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Sunday, September 27, 2020

FASD News - 38/2020

The Conversation (Canada) - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder amid COVID-19: Fewer services, potential boost in rates
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the leading developmental disability in Canada. Despite its preventable nature, there is concern among FASD researchers about a potential increase in FASD prevalence rates as a result of COVID-19, in addition to the impact the pandemic is having on the community.
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Hull Daily Mail (UK) – Mum's drinking during pregnancy gave son brain injury
A Yorkshire grandmother has revealed how her grandson's mood swings turned out to be a brain injury caused by her daughter drinking during pregnancy.
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Science Blog - Advances in Research on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the broad range of neurodevelopmental and physical effects that result from prenatal exposure to alcohol.
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Daily Mail (UK) - Fury over controversial plans that could see pregnant women who drink of a single glass of wine have it recorded on their baby's medical records as charity warns it would be a 'gross infringement' of data privacy
Fury was sparked today over controversial plans that may see pregnant women who drink alcohol have all their consumption recorded on their baby's medical records — even if they only had a single glass of wine.
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The Cold Lake Sun (Canada) - Local artists the focus during annual FASD gala
For 20 years now the Lakeland Centre for FASD has been serving the greater Cold Lake region.  With offices in Cold Lake, Bonnyville, St Paul, and Lac La Biche, the Centre offers diagnostic services for children and adults, resource information and development; a mothers-to-be mentorship program, and summer camp.
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The Guardian (UK) - Drinking during pregnancy is not without risk
Zoe Williams could not be more wrong (Bilge, booze and misogyny: why I’m outraged by a new idea to police pregnant women, 18 September): drinking in pregnancy is everyone’s concern. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) consultation document provided compelling arguments explaining why society should be concerned about foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
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Drink Tank (Australia) - Facing disability: For the first time I have been given the tools to survive
Jessica shares her lived experience of FASD in an effort to arm individuals, families, carers and health professionals with information to create successful interventions and support. She feels awareness and action are key to not only slow the rate of children being born affected by prenatal alcohol, but also to be able to accurately assess and diagnose those children, so they have the best chance for happiness and success.
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NoFASD Australia - A BIRTH MOTHER’S STORY
I am a birth mother of a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and this is my story. I conceived my daughter at the age of 30. She is now 16. Only seven weeks after ceasing the birth control pill, I discovered I was pregnant. It never occurred to me to stop drinking alcohol as soon as I stopped using contraception.
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Hello Sunday Morning - I didn’t know alcohol could harm my baby, before knowing I was pregnant
I conceived my first child at 30. I had been married for 4 years when I ceased my long-term use of the birth control pill. I continued to drink alcohol at weekends, socially, but knew about avoiding certain foods and to reduce my caffeine intake. I am well educated and had done my research. I didn’t want to completely change my lifestyle, as long as my approach was ‘safe’ for my developing baby.
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CanFASD - What FASD is: a caregiver’s perspective
When asked to write this blog on what FASD means to me, I struggled.  FASD is a complicated disability with many challenging aspects.  I finally decided that, in my experience, FASD to this point has meant missed opportunities.
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Planet Radio (Scotland) - 1 in 20 Scottish babies affected by mothers' drinking
Health experts are campaigning for more understanding of a syndrome which affects 1 in 20 children. Statistices on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder show it is more prevalent than has been believed for youngsters in Scotland, with around 1 in 20 affected.
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News GP (Australia) - A perfect storm for spike in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
As alcohol use increases during the pandemic, Dr Magdalena Simonis and Dr Karin Hammarberg argue the spike is likely – and we need to be ready.
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Department of Health (Australia) - Australia leading the fight against FASD
As part of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, the Morrison Government has committed nearly $24 million of funding for FASD Diagnostic and Support Services.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
The Scottish Parliament - MEMBERS' BUSINESS: RECOGNISING THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL FOETAL SPECTRUM DISORDERS
That the Parliament recognises the prevalence and significant impact of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in Scotland, as discussed at the meeting of the parliamentary Cross Party Group on Improving Scotland’s Health: 2021 and Beyond on 26 February 2020.
