk
A study done in conjunction with the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD), which is supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, reports that disruptions in levels of certain immune system molecules during pregnancy can alter the risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
The Sunday Post - Adoptive parents of child with “substantial health issues” believe they were kept in dark by doctors
A TEACHER has told how she fought to get doctors to diagnose her son’s medical condition that, she believes, they had known about for years.
PerthNow (Australia) - Former chief justice Wayne Martin calls for new policy on foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
FORMER chief justice Wayne Martin will today spearhead a call for the State Government to change its policy and the law surrounding those afflicted by foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
SBS (Australia) - Doctors urged to quiz pregnant women about drinking habits
Doctors are being urged to ask pregnant women tough questions about their alcohol consumption as part of efforts to reduce the number of children born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
HSC Newsbeat (USA) - One Drink is Too Many
You’ve probably heard that having a few alcoholic drinks while pregnant won’t harm the baby – you could have heard it from your parents, your friends or even a doctor. This is an all-too-common notion that researchers participating in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month are hoping to eliminate.
Express.co.uk (UK) - Tragic child victims of the mothers-to-be who drink
A TEAM of top experts are to tackle foetal alcohol syndrome, as a shock study reveals up to a quarter of children in care suffer irreversible damage because their mothers drank during pregnancy. The Department of Health advisory panel is to be launched this week and will be chaired by deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.
Alex News (South Africa) - Alcohol abuse worsens prospects for country’s babies
South Africa’s image has been dented by the recent release of the country’s high Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (Fasd) statistics.
News24 (South Africa) - Educating the world about FAS
This is the message that Vivien Lourens, founder of the FAS Information Centre, wants to sends out into the world.
702 - The face of foetal alcohol syndrome
Former 702 producer and now executive producer at the Full View Megan Lubke has been dubbed journalist of the year at the South African Breweries Responsible Drinking Awards for her radio documentary on foetal alcohol syndrome and the problem of substance abuse in Eldorado Park.
Joburg (South Africa) - JOBURG DECLARES WAR ON FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER
If South Africa does not do anything, the country will soon be faced with a huge foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The country has the highest prevalence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the world, more than 14 times the global average.
The Connexion (France) - Minister wants larger ‘no alcohol when pregnant’ logo
Health minister Agnès Buzyn has called for a larger “no alcohol when pregnant” warning logo on alcohol bottles in France, sparking criticism from producers who say it gives a bad impression of their products.
SowetanLIVE Sunday World (South Africa) - Soweto woman regrets drinking heavily during pregnancy
A Soweto woman regrets drinking heavily during pregnancy after her daughter was born with an intellectual disability.
All4Women (South Africa) - “Women who drink alcohol while pregnant should be arrested” – Bogopane-Zulu
Women who consume alcohol during pregnancy, causing Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) on unborn babies, should be sent to jail, Deputy Minister of Social Development Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu said on Friday.
Missoula Current - Community, St. Pat’s to develop program for pregnant women fighting substance use
The number of children removed from their parents’ care in Missoula County has doubled over the last five years, a problem some experts trace to perinatal opioid exposure and other substance abuse disorders.
ADF (Australia) - Creating equity for young people living with FASD
To acknowledge the nine months of pregnancy, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day is held on 9 September every year. This is a time to raise awareness of the spectrum of neurological conditions that may occur due to fetal alcohol exposure.
The Intelligencer (Canada) - Learning more about FASD
The effort to create a better local understanding of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder took another big step Wednesday as parents, clinicians and others held a workshop in Belleville.
Pediatric News - How to screen for, manage FASD in a medical home
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder should be screened for, diagnosed, and managed in an integrated pediatric medical home, providing early intervention and accessing community resources, according to a clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
ADLS (New Zealand) - FASD and the criminal justice system
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an invisible neurodisability with implications for ascertaining criminal responsibility, participation, false confessions and Family Court resolutions.
Read more
DrinkTank (Australia) - FASD and the two questions on everyone’s lips! Can we answer them?
Discussions about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), disabilities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, always prompt two questions.
