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Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Alcohol News - 44/2018

Science Daily - The long-term effects of alcohol demand on retail alcohol markets
As new study has examined the determinants of the number of licensed bars, restaurants, and liquor stores across neighborhoods in 53 California cities from 2000 to 2013.
Inverse - Alcohol Changes Memories on a Much Deeper Level Than We Thought
I’ll never drink again, you say, but that night, you do. New research in Neuron reveals an underlying basis for that endless cycle, showing the link between the brain’s relationship with alcohol and the pleasant memories formed under the influence.
Science Daily (Australia) - Australia's changing relationship with alcohol
New research has revealed that 30 per cent of Australians recently reduced the quantity of their alcohol consumption and a further 29 per cent reduced the frequency of their drinking, while six per cent kicked the habit for good.
BBC Three - I never imagined I'd be an alcoholic by the age of 25
It was in the middle of a bender at Berlin’s world famous nightclub Berghain that Alex*, now 31, realised he was out of control.
Healio - Back pain in teens tied to smoking, drinking alcohol, anxiety, depression
Adolescents with more frequent back pain were also more likely to report anxiety and depression, and more likely to smoke and drink alcohol, according to findings recently published in the Journal of Public Health.
Medical Xpress (New Zealand) - Cutting societal alcohol use may prevent alcohol disorders
Society must take collective responsibility to reduce the harm caused by alcohol use disorders, a University of Otago academic says.
Harvard Health - Alcohol and headaches
Alcohol is embedded in our society, and it is difficult to be in a public space without seeing a reference to alcohol or being offered a drink. Alcohol is broken down in the liver by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase.
Medical Xpress - Increasing alcohol tax could benefit health and save money for society: NZ study
Increasing the excise tax on alcohol would likely result in fewer people dying or being injured in vehicle crashes – and generate savings for society, according to a just-published New Zealand study.
HealthDay (USA) - Firsthand 9/11 Exposure Fueling Alcohol- and Drug-Related Deaths: Study
People directly exposed to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks appear at increased risk of drug- and alcohol-related death, a new study finds.
Mirror.co.uk (UK) - Budget 2018: Cost of wine goes UP - but cost of beer, cider and spirits is FROZEN
The Budget 2018 has brought good news for drinkers as beer and cider duty is frozen - as is the tax on Spirits.
Washington Times (USA) - NIH ousts three employees over controversial alcohol study
The National Institutes of Health has ousted three employees who were involved in a highly questioned study of moderate alcohol use, and Director Francis S. Collins said he’s determined to prevent other bum studies from moving forward in the future.
Reuters (USA) - Amnesty policies may curb alcohol emergencies at universities
Amnesty policies may encourage college students to call for help with alcohol-related issues before they or their intoxicated peers become seriously ill, a U.S. study suggests.
The Independent - BINGE DRINKING 'IS IN YOUR GENES', NEW STUDY CLAIMS
Scientists may have discovered why some people are prone to binge drinking more than others.
EurekAlert (UK) - New study shows advertizing for alcohol is prevalent in UK television
A new study in the Journal of Public Health indicates that advertising for alcohol is common in British television, and may be a potential driver of alcohol use in young people.
Medscape - Diabetes Linked to Increased Suicide, Alcohol-Related Deaths
People with diabetes show higher rates of death related to suicide, alcohol, and accidents compared with the general population, with the risk particularly high among those treated with insulin, according to new results from a large Finnish study.
Kaiser Family Foundation (Uganda) - Uganda Implements Alcohol, Soft Drinks Tax To Help Fund HIV Treatment
Taxes levied on alcohol and soft drinks in Uganda will be used to fund the country’s HIV treatment programs, in a move designed to make the country less reliant on donors.
Medical Xpress (New Zealand) - One-third of Kiwis may drink hazardously their entire adult lives
Many of us assume that risky drinking is something we 'grow' out of as we age, but new research shows that this might not be the case.
Balance North East (UK) - Call to cut the harm of alcohol and tobacco in Autumn Budget
North East health campaigners are calling on the Government to tackle the crippling toll of alcohol and tobacco and plug much-needed public finances in next week’s Autumn Budget.
Eurocare (Scotland) - ‘Dying for a drink’: New report calls for ‘professional optimism’ to support recovery from alcohol problems
SHAAP (Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems) has published a new report, ‘Dying for a drink’, following research commissioned by the Scottish Government.
BMJ Open - Is the alcohol industry doing well by ‘doing good’? Findings from a content analysis of the alcohol industry’s actions to reduce harmful drinking
Alcohol industry CSR activities are unlikely to reduce harmful alcohol use but they do provide commercial strategic advantage while at the same time appearing to have a public health purpose.
IEG Policy (EU) - Commission still working with alcohol industry on labelling
The European Commission is still working with the alcoholic drinks industry to find a way to label their products with nutritional information and ingredients and end a waiver from these requirements in the 2011 food information to consumers regulation (FIC – 1169/2011).
NL Times (Netherlands) - DUTCH TEENS START DRINKING LATER, BUT NOT LESS: REPORT
Teenagers in the Netherlands start drinking at a later age, though those who do consume alcohol don't drink any less than in previous years, according to a study by newspaper Trouw, the Trimbos Institute, the Jellinek addiction institute, and the Netherlands Institute for Alcohol Policy.
ITV (Scotland) - Professional optimism needed to support alcohol recovery – report
Professional optimism across public services to emphasise the ability of people to recover from drink problems is needed to help cut Scotland’s alcohol death toll, a report has found.
Stuff - Regulating junk food, alcohol, tobacco marketing could assist cancer prevention – experts
Government action is needed to regulate the "extremely dangerous" marketing of junk food, alcohol and tobacco — the "holy trinity of public health".
NordAN (Baltics) - Baltic Assembly on cooperation on alcohol: “with a targeted approach and without delay”
On 25-26 October 2018 in Vilnius, parliamentarians and governmental representatives from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania convened for the 37th Session of the Baltic Assembly to discuss current affairs and cooperation of the Baltic States, also in alcohol policy, among other topics.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