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ENDpae - An Invisible, Life-Long Disability
NDpae is a life-long disorder caused by alcohol interfering with the development of the foetal brain; this is also known as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
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FASDHub Scotland - 5th #FASDMonth webinar - Professional Round Table discussion
This is the 5th in the series of #FASDMonth webinars and took place on Wednesday 23rd September, hosted by FASD Hub Scotland/Adoption UK.
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Six Nations of the Grand River - SNGR Covid-19 Podcast Update with Lori Davis Hill for the dates of Sept 24th - 28th
SNGR Covid-19 Podcast Update with Lori Davis Hill for the dates of Sept 24th - 28th Guest: Floretta Hill, talking FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
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NHS - Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) - What Educators need to know
If you work in an educational setting, from early years to secondary school, you will meet children and young people affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
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FASD Success - #039 Claire Mafranc from Struggling Single Mom to Successful with a Vision
Are you a single mom, or even feel like a single mom – alone, isolated, without close family or friends? Wondering if life as a caregiver with an individual with FASD is going to be a constant state of chaos and confusion? It doesn’t have to be that way.
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Honestly Adoption - How To Find Success With FASD
Parenting a child, or young adult, with a FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) can be daunting, and just plain hard. If you're like many parents, you've tried everything, and you're losing your hair for pulling it out.
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RESEARCH
Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention - Exploring Self-Regulation Strategy Use in Adolescents with FASD
Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) experience a range of cognitive, behavioral, and physical difficulties, including difficulties with self-regulation. We investigated self-regulation strategy use in adolescents with FASD who completed a self-regulation intervention program.
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Journal of Neuroscience Research - Neuroinflammatory contribution of microglia and astrocytes in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Ethanol exposure to the fetus during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). These disorders vary in severity, can affect multiple organ systems, and can lead to lifelong disabilities.
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International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology - Effects of high fat diet and maternal binge-like alcohol consumption and their influence on cocaine response in female mice offspring
Therefore, in female offspring, some effects triggered by one of these factors, PLAE or a HFD, were blunted by the other, suggesting a close interaction between the involved mechanisms.
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Adoption & Fostering - Carer stress in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: the implications of data from the UK national specialist FASD clinic for training carers
Total stress scores among carers of children with FASD were elevated and far exceeded the threshold score on the PSI, suggesting a need for ‘further professional consultation’. Consideration of parental needs and the development of evidenced-based interventions specific for these carers are highlighted as areas for future development.
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EThOS - An insight into the experiences of teachers educating children with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Northern Ireland
This study explored the experiences of teachers who have worked with children and young people diagnosed with FASD in Northern Ireland.
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OpenUCT - Tissue Parameter Mapping in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which are caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), affects people around the world. Certain communities in South Africa have among the highest reported incidences of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the world.
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APHA's 2020 VIRTUAL Annual Meeting and Expo - Health and human services providers role in preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)
Results found a variation between studies on the role of age, race, and education level as risks factors for an alcohol exposed pregnancy (AEP).
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UC San Diego - Language and Communication Abilities in Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
The results of this study provide important information regarding the relations between basic language abilities and higher-level communication skills of adolescents with FASD. Interventions targeting working memory, inhibition, and attention may improve language abilities, which in turn may improve communication skills.
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Biology of sex differences - Association between fetal sex and maternal plasma microRNA responses to prenatal alcohol exposure: evidence from a birth outcome-stratified cohort
Most persons with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed in later life. To address the need for earlier diagnosis, we previously assessed miRNAs in the blood plasma of pregnant women who were classified as unexposed to alcohol (UE), heavily exposed with affected infants (HEa), or heavily exposed with apparently unaffected infants (HEua).
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The Atrium - Screening approaches for detecting fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: A systematic review
Identification of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) may help facilitate the provision of supports and services for those who need them. Screening has been proposed as an important step in recognizing those at risk of having FASD.
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Journal of Public Health - Changes of drinking behavior in Korean pregnant women for the last 20 year
According to the results of the study in 2017, the rate of pregnant women who drink alcohol after pregnancy was decreased compared to 1997 and 2008. However drinking behavior severity has increased in 2017.
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Early Human Development - Maternal alcohol and drug use during pregnancy affects the motor behaviour and general movements of infants aged 3–4 months
The study describes an abnormal movement character of infants exposed to alcohol and/or addictive drugs in pregnancy when their motor repertoire was assessed at three to four months of age. The AIMS also showed negative effects on their motor behaviour.