The WIRE - CHILDREN WITH FASD MISSING OUT ON THE NDIS
Families who have children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have expressed concern that they are missing out on receiving funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Read more
NordAN (Sweden) - Katarina Wittgard: Slowly but surely it’s getting better
September is FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) Awareness Month and September 9 is global FASD Awareness Day. We turned to Katarina Wittgard, who is the leader of FAS-föreningen in Sweden, to ask about their work in Sweden and the situation in other countries in our region.
NordAN (Scotland) - Dr Jonathan Sher: “Weak action around FASD is an international phenomenon”
We spoke with Dr Jonathan Sher who has long been an advocate for action on FASD in Scotland, the rest of the UK and internationally. He was an Independent Consultant based in Edinburgh at the time of writing the co-authored article mentioned below.


VIDEOS and MATERIALS
CENTRAL OKANAGAN SCHOOL DISTRICT 23 - EDUCATION MODULE: FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER (FASD)
It is our vision to equip young people with up-to-date evidence that will keep them and others safe by increasing their individual and collective capacities for healthy decisionmaking in relation to alcohol consumption, safe sexual practices, and pregnancy.
ChatNews Today - Mocktails for Moms raising awareness for FASD
Each year it's estimated that four out of every 100 babies in Canada are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. There is still no cure for FASD.
LetsTalkFASDak - FASD: Missing the Signs
It is possible that 5% of Alaska's population is affected by FASDs. Marilyn Pierce-Bulger, CNM discusses the impact that early diagnosis and intervention can have on improving outcomes for affected individuals and how that benefits the state.
FASD Network of Saskatchewan - FASD Q&A Video #1
To continue our Question & Answer event for International FASD Awareness Day we're answering the questions you send in online!
SABC Digital News - DISCUSSION: Adverse effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy
On Sunday the nation observed the National Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day. The day aims to re-inforce messages about the risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and to encourage early prevention of foetal alcohol syndrome.
Illuminate Colorado - PASS IT ON 2018
September is FASD Awareness Month, and Illuminate is excited to share what we have planned! Help us Pass It On by sharing this information with your networks and communities.

RESEARCH
International Journal of Population Data Science - Data Byte: An Insight on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Educational Achievement
Data Bytes are bite-sized pieces of data from the longitudinal project, Experiences of Alberta Children and Youth Over Time, 2005-06 to 2010-11. To promote public engagement, the Data Byte series is designed to highlight a finding from a full report to give readers a quick data morsel to chew on.
International Journal of Population Data Science - Education and social service use patterns of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders
This study uses linked administrative data to identify Albertan children and youth (aged 0 to 25 years) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy (CP) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and to examine their government service use patterns from 2005/06 to 2010/11.
International Journal of Population Data Science - Prenatal care of women who give birth to Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a universal health care system: A retrospective cohort study utilizing linkable administrative data
Results represent opportunity for screening and brief intervention programs to be delivered in PNC health care settings, as well as outreach programs to facilitate the uptake of PNC among high risk women.
Birth defects research - The past, present, and future of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder work in Newfoundland and Labrador: A landscape paper for change
In this paper, we provide an overview of best practices in FASD prevention, diagnostic, and interventions and supports. In Canada, people diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) represent a fraction people living with FASD.
University of New Mexico - The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the resting state functional brain connectivity in a sample of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
It is well established that alcohol exposure during prenatal development can lead to a heterogeneous and wide ranging set of morphological and neurobehavioral deficits that are collectively known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).
Pediatrics - The Role of Integrated Care in a Medical Home for Patients With a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe preventable birth defects and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure.
International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience - A review of interventions against fetal alcohol spectrum disorder targeting oxidative stress
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is caused by maternal ethanol exposure; it causes physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neural impairments (Murawski et al., 2015).
Western Michigan University - Language Profiles of Children Who Have Experienced Complex Trauma and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Children who experience maltreatment and children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) have similar neurological differences and are at risk for language impairments.