FASD News - 43/2018

The Fascinating Child’s World Foundation (Poland) - Diagnosis and therapy of a child with the FASD spectrum – the inaugural conference
On 11.10.2018 the first and at the same time inaugural conference “Diagnosis and therapy of the child with the FASD spectrum”, was organized in Goleszów, Poland by our Foundation . It took place under the honorary patronage of the Starostwo Powiatu Cieszyński and the commune of Goleszów.
Toronto.com (Canada) - The truth about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is often overlooked and understudied. Caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, it is sometimes referred to as an “invisible disorder.”
vtdigger.org (USA) - Wavell Cowan: Education campaign needed on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is now recognized as the most common, most expensive, most under appreciated and most ignored, yet most preventable mental disorder in the industrialized world.
DiscoverMooseJaw.com (Canada) - FASD Conference Educates and Spreads Awareness
It was a full day of education and awareness as the Moose Jaw South Central FASD Committee and the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute held a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) conference Friday.
New Zealand Doctor Online (New Zealand) - Mandatory alcohol labelling set to help address fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
The Ministry of Health welcomes a decision by the Australian and New Zealand Forum on Food Regulation to make warning labels about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy mandatory on alcohol packaging.
UKNow (UK) - UK Research Links Signaling Pathways to Combating Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are an array of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), the most severe of these conditions, often results in physical abnormalities, behavioral development issues and intellectual disabilities.
Vancouver Is Awesome (Canada) - Born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome on a B.C. reserve, this homeless Vancouver man’s strength can inspire
I have learned so many valuable lessons throughout my experiences with this project. But one that continually reoccurs is that every person you meet has a story, a battle they are fighting or have fought that is worth knowing.
News24 (South Africa) - ‘Take FAS seriously’
While provincial government recognises National Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Awareness Day annually in September, the DA in the Northern Cape is calling on both the health and social sector to take FAS more seriously.
Mountain Xpress (USA) - Project CARA helps expectant mothers with substance-use disorders
Leigh walked into the family nurse practitioner’s office and burst into tears. She had no insurance, a toddler to raise and a serious substance use problem. Now she was pregnant with her second child.
Deutche Welle - Fetal alcohol disorders - drinking damage
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) can result from exposure to alcohol in the womb. Characterized by physical and behavioral impairments, even adults with FASD find it hard to control their impulses and need specialist help.
TVNZ (New Zealand) - Fetal alcohol syndrome misunderstood and under-diagnosed, says expert
"Millions and millions of people around the world" live with fetal alcohol syndrome, and an international expert says the disorder is often misunderstood.
Polity (South Africa) - DA: Northern Cape must work hard to shed its title as SA’s Fetal Alcohol Syndrome capital
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is calling on both the health and social sectors to take Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) more seriously.