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Neuropharmacology - Prenatal alcohol exposure reduces posterior dorsomedial striatum excitability and motivation in a sex- and age-dependent fashion
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE)-induced clinical symptoms have been widely reported but effective treatments are not yet available due to our limited knowledge of the neuronal mechanisms underlying behavioral outputs.
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American Behavioral Scientist - The Complexities of Criminal Responsibility and Persons With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: How Can Therapeutic Jurisprudence Help?
Using therapeutic jurisprudence as a framework, we examined whether problem-solving courts (e.g., mental health court) could be used to address the needs of a person with IDD and offer a different understanding and potential solution to nonjudicial decision makers that satisfies the principles of both criminal responsibility and public safety.
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Digital Repository - Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Placental Insufficiency Results in Reduced Neuronal Complexity in the Rat Prefrontal Cortex
This is the first study to investigate the dendritic complexity following PAE combined with PI within the frontal cortex. Given the importance of this region to executive function, this may provide insight into the long-term deficits that are observed and provide support for interventions.
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Neurobiology of Disease - In utero alcohol exposure exacerbates endothelial protease activity from pial microvessels and impairs GABA interneuron positioning
In utero alcohol exposure can induce severe neurodevelopmental disabilities leading to long-term behavioral deficits. Because alcohol induces brain defects, many studies have focused on nervous cells.
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Current Biology - Spatial Cognition: Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and the Memory Puzzle
A new study shows that moderate prenatal alcohol exposure alters multiple features of hippocampal spatial responses, leading to inflexible and less precise representations of our surroundings.
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Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Associations of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Offspring Harmful Alcohol Use: Findings from the Raine Study
Observed associations for maternal prenatal alcohol exposure but not maternal pre-pregnancy alcohol use suggests a biological mechanism for intrauterine alcohol exposure on the risk of harmful alcohol use in the offspring.
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Revista de la Facultad de Medicina - Characterization of prenatal exposure variables in a group of children aged 0-5 years with congenital heart defect treated in Cali, Colombia
Congenital heart defects (CHD) have an estimated prevalence of 4 to 9 cases per 1 000 births, and they have a significant impact on child morbidity and mortality. This prevalence variability has been attributed to regional differences in terms of genetic and environmental factors, among others.
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Journal of Behavioral Medicine - Cognitions and behaviors related to risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancies among young adult women
This study assessed alcohol and sex-related cognitions and behaviors, including alcohol-related sexual expectancies, descriptive norms, and protective behavioral strategies, associated with women’s risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.
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Birth Defects Research - Physical activity may be an adjuvant treatment option for substance use disorders during pregnancy: A scoping review
The findings from this review may inform the development of future clinical trials to test the effect of structured exercise programs as an adjunctive treatment option for pregnant women with substance use disorders.
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Journal of Midwifery & Womens Health - Applying Ethical Principles When Discussing Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Over the past 2 decades, more women in the United States are engaging in excessive alcohol use, including women of reproductive age. Consuming alcohol in amounts greater than recommended limits is associated with an increased risk for adverse health effects, such as breast cancer, hypertension stroke, spontaneous abortion, and infertility.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Wprost.pl (Poland) - 80 proc. Polek spożywa alkohol, a ile proc. pije w ciąży? Szokujące dane
80 proc. Polek spożywa alkohol, a 15 proc. pije również w czasie ciąży, co naraża płód na poważne zaburzenia ujawniające się nawet wiele lat po narodzinach dziecka – wynika z danych przedstawionych w środę, podczas konferencji prasowej online, zorganizowanej z okazji obchodzonego 9 września Światowego Dnia Świadomości FASD.
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Metro (Netherlands) - Mijn ingewikkelde lieve bonuszoon heeft FASD
Wendy Hoekstra heeft deze lezerscolumn geschreven omdat het deze maand de FASD Awareness Month is. „Ik wil dat FASD bekender wordt zodat kinderen (net zoals mijn bonuszoon) en oudere mensen met FASD betere hulp en meer begrip kunnen krijgen.” Ook wil ze duidelijk maken dat er al bij „één glas alcohol drinken hersenbeschadiging kan ontstaan.”