UC Riverside Electronic Theses and Dissertations - Neurobiological Effects of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure and Perceived Safety of Ethanol Consumption During Pregnancy
The final study of this dissertation assesses the general perception of safe dietary behavior during pregnancy including alcohol. Responses demonstrated a lack of understanding about the danger of items containing teratogens like BPA, mercury and prescription pain medications and revealed a misconception about the safety of periodic wine drinking throughout pregnancy.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
PortalSpozywczy.pl (Poland) - W Łodzi rozpoczęła się kampania o płodowych zaburzeniach alkoholowych
Edukacja społeczeństwa na temat Spektrum Płodowych Zaburzeń Alkoholowych (FASD) to cel kampanii rozpoczętej w poniedziałek przez samorząd woj. łódzkiego. W promowanie idei zachowania abstynencji przez kobiety w ciąży włączyli się m.in. naukowcy i blogerzy.
Fundacja FAScynujący Świat Dziecka (Poland) - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – FAS
Problems may include an abnormal appearance, short height, low body weight, small head size, poor coordination, low intelligence, behavior problems, and problems with hearing or seeing. Those affected are more likely to have trouble in school, legal problems, participate in high-risk behaviors, and have trouble with alcohol or other drugs.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Alcohol News - 38/2018

The BMJ (USA) - US agency changes alcohol advice after doctor complains
A Boston University epidemiologist and physician who complained to the director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) about public advice on drinking and breast cancer risk has told The BMJ that he was pleasantly surprised to see the relevant web page change almost immediately to reflect his concerns.
CNN - Middle-age drinkers more concerned about reputation than health risks, study says
Middle-age drinkers are more concerned about their embarrassing or childish behavior resulting from drinking alcohol than about the health risks associated with it, a new study has found.
BreakingNews.ie (Ireland) - Calls for regulation to prevent alcohol abuse harming children
The government's child protection advisor says alcohol abuse is one of the biggest challenges facing Irish society.
The Guardian (UK) - PHE urged to rethink campaign linked to alcohol industry
More than 40 experts have written to the government’s public health agency to oppose its tie-up with a charity funded by the alcohol industry for the Drink Free Days campaign.
Irish Times (Ireland) - Call for laws regulating home delivery of alcohol
Laws regulating home delivery must be introduced in the forthcoming Public Health Alcohol Bill, the special rapporteur for child protection, Dr Geoffrey Shannon, has warned.
The Week UK (UK) - Middle-classes consume more drugs and alcohol than the poor
The middle-classes in Britain take more illegal drugs and drink more alcohol than the poor, according to a report published this week.
The Times (Ireland) - Blocking alcohol bill risks lives, campaigners tell Tds
An anti-alcohol charity has accused 13 TDs of putting drinks companies’ profits before people’s lives by trying to water down a bill to curb drinking.
Mirror.co.uk (UK) - Hospital A&E cases blamed on alcohol abuse soar 17%
The number of A&E cases due to alcohol abuse has soared 17% in 10 years. It comes as addiction services are at “breaking point”, with fewer adults getting treatment than at any time since 2008/9.
RT (Russia) - Centrist lawmaker seeks total prohibition in Russia to bring alcohol producers to heel
A Russian MP, known for his staunch pro-Christian views, has proposed a nationwide ban on alcohol sales and the launch of radical reforms of the industry in order to reduce the consumption of alcohol.
euronews (Europe) - Alcohol, smoking, and rising obesity 'causes for concern in Europe'
Europeans are living longer than five years ago but smoking, alcohol, obesity and poor vaccination rates are holding the region back, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).
BBC News (UK) - Knives and alcohol sold to children in London
Shops in London are selling knives, alcohol and tobacco to children as young as 13. Over 2,500 test purchases carried out by London Trading Standards (LTS) revealed the age-restricted items being sold to under-18s.
State Government of Victoria (Australia) - New laws to prevent alcohol related harm for minors
From today, there will be tighter restrictions on how alcohol can be supplied to minors.
National Cancer Institute - Alcohol and Cancer Risk
Alcohol is the common term for ethanol or ethyl alcohol, a chemical substance found in alcoholic beverages such as beer, hard cider, malt liquor, wines, and distilled spirits (liquor).