MATERIALS and VIDEOS
PreventionInstitute1 - FASD Introduction to trauma
Trauma is pervasive and common. In this webinar, you will learn about symptoms and physiology associated with trauma.
Inclusive Education - FASD AND ITS IMPACT ON LEARNING
At Inclusive Education South Africa, our aim is to equip and facilitate a process whereby our beneficiaries feel more confident to accommodate and support learners meaningfully. One of the ways we aim to do this is by sharing the resources that have been developed by our facilitators. We, therefore, share this resource with you which can be used for guidance on how to accommodate learners who need support for FASD.

UPCOMING
8th International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Mar 06 - 09, 2019, Canada)
8th International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is organized by University of British Columbia (UBC) and will be held from Mar 06 - 09, 2019 at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Nuorten Lääkärien Yhdistys - FASD: Liian pieni juomaan (November 21, 2018; Finland)
Kehitysvammaliitto järjestää marraskuussa ajankohtaiset koulutuspäivät FASD-kirjon henkilöiden kanssa työskenteleville lääkäreille ja moniammatillisen työryhmän erityistyöntekijöille.
FASD Satellite Day Tuesday 6th November 2018 (New Zealand)
The NZ Paediatric Society has their annual conference in Nelson new Zealand this year ( 6th to 9th of November).
Building Circles of Support: An Educational Series on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (November 28; Canada)
The Manitoba FASD Centre invites you to join Building Circles of Support Information Series. Parents, caregivers, other family members and professionals who support children and youth 18 years old and younger recently seen or diagnosed at the Manitoba FASD Centre.
AAP / MDAAP Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Education and Training Series Announcement
This webinar will focus on defining the terms used to describe the conditions that fall under the umbrella of FASDs, describing the signs that may indicate prenatal alcohol exposure and a possible condition along the continuum of FASDs.