Nordan.org (Lithuania) - Life after big alcohol policy changes in Lithuania
The good news is that Lithuania has lost the dubious first place as a country consuming most alcohol per capita to Moldova. This particular achievement had not received much attention, even though number one rank earlier has inspired accusations of deliberate tarnishing the country reputation with false statistics.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Alcohol News - 37/2018

The Guardian (UK) - Alcohol dependency at record high but fewer being treated, data shows
Fewer problem drinkers are receiving treatment even though record numbers need help, figures from the House of Commons library show.
The Guardian (UK) - Public Health England urged to end tie-up with alcohol industry
More than 40 public health experts have written to the government’s public health agency to oppose its tie-up with a charity funded by the alcohol industry over its Drink Free Days campaign.
The BMJ (UK) - Ian Gilmore quits as government alcohol adviser in opposition to industry deal
A senior adviser to the UK government on alcohol policy has quit after voicing concern at Public Health England’s relations with the industry.
euronews (EU) - Alcohol, smoking, and rising obesity 'causes for concern in Europe'
Europeans are living longer than five years ago but smoking, alcohol, obesity and poor vaccination rates are holding the region back, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Today.com (USA) - Do moms need too much wine? Women's drinking habits spark concern
September is National Recovery Month. Women are at greater risk for some of the negative effects of alcohol, but their drinking is catching up to men.
Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) - Cases to be put over public alcohol ban
Queenstown police's submission on a proposed public alcohol ban includes 59 eye-opening photos of people the worse-for-wear, litter and general public drunkenness.
The BMJ (UK) - David Oliver: Government’s approach to alcohol harm is incoherent
For a decade or more we’ve been hearing big government rhetoric on prevention of ill health, promotion of wellbeing, and “parity of esteem” for mental health. Speaking at last week’s NHS Expo Conference, Public Health England’s chief executive, Duncan Selbie, said that NHS England’s 2014 Five Year Forward View had “told a fantastic story,” yet its ambitions for prevention hadn’t been implemented.
Independent.ie (Ireland) - Alcohol 'should have no place in Junior Cert celebrations'
Parents of celebrating Junior Cert pupils have been urged to talk to them about the dangers of alcohol.
American Council on Science and Health - Taxation Is The Cost-Effective Means To Reduce Alcohol Consumption - Are We Surprised?
Non-communicable diseases are often associated with our behavior; tobacco remains the poster child and efforts at reduction in its use has provided lessons on how to affect similar change for other health concerns.
UC San Diego Health - Sobering Study about Drinking for Two
A baby is born into the world taking that first breath. But soon after, it is discovered the baby is small and not eating well. On his second day of life, he develops seizures and is transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While trying to determine the cause of his seizures, his mother admits to heavily drinking alcohol while she was pregnant.
EURACTIV (EU) - Commission: There are legal issues with industry’s proposal on alcohol labelling
The industry’s proposal on alcohol labelling has some legal issues and does not satisfy the need to fully inform EU consumers, a European Commission spokesperson told EURACTIV.com, raising fresh doubt as to how and when labelling will eventually be regulated.
Express.co.uk (Spain) - Spain tourist CRACKDOWN: Campaign grows to BAN unlimited alcohol in Majorca and Ibiza
UNLIMITED alcohol could be banned in Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza as Spanish authorities try to crack down on crime, mugging and anti-social behaviour.
The Conversation AU (Australia) - Prisoners need drug and alcohol treatments but AA programs aren’t the answer
Prisons and drug use are closely linked. Two-thirds of Australian prisoners report using illicit drugs in the 12 months before they entered prison, compared with 12% of the general population in the previous 12 months. Around half of prisoners are likely to meet the criteria for substance dependence.
BMC Blogs Network (UK) - Alcohol as part of ‘care practices’ in White British women’s everyday personal relationships
With heavy drinking on the rise in England and elsewhere, it is important to understand the context for alcohol consumption in order to design appropriate interventions.
The Connexion (France) - Minister wants larger ‘no alcohol when pregnant’ logo
Health minister Agnès Buzyn has called for a larger “no alcohol when pregnant” warning logo on alcohol bottles in France, sparking criticism from producers who say it gives a bad impression of their products.
Irish Times (Ireland) - Cancer warnings on labels: the latest battle in alcohol regulation
In the war that is the controversial public health legislation on alcohol, the next big battle is cancer warnings on drinks labels. The skirmishes have already started, and the director of the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), Patricia Callan, has identified what for her is a central issue.
Women on Wheels - WATCH: FOR THOSE WHO THINK ALCOHOL DOESN'T AFFECT THEIR DRIVING...
With so many consequences to drinking and driving it’s alarming to learn that many South Africans still choose to get behind the wheel after having one drink too many.
Irish Mirror (Ireland) - Number of Irish woman drinking alcohol while pregnant is 'alarmingly high'
The number of Irish pregnant women who drink alcohol during their pregnancy is alarmingly high, a top doctor warned on Friday.
ABC News (Australia) - Thousands of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder miss out on NDIS funding due to lack of diagnosis
Thousands of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are missing out on National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding because there are so few specialists who can diagnose and assess the impact of the disorder.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

FASD News - 36/2018

ANNOUNCEMENT
Special Issue on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in IJERPH
„The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health—IJERPH (ISSN 1660-4601, IF 2.145) is currently running a Special Issue entitled "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)". Assoc. Prof. Svetlana Popova (from University of Toronto) and Dr. Larry Burd (from North Dakota Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center) are serving as the Guest Editors for this issue. Based on your expertise in this field, we think that you could make an excellent contribution.“
Find more from HERE
and HERE

NEWS and ARTICLES
Voxy (New Zealand) - New Study highlights importance of FASD Awareness Day
Alcohol Healthwatch says more New Zealand women need to know that any amount of alcohol is a risk to the healthy outcome of their baby. A study just released from the University of Auckland shows that even low alcohol exposure can negatively affect normal child development, often before the pregnancy is detected.
Whitehorse Star (Canada) - Public engagement on FASD results released
The Yukon government has released a What We Heard document that summarizes the key findings of its public engagement on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
New Zealand Herald (New Zealand) - Dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy raised in foetal alcohol spectrum disorder awareness day
The Whanganui District Health Board is advising pregnant women to go alcohol free for the whole of pregnancy to best prevent foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Sky News (UK) - Thousands affected by 'hidden epidemic' of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
At least two percent of people in the UK could be suffering from the long-term effects of their mother drinking alcohol while pregnant.
Lexology (USA) - G+T calls on government to end discrimination against people affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
Gilbert + Tobin has worked with people affected by FASD, their carers and NGO’s in this area for a number of years, with many of these organisations throwing their support behind the need for law and policy reform.
Regina Leader-Post (Canada) - Regina groups working to reduce stigma, highlight complexity of FASD
"When he was born he was hard to handle most of the time. He was always crying and now that he's older, he's homeless. He doesn't have a job. He dropped out of school."
NBCNews.com (Ireland) - Ireland takes aim at prenatal alcohol exposure
Doctors in Ireland were once known to recommend a pint of Guinness as a source of iron for pregnant or nursing women. While that advice has been discredited, drinking remains so ingrained in Irish culture that many women still feel that swapping a beer or cocktail for something nonalcoholic at a social gathering isn’t an option.
newsie.co.nz (New Zealand) - Red shoes and conversing about FASD
This tiny bundle, not even a week old, screaming a frantic, high-pitched wail of pain and panic. And there was nothing any of us could do.
Health24 (South Africa) - SA experts call for more foetal alcohol syndrome awareness
South Africa, which has the world’s highest prevalence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), is joining other countries to create awareness of the disorder on 9 September – International FASD day.
Independent.ie (Ireland) - 'Pregnant women don't know they're harming their babies by drinking' - the truth about Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are the greatest cause of developmental delay in children - and Dublin foster mother Michelle Savage has seen the heartbreak first-hand, she tells our reporter.
All4Women (South Africa) - SA has the world’s highest rate of foetal alcohol syndrome disorder
Over 11% of children born in South Africa have some level of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD), which is 14% higher than the average incidence worldwide.
swissinfo.ch (Switzerland) - Only one in three pregnant women in Switzerland stops drinking
Only a third of pregnant and breastfeeding women are following the Federal Office of Public Health’s guidelines on giving up alcohol completely, a report has found.