RESEARCH
University of Helsinki - Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on the Epigenome, Gene Expression and Development
Prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing fetus and causes a wide range of physical and neurological abnormalities.
International Social Work - Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Effective helping responses from social workers
This article considers why a social work response to FASD is needed and explores social work frameworks and models that underpin current FASD-informed practice.
Birth defects research - Comparing diagnostic outcomes of children with fetal alcohol syndrome in South Africa with diagnostic outcomes when using the updated Institute of Medicine diagnostic guidelines
Differences regarding diagnostic outcomes and prevalence of dysmorphic features suggest that strict application of the diagnostic criteria may miss children who present with FAS.
Brain and Behavior - Prenatal alcohol exposure affects brain function during place learning in a virtual environment differently in boys and girls
Girls and boys are known to use different navigation strategies. Boys rely more on an allocentric navigational strategy and girls more on landmarks. Poorer recruitment of the PHG, a region known to mediate allocentric navigation, in more heavily exposed boys may explain the observed dose‐dependent place learning deficit.
Harefuah - FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER (FASD) AND ADOPTIONS FROM THE FORMER SOVIET UNION
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is presently estimated to affect more than 1-2 % of babies in North America. In Israel it is quite rarely diagnosed. Many of the children adopted from the former Soviet Union were born to alcoholic women.
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society - Executive Functioning Correlates With Communication Ability in Youth With Histories of Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Caregivers of youth with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure report impaired communication, which can significantly impact quality of life. Using data collected as part of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD), we examined whether cognitive variables predict communication ability of youth with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry - Role of corticosterone in anxiety- and depressive-like behavior and HPA regulation following prenatal alcohol exposure
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is known to cause dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, including hyperresponsivity to stressors.
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience - Prenatal alcohol use as a risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
The objective of the study was to investigate the association between alcohol use during pregnancy and mental disorders in childhood, controlling for confounding risk factors by a longitudinal study of pregnant women and their offspring.
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction - Substance Use in Pregnancy Among Vulnerable Women Seeking Addiction and Parenting Support
Substance use during pregnancy is associated with obstetrical and fetal complications. Though use of some substances is discontinued during pregnancy, use of others persists.
Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Applied Science Research - Prevalence and Knowledge of Harmful Effects of Alcohol Consumption among Pregnant Women in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria
The study determined the prevalence of alcohol consumption in pregnancy and knowledge of its harmful effects among the women in parts of Edo and Delta states of Nigeria.
Women and Birth - A midwifery case management model for women with complex substance use in pregnancy
The Women's Alcohol and Drug Service (WADS) at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne provides specialist midwifery care for pregnant women with complex drug use or alcohol dependence.
Neurotoxicology and Teratology - Persistent increase in ecto 5′ nucleotidase activity from encephala of adult zebrafish exposed to ethanol during early development
Prenatal alcohol exposure causes alterations to the brain and can lead to numerous cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Long-lasting effects of early ethanol exposure have been registered in glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems.
Frontiers in Psychiatry - Prenatal alcohol exposure and child psychosocial behavior: a sibling fixed-effects analysis
In this study, using a within-family sibling fixed effects design, we sought to examine the association between low prenatal alcohol exposures (PAE) and children’s overall psychosocial behavior in a Japanese cohort.
Alcohol - Prenatal ethanol exposure potentiates isolation-induced ethanol consumption in young adult rats
Prenatal and/or early postnatal ethanol exposure (PEE) is associated with significant behavioral and physiological deficits in offspring, including alterations in stress response systems and a greater likelihood of alcohol use disorders.
Juniper - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Child’s School Education
Learning is a process that occurs continuously in people’s life in wich the acquisition of new behaviors, skills and attitudes has the aim of adapting the human being to the environment.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Volksstimme (Germany) - Miteinander reden statt verstecken
Stendal l Sie war immer kleiner als ihre gleichaltrigen Mitschüler. Trotz aller Mühe konnte sie sich Dinge schlecht merken.
tekk.tv (Germany) - Trinken während der Schwangerschaft ist nie in Ordnung – Mehr als 400 Bedingungen zusammen auftreten mit fetale Alkohol-Spektrum-Störung
Alkoholkonsum während der Schwangerschaft wurde lange als ein No-No aufgeführt. Neuere Forschung hat jedoch diese Vorstellung, Frage mich, ob Licht trinken während des ersten Trimesters wirklich so schlimm ist, wie wir denken gefragt. Laut der jüngsten Studie zu diesem Thema ist die Antwort ja; zu jedem Zeitpunkt während der Schwangerschaft trinken, hat schwerwiegende Folgen.
SAFERA (France) - Telemag SAF
Regard Urbain (Télémag) vous présente l'organisme SAFERA qui se bat contre le Syndrôme d'alcoolisation Foetale (SAF).

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Alcohol News - 43/2018

WHO Europe - WHO helps EU Member States enhance surveillance of alcohol consumption and harm
WHO has developed a series of measures and instruments to support Member States in their efforts to enhance alcohol surveillance and improve the national processes for estimating alcohol consumption and the burden of alcohol-attributable disease.
Irish Times (Ireland) - One in three of us is a binge drinker but smoking rates have plunged, survey finds
One in three drinkers has binged on alcohol in the past year, while one in five does so at least once a week, according to a new survey.
Science Daily - New target of alcohol in the brain
When alcohol enters the brain, it causes neurons in a specialized region called the ventral tegmental area, or VTA -- also known as the "pleasure center" -- to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces those feel-good sensations, and tells the brain that whatever it just experienced is worth getting more of.
ABC News (Australia) - The real cost of alcohol - is it time for a minimum floor price?
Back in March the state government held a preventive health summit which explored ways to reduce obesity and alcohol related harm.
ABC News (Australia) - Alcohol, pregnancy and parenting
The nine months of pregnancy have the ability to permanently influence our health and susceptibility to certain diseases later in life, and this is a growing and vital area of scientific research, says Diana Lucia.
New Hampshire Public Radio (USA) - Unhealthy Patterns of Alcohol Use Remain A Problem In N.H. For Many, Including Women And Youth
Though the opioid crisis has been the top-of-mind health issue here, alcohol abuse remains a major problem in the state and nationally. We look at the factors specific to New Hampshire, and who is most impacted these days.
Belarus News (Belarus) - Alcohol industry in focus of Belarus' government meeting
Development of the alcoholic beverages industry in Belarus is high on the agenda of the meeting chaired by the head of state Alexander Lukashenko, BelTA has learned.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - Booze companies exploiting an advertising loophole
Of all the issues that should be making parents of young children and adolescents' blood boil, it is unrestricted advertising of booze during premier sporting events.
Stabroek News (Guyana) - PAHO/WHO, health ministry to start work on alcohol control policy
In the coming days, the Pan American Health Organisation and World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), with input from the Public Health Ministry and stakeholders, will begin developing a policy for the prevention and control of use of alcohol in Guyana.
Drink Tank (Australia) - The fight to prevent alcohol-related harm
The fight to prevent alcohol-related harm has turned an important international corner with two prestigious medical journals The Lancet and British Medical Journal (Australia’s own Prof. Kypri) acknowledging that there is now no recognised healthy level of the consumption of alcohol.
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health - Hard measures needed to tackle youth drinking
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used legal, addictive substances in adolescence. Consumption by peers heavily influences initiation of use, and most young people drink alcohol in social situations to enhance existing friendships and make new ones.
BMJ - Alcohol must be recognised as a drug
Alcohol, actually ethanol (C2H5OH), is a psychoactive molecule ingested by 2.4 billion people globally.1 A central nervous system depressant, it exists naturally and can be produced in people’s homes. Any alcohol consumption confers health risks, including for a range of cancers,2 and any possible cardiovascular benefits are smaller than was previously understood.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Alcohol News - 42/2018

Medical Xpress (Ireland) - Ireland passes law putting cancer warnings on alcohol
Alcoholic drinks in Ireland will be labelled with cancer warnings under a groundbreaking law passed Wednesday, which also sets a minimum price in a bid to tackle a "corrosive" drinking culture.
Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Facial recognition system to approve alcohol and cigarettes sales to be trialled by first British supermarket
Facial recognition software is to be used in UK supermarkets for the first time to verify the age of people buying alcohol and cigarettes, the Telegraph has learned.
The Guardian (Australia) - Alcohol labels warning of risk from drinking while pregnant 'will save lives'
Alcohol producers will be forced to label their products with warnings relating to the risks of drinking during pregnancy in an agreement reached by Australian and New Zealand ministers.
MedPage Today - Alcohol, Suicide-Related Mortality Higher in Diabetics
People with diabetes may be at a higher risk for mortality stemming from psychological issues, a Finnish study reported.
The Local France (France) - Could the cost of alcohol in France be about to shoot up?
The price of alcohol in France could be about to go up after French doctors called on the country's health minister to raise taxes on alcohol to fund an awareness campaign, warning the public about the dangers of over-consumption and addiction.
Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Alcohol bill will 'change attitudes', say doctors
The Royal College of Physicians says the passage of the Public Health Alcohol Bill will help ease the frontline pressures on the health service.
Macau Daily Times (Macau) - LEGISLATION ON YOUTH ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION BEING CONSIDERED
The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, says that he will consider laws and regulations on youth alcohol consumption.
VietnamPlus (Malaisya) - Malaysia raises minimum age for alcohol consumption to 21
Malaysia on October 17 raised the minimum age to purchase alcohol to 21 from 18 and the decision took effect immediately.
Radio New Zealand (Samoa) - Samoa judge calls for alcohol restriction
A Supreme Court judge in Samoa has called on the Liquor Control Board to impose tougher conditions on the sale of alcohol to already intoxicated customers.
CTV News (Canada) - Coroner urges police and SAAQ to treat impaired driving more seriously and swiftly
Three years after the death of a man who drove into a police cruiser, a coroner is urging the province to speed up its evaluation of breathalyzers and ignition locks.
talkRADIO (UK) - MPs call for new alcohol levy to help treat harm caused by heavy drinking
A new "treatment levy" should be imposed on alcohol duties to help deal with the harm caused by heavy drinking, MPs and health groups have said.
The London Free Press (UK) - Advocates unveil local drug and alcohol strategy
The Middlesex-London Community Drug and Alcohol Strategy officially is out, highlighting a slew of recommendations and key priorities, including better collaboration between addiction and mental health agencies and creating a managed alcohol program to help the most severe alcoholics.
Whitman Wire (USA) - 374% Increase in Alcohol Referrals: 2018 Clery Report
Of all the information within the Clery Report, most striking is the number of alcohol referrals, which increased by approximately 374 percent from 2016 to 2017.