Medkit (France) - First study on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Public Health France released Tuesday, the hospitalization data for the period 2006-2013. “Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading cause of mental disability non-genetic and social maladjustment of the child in France, because the alcohol crosses the placenta and is toxic to the baby,” notes François Bourdillon, the director of the public body.
ABC (Australia) - Obstacles remain to diagnosis and early intervention for FASD
Advocacy groups say people living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder need support through the NDIS, but the condition remains largely undiagnosed.
Western Cape (South Africa) - WC Health Minister launches Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Drive
Sunday, 9 September marks Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Day; a day where we create awareness amongst expectant mothers to avoid the use of alcohol while pregnant.
FARE (Australia) - FASD Awareness Day: Alcohol & pregnancy information must be rigorous and regulated
This International FASD Awareness Day, leading public health body, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), is calling for further government efforts in the prevention and treatment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

UPCOMING
ADLS - FASD and the Criminal Justice System (live stream, 11 OCTOBER)
People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) don’t make good decisions due to alcohol exposed brain damage before birth, which makes them vulnerable to ending up in the criminal justice system.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Northwest Strategies – Did you know?
Did you know? There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant. But why should this matter if you are not pregnant or not trying to be? Because nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned. And many women don’t know they’re pregnant right away.
CASATunr - FASD Awareness Month
By Mountain Plains FASD Practice and implementation Center and American Association of Medical Assistants.
TBNewsWatch - Around Town: Annual powwow brings awareness to FASD
AlcoholFreePregnancy - Helen Simposn on FASD for FASD Awareness Month
Visit www.nofas.org for more information.
NOFAS-UK FASD Support & Awareness - We Love Superheroes with FASD
Parents and carers share what they love about their young superheroes as part of the NOFAS-UK and E. Herts and Area Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Support Network pilot project, Brain Base: FASD Wellbeing Summer Fun Days, recorded 30 August 2018.
NOFAS-UK FASD Support & Awareness - Advice for Other Young Adults with FASD
Rachel Jackson, a teen with a Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, shares some advice for wellbeing with others who have FASD. This was part of the NOFAS-UK and E. Herts and Area FASD Support Network pilot project, Brain Base: FASD Wellbeing Summer Fun Days, recorded 30 August 2018.
NOFAS-UK FASD Support & Awareness - My Brain, Me and FASD
A booklet from NOFAS-UK specially designed to promote wellbeing for children and young adults with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). To order a copy or to download a PDF, please see www.nofas-uk.org. You will find other resources there as well for school and home.
Castanet News - FASD won't stop him
Carson Holtz talks about FASD.
NOFAS-UK FASD Support & Awareness - 2018 Brain Base: FASD Wellbeing Summer Fun Days - Day Two
Scenes from Day Two (28 August 2018) of the NOFAS-UK and the E. Herts and Area FASD Support Network's pilot project, Brain Base: FASD Wellbeing Summer Fun Days.
Matthew Levins - FASD Day Video
This is a video interview with Shelbey, who lives with FASD. This was produced for FASD Day in Grande Prairie, AB in 2018, by Northwest Peace FASD Network, in partnership with ASLS Grande Praire.
AlcoholFreePregnancy - Dr. Tony Dunn on the ob-gyn's role in preventing FASD
Visit www.nofas.org and www.acog.org/alcohol for more information.
FASD One - CanFASD Issue Papers
Issue papers on „FASD Prevalence in Special Populations“ and „The Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder“.

RESEARCH
Addiction Biology - Social deficits following embryonic ethanol exposure arise in post‐larval zebrafish
Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading cause of birth defects, collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). In the United States and Canada, 1 in 100 children will be born with FASD.
Trends & Issues in Crime & Criminal - Diversionary pathways for Aboriginal youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
This article reports on a study undertaken in three Indigenous communities in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia (WA) intended to develop diversionary strategies for young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Europe PMC - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy, Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness of Diagnosis and Treatment, and Guidelines
The purpose of this report is to examine the diagnostic test accuracy, clinical utility, and cost-effectiveness of diagnosis and/or assessment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), the clinical and costeffectiveness of treatment of FASD, and the evidence-based guidelines associated with diagnosis, assessment, or treatment of FASD in individuals of any age.