Sunday, October 14, 2018

FASD News - 41/2018

The Conversation - The truth about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is often overlooked and understudied. Caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, it is sometimes referred to as an “invisible disorder.”
Regina Leader-Post (Canada) - No option but indeterminate sentence for dangerous offender with FASD
There is little doubt a 33-year-old man’s inability to successfully deal with his violent behaviour is related to his FASD diagnosis.
CFJC Today Kamloops (Canada) - Kamloops mom pushing for more government support for FASD children
Sellene McBride is like any 8-year-old girl - full of energy and always wanting to play. In particular, Sellene loves to climb and is fearless in doing so.
Medical Xpress - New screening tool to improve outcomes for kids with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) has often been called the 'invisible disability' due to its high rate of non- or misdiagnosis among children. Now, a new screening tool being developed by the University of South Australia will enable earlier detection and much needed support for thousands of families affected by this condition.
news.delaware.gov (USA) - DHSS, Fetal Alcohol Task Force and Brandywine Counseling & Community Services Remind Pregnant Women Not to Drink During Pregnancy
To commemorate September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Task Force of Delaware and Brandywine Counseling & Community Services are reminding pregnant women that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
Medical Xpress - AAP report addresses managing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
In a clinical report published online Sept. 10 in Pediatrics, recommendations are presented to support pediatric providers in managing patients with a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Star2.com - It’s never OK to drink alcohol while pregnant, new study says
For such a little guy, Robert McCloud has worked very hard to get to where he is today. At age 13 months, he weighs less than half of most babies his age.
Newshub (New Zealand) - Aussies to vote on whether Kiwi booze should come with pregnancy warnings
Whether alcoholic drinks in New Zealand will come with mandatory health warnings is in the hands of a group largely made up of Australians.
The West Australian (Australia/New Zealand) - WA Health Minister Roger Cook gathers support in push for pregnancy warnings on packaged alcohol
WA Health Minister Roger Cook has secured national support in his push to have mandatory pregnancy warnings on all packaged alcohol.
1NewsNow (New Zealand) - 'It makes me feel like my brain's going to burst' - 46,000 Kiwis suffer from fetal alcohol disorder
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder has the ability to cause problems from learning difficulties to violent, emotional meltdowns.
ADLS (New Zealand) - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the Criminal Justice System
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.

UPCOMING
NOFAS - NOFAS Free Webinar: Putting the Pieces Together: Using Genes to Understand Variation in FASD (October 25)
Join Dr. Tatiana Foroud of Indiana University as she discusses what is currently known about genes and prenatal alcohol exposure.

VIDEOS and MATERIALS
CanFASD - Supporting Employment in Individuals with FASD
In this report, we present findings from a project focused on successful employment for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). A guide was developed for use by employment professionals to support individuals with FASD in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining
employment.
University of South Australia - New screening tool to improve outcomes for kids with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) has often been called the ‘invisible disability’ due to its high rate of non- or misdiagnosis among children. Now, a new screening tool being developed by the University of South Australia will enable earlier detection, and much needed support for thousands of families affected by this condition.
NOFAS-UK - NEW BOOK FOR CHILDREN WITH FASD
NOFAS-UK has created an innovative 16-page book to promote wellbeing in children and young people with FASD. It provides information in a fun and visual format, emphasising the strengths of those with FASD and highlighting strategies that can help.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran - FASD Foetal alcohol
bctv.org - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Neo-natal Abstinence Syndrome
Yvonone Stroman is joined by Dr. Santoro and Dr. Dougherty to talk about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Neo-natal Abstinence Syndrome.
San Diego Moms Blog - National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month
On Thursday, September 27th we went Facebook Live with expert Sonia Alvarado of MotherToBaby CA at UC San Diego Center for Better Beginnings.
Recovery Direct - Alcohol Abuse During Pregnancy & FAS Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Crisis in South Africa
FAS or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a condition in which alcohol causes growth problems, brain damage, behavioral problems and developmental issues in unborn babies. This condition occurs when a woman consumes an excessive amount of alcohol while she is pregnant.

RESEARCH
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health - Responding to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Australia
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a significant public health issue in Australia that is poorly diagnosed, chronic and costly. FASD is a diffuse acquired brain injury secondary to prenatal alcohol exposure.
Brain connectivity - Altered Functional Connectivity Observed at Rest in Children and Adolescents Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol
Studies of brain structure in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have shown the global and focal effects that prenatal alcohol exposure has on the brain, albeit suggesting but not measuring altered function in FASD.
Human Brain Mapping - White matter microstructure in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A systematic review of diffusion tensor imaging studies
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has revolutionized our understanding of the neural underpinnings of alcohol teratogenesis. This technique can detect alterations in white matter in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Developmental Neurorehabilitation - Everyday memory difficulties in children and adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This study provides important insights regarding the memory issues that underlie daily functional challenges faced by youth with FASD and the need for future intervention research.
First Peoples Child & Family Review - Challenges And Resiliency In Aboriginal Adults With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Aboriginal adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) face multiple barriers to services that did not exist in their childhood, yet they still cope with the same FASD-related cognitive issues that they experienced in childhood.
Alcohol and Alcoholism - Malocclusion Can Give Additional Hints for Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Our results show that malocclusion can provide additional evidence for FASD diagnosis. When FASD is diagnosed in a child, early referral to an orthodontist is advisable to stimulate maxillary growth and consequently prevent further malocclusions.
HELDA - Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the epigenome, gene expression and development
Prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing fetus and causes a wide range of physical and neurological abnormalities. The phenotype is generally described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) which is used as an umbrella term for all disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
International journal of molecular sciences - Alcohol and the Developing Brain: Why Neurons Die and How Survivors Change
The consequences of alcohol drinking during pregnancy are dramatic and usually referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This condition is one of the main causes of intellectual disability in Western countries.
Deeble Institute - Reducing harms related to alcohol use in pregnancy: Policy and practice recommendations
The widespread use of alcohol during pregnancy is a significant public health concern in Australia. Prenatal exposure to alcohol, caused by maternal alcohol use in pregnancy, increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and FASD.
Child Neuropsychology - Comparisons of the BRIEF parental report and neuropsychological clinical tests of executive function in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: data from the UK national specialist clinic
Extant literature is sparse with regards to the relationship between caregiver reports and neuropsychological tests of executive functioning in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry - Meconium analysis as a promising diagnostic tool for monitoring fetal exposure to toxic substances: Recent trends and perspectives
Prenatal exposure to toxic substances is an important public health problem. Many biological specimens obtained from the fetus or mother are used for biomonitoring.
Child Abuse Review - Poverty and Family Reunification for Mothers with Substance Use Disorders in Child Welfare
Although prior research has established that maternal substance use disorders (SUDs) are associated with poor foster care outcomes, few earlier studies have sought to differentiate between families with maternal SUDs who reunify and those who do not reunify.