Neuropsychopharmacology - CB1R regulates CDK5 signaling and epigenetically controls Rac1 expression contributing to neurobehavioral abnormalities in mice postnatally exposed to ethanol
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) represent a wide array of defects that arise from ethanol exposure during development. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are limited.
Neurotoxicology - Effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on acoustic characteristics of ultrasonic vocalizations in rat pups
Rat pups produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) on isolation from their dam. Ultrasonic vocalization is a sensitive tool for evaluating social behavior between pups and their dam.
Addiction - Prevalence and safety of acamprosate use in pregnant alcohol dependent women in New South Wales, Australia
The prevalence of acamprosate use in pregnancy in New South Wales, Australia is low. Acamprosate exposure in utero is not clearly associated with poor maternal or neonatal health outcomes.
Neurotoxicology - Early exposure to ethanol is able to affect the memory of adult zebrafish: Possible role of adenosine
The adjustment of adenosine levels through ecto-5′-nucleotidase inhibition appears to be effective at restoring normal adenosine levels and the acquisition of memory in animals exposed to ethanol during the pharyngula stage.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Environmental enrichment reverses increased addiction risk caused by prenatal ethanol exposure
Prenatal ethanol exposure (PE) leads to multiple cognitive and behavioral deficits including increased drug addiction risk. Previous studies have shown that rearing environment plays a significant role in addiction propensity.
Disability and the Global South - ‘My granddaughter doesn’t know she has disabilities and we are not going to tell her’: Navigating Intersections of Indigenousness, Disability and ender in Labrador
Drawing from qualitative research and over five years of relationship-building with women in Labrador, Canada, this article explores the intersections of Indigenousness, disability and gender.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Santé publique France (France) - Journée mondiale du SAF : premières estimations nationales des troubles causés par la consommation d’alcool et une campagne nationale
Boire de l’alcool pendant la grossesse est toxique pour le fœtus et peut entraîner diverses complications (retard de croissance, atteintes du système nerveux central, malformations…), dont le syndrome d’alcoolisation fœtale est la forme la plus grave.
Express.de (Germany) - Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft macht Kinder aggressiv und vergesslich
„Schwanger. Natürlich ohne Alkohol“ steht auf dem Plakat mit dem kugelrunden Babybauch, den die Mutter zärtlich umfasst. „Mein Kind will keinen Alkohol“ lautet der Titel einer anderen Aufklärungskampagne.
Westdeutsche Zeitung (Germany) - Alkohol ist Gift für ungeborene Babys
«Schwanger. Natürlich ohne Alkohol» steht auf dem Plakat mit dem kugelrunden Babybauch, den die Mutter zärtlich umfasst. «Mein Kind will keinen Alkohol» lautet der Titel einer anderen Aufklärungskampagne.
Dziennik Bałtycki (Poland) - 9 września przypada Światowy Dzień Świadomości FASD. Czy wiesz, że picie alkoholu w ciąży szkodzi nienarodzonemu dziecku?
Światowy Dzień Świadomości FASD ma na celu uświadomienie przyszłym rodzicom skutków picia alkoholu w czasie ciąży, jak również zwrócenie uwagi społeczeństwa na występowanie problemu w skali światowej. Data 9 września ma odzwierciedlać 9 miesięcy zdrowej ciąży.
Osservatorio Malattie Rare (Italy) - Sindrome feto-alcolica: può accadere che sia scambiata per un disturbo psichiatrico
Il 9 settembre è la Giornata Mondiale di sensibilizzazione sulla patologia e i disturbi correlati. In Italia, nasce l’Associazione A.I.D.E.F.A.D. - APS, per aiutare i pazienti ad ottenere una corretta diagnosi
L'Unione Sarda (Italy) - Assunzione di alcol in gravidanza: una giornata per parlare di tutti i rischi
Ogni anno, il 9 settembre, si celebra la Giornata mondiale di Sensibilizzazione sui disturbi e le disabilità alla nascita causate dall'assunzione di alcol in gravidanza o nel primo puerperio, e quindi evitabili.
Slobodna Dalmacija (Croatia) - Trudne ste i opustile bi se uz samo gutljaj crvenog vina? Cijeli sutrašnji dan posvećen je razlozima zašto to nikako ne smijete činiti
Ako majka tijekom trudnoće redovito pije alkohol, snosi rizik da će trajno i nepovratno oštetiti fetus, s time da se poremećaji mogu prepoznati odmah nakon rođenja, nedugo nakon njega ili tijekom adolescencije i u odrasloj dobi. U svijetu se stoga svake godine 9. 9. u 9 sati i 9 minuta obilježava Dan fetalnog alkoholnog sindroma (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Day – FASD).
Promuje Łódzkie (Poland) - Zapal czerwoną lampkę - kampania STOP FASD
W Polsce w 2017 roku urodziło się 403 tysiące dzieci. Według szacunków nawet czworo z nich na każde 1000 urodzeń może być dotkniętych płodowym zespołem alkoholowym (FAS). Reaguj! Zapal czerwoną lampkę.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Alcohol News - 36/2018

Voice of America (USA) - Alcohol Banned at 66 US College Fraternities
Alcohol will be banned at many fraternities on the campuses of U.S. colleges and universities, according to the national association that sets policy for those organizations.
BreakingNews.ie (Ireland) - Group wants Social Responsibility levy imposed on off-licences to combat alcohol consumption
Alcohol Action Ireland is calling on the Government to increase the annual charge on off-licences. It is one of a number of measures it is seeking in its Pre-budget submission.
The Guardian (Australia) - Australians drinking less alcohol now than any time in past 50 years
Australians are drinking less alcohol now than at any time in the past 50 years, and beer is still rated as the nation’s favourite drink, just ahead of a glass of wine.
Independent Online (Australia) - Group funded by alcohol industry suggests pregnant women can drink
It wasn't the headline that raised eyebrows; it's the tiny text below it. "It's safest not to drink while pregnant," the headline reads, echoing the consensus among public health organisations around the world.
HeraldScotland (Scotland) - Scottish Gin Society warned about linking alcohol with sex as adverts get banned
TEN Scottish Gin Society adverts have been banned by the regulator for linking alcohol with sexual success and for encouraging excessive drinking.
European Public Health Alliance (EU) - Why Europe urgently needs to buy into the alcohol ‘best buys’
There is a casual relationship between the harmful use of alcohol and heart diseases, cancers, liver diseases, mental health disorders and other noncommunicable conditions. Approximately 5.9% of all deaths worldwide were attributable to alcohol in 2012, more than half caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
RACGP (Australia) - Advertisers put ‘health halo’ on alcohol products to attract consumers, researchers say
Australian alcohol companies promote their products as ‘pure’, ‘fresh’, ‘natural’ and ‘sugar-free’ to encourage more health-conscious people to purchase them, according to new research.
The Standard (Kenya) - Global alcohol report staggers past ‘silent’ drunks in Kenya
The recent landmark study declaring any amount of alcohol bad for health missed out on Kenya’s most notorious drinkers.
The Irish Sun (Ireland) - Ireland’s dangerous relationship with alcohol shows no sign of slowing with 54,000 treated for problematic use from 2010 to 2016
Alcohol is the still main problem drug in the country according to a study by the Health Research Board with over 7,000 cases recorded in 2016.
Read more
The Press, York (UK) - Nearly a third of York adults 'drink too much alcohol'
ALMOST a third of adults in York drink more units of alcohol each week than the recommended level, according to Public Health England.
Health-e News (South Africa) - Calls for more foetal alcohol syndrome awareness
South Africa, which has the world’s highest prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), is joining other countries to create awareness of the disorder on 9 September – International FASD day.
Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Alcohol-related harm the dark side of Wellington no one wants to talk about – councillor
Bottle shop opening hours, alcohol advertising and the number of bars operating in Wellington will come under scrutiny as the city council begins a crackdown on booze to combat alcohol-related harm.
Radio Poland (Poland) - Strong alcohol consumption up in Poland: report
The consumption of beverages with a high alcohol content such as vodka, liqueur and spirits went up significantly last year, new research shows.