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Radio Opole (Poland) - Szkodliwości picia alkoholu w czasie ciąży poświęcona będzie konferencja "Świat bez FASD"
Nie ma bezpiecznej dawki alkoholu pitego w czasie ciąży. Każda jego ilość niesie ryzyko wystąpienia zaburzeń w rozwoju dziecka.
Slovenske novice (Slovenia) - Nosečnice, veste, kdaj alkohol še zlasti škodi razvoju ploda?
Strokovnjaki vseskozi opozarjajo na to, da je alkohol v nosečnosti prepovedan, zato naj nosečnice nikar ne posegajo po njem.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Alcohol News - 41/2018

Science Daily (UK) - More young people are choosing not to drink alcohol
Young people in England aren't just drinking less alcohol -- a new study shows that more of them are never taking up alcohol at all, and that the increase is widespread among young people.
INSIDER - Here's what happens to your mind and body when you stop drinking alcohol, according to a doctor
Following a global report this year that there is no safe amount of alcohol, more people may be trying to cut back on booze. This month, many people are giving up alcohol for 31 days in a campaign called Sober for October.
9news.com.au (Australia) - Aussie sporting legends push to ban alcohol advertising in all games
Following the AFL and NRL Grand Finals, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) crunched the numbers and discovered during the NRL’s big dance there were more than three instances of alcohol advertising exposure every minute, including on-field advertising.
Independent Community Newspaper (New Zealand) - Kiwi health organisations calling for mandatory pregnancy warning labels on alcohol
New Zealand women's apathy towards to the dangers of drinking during pregnancy is strengthening calls from health professionals for mandatory labelling on alcoholic drinks.
Helsinki Times (Finland) - Commerce Federation eager to press on with de-regulation of alcohol sales
The Finnish Commerce Federation reveals that its long-term objective is to abolish the retail monopoly of Alko, the state-owned importer, producer and retailer of alcoholic beverages.
The Indian Express (India) - Alcohol obnoxious to health, will keep legal drinking age 25: Delhi govt
It added that the framing of law, which is within the competence of a legislature, cannot be stated as amounting to discrimination merely because it fails to bring parity with laws framed in another jurisdiction.
Healio - Alcohol consumption may prompt adverse cardiac remodeling
Elevated alcohol consumption predicted several parameters of adverse cardiac remodeling after 20 years of follow-up, researchers reported.
CNN (Ireland) - Ireland passes 'groundbreaking' bill to curb excessive drinking
Ireland passed a landmark bill aimed at reducing alcohol consumption on Wednesday, more than 1,000 days after it was introduced in parliament.
News24 - The world needs tighter alcohol policies – study
There is trouble brewing. And if countries across the world don’t increase taxes, restrict advertising and regulate the age of buyers as well as the times when and places where people can buy alcohol, they will continue suffering a bitter population-threatening hangover from the consequences of harmful alcohol use.
Star2.com - It’s never OK to drink alcohol while pregnant, new study says
For such a little guy, Robert McCloud has worked very hard to get to where he is today. At age 13 months, he weighs less than half of most babies his age.
Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Irish Rail ban alcohol on some services due to anti-social behaviour
Irish Rail is banning people from drinking alcohol on some of its routes from next week. The ban will come into effect from October 12, and will be enforced every Friday, following regular reports of anti-social behaviour connected to excessive alcohol consumption.
Highland (UK) - Report: Survey of the Availability and Purchase of Alcohol in the Highlands
This survey was developed on behalf of the Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership (HADP) and the Directorate of Public Health and Health Policy to provide a public opinion about the availability and purchase of alcohol in the Highlands.
Independent - Daily glass of wine increases risk of early death by 20%, study shows
The health benefits of a daily glass of wine or alcoholic tipple may have been somewhat overstated, according to a study that shows regular drinking – even within “safe” limits – substantially increased the risk of premature death.
Public Health England (UK) - Alcohol causes 1 in 13 breast cancers
Drink free days campaign marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month by encouraging women to take more drink free days to reduce their breast cancer risk.
News Magazine - Drinking alcohol in adolescence increases risk of cancer
A new study by researchers at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that alcohol consumption during adolescence increases the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Todays Dietitian - New Landmark Report on Cancer Prevention — What It Means for Messages on Healthful Eating
Dietitians increasingly are fielding questions from clients and patients about news headlines on reducing cancer risk, and often from individuals in non-oncology settings.