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MDR (Germany) - Alkoholmissbrauch in Schwangerschaft: Keine Entschädigung für Kinder
Kinder haben grundsätzlich keinen Anspruch auf Entschädigung, wenn die Mutter während der Schwangerschaft Alkohol getrunken hat. Der besteht nur bei einem versuchten Schwangerschaftsabbruch, urteilte das Bundessozialgericht.
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Tagmedicina (Italy) - Bere alcol durante la gravidanza può causare problemi al neonato, anche a lungo termine
Nel mondo, circa il 60% delle donne beve alcol durante la gravidanza ed ogni anno nascono circa 120 mila bambini (in Italia quasi 2500) che probabilmente svilupperanno lo spettro dei disordini feto-alcolici (FASD).
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Parlamentni (Czech Republic) - Univerzita Karlova spustila informační kampaň "Stop alkoholu v těhotenství"
V České republice se ročně narodí až 3 000 dětí s příznaky FASD (Fetal alcohol syndrom disorders) v důsledku užívání alkoholu matkami během těhotenství. Univerzita Karlova připravila informační kampaň, která má na tyto problémy upozornit.
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Der Springer Medizin Podcast (Germany) - Was Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft anrichten kann
Kein Alkohol für Schwangere – man sollte meinen, dass das heute eigentlich jede Frau weiß. Trotzdem ist Alkoholkonsum in der Schwangerschaft nach wie vor ein Riesenproblem: In Deutschland kommen jedes Jahr mehr als 10.000 Neugeborene mit Alkoholschäden zur Welt. Dr. Reinhold Feldmann, Walstedde, erklärt in dieser Podcast-Episode die Folgen mütterlichen Alkoholkosums und räumt mit einigen Mythen zum Thema auf.
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Thursday, September 24, 2020

Alcohol News - 38/2020

News Medical - Combination of alcohol and nicotine during pregnancy increases health risk in newborns
University of Houston researchers have found that during early pregnancy, the mix of alcohol and nicotine significantly alters the gene regulatory pathways of the developing fetus, which can lead to major deficiencies in brain development.
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CBS Baltimore (USA) - Study Finds Alcohol, Drug-Related Deaths Up In Maryland Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to claim the lives of thousands of people, new data shows a dramatic jump in drug and alcohol-related deaths across the state.
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Scoop (New Zealand) - Alcohol Detection Anklets Showing Promise In NZ
Alcohol Detection Anklets (ADA) are garnering a lot of attention in New Zealand and Australia for helping alcohol-involved clients refrain from drinking. The anklets use transdermal technology to detect alcohol use in individuals who have been ordered by court or parole to refrain from consumption as a condition of release.
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Ekathimerini (Greece) - Four in 10 15-year-olds have tried alcoholic drink
Nearly four in 10 Greek adolescents have tried alcohol before the age of 15 while 6.8 percent had their first taste before their 10th birthday, according to the findings of a new study.
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Australian Dental Association - Dentist’s message: Alcohol harms mouth as much as rest of body
Having a couple of glasses of wine at home every evening may sound harmless during these troubled times – but the nation’s pandemic drinking habits are potenially setting us up for serious oral health issues down the track.
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The Points Guy - Unpopular opinion: Why airlines shouldn’t be serving alcohol on flights right now
If airlines genuinely want to prioritize safety, alcohol needs to stay on the “no fly” list until wearing a face mask isn’t necessary.
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Inverse - SCIENTISTS FIND A TROUBLING LINK BETWEEN BINGE DRINKING AND BRAIN DYSFUNCTION
Heavy drinking can take a toll on the body, heightening the risk of health issues like high blood pressure and cancer. Excessive imbibing can also dangerously affect the brain, capable of driving cognitive-behavioral issues like anxiety.
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South Wales Argus (Wales) - Alcohol sale restrictions in Wales lockdown areas 'too lenient'
ALCOHOL sales from off licences in lockdown areas such as Newport and Blaenau Gwent should be stopped from 6pm, says Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price.
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Futurity - COVID-19 STRESS COULD BOOST ALCOHOL ABUSE RISK
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely caused increases in the risk of alcohol and drug abuse while also making treatment harder to access, Denis M. McCarthy argues.
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ERR News (Estonia) - Health Board: Limiting alcohol sales is the right choice
The head of the Health Board's Emergency Department Ragnar Vaiknemets has said the government's decision to impose nationwide alcohol sales restrictions is the right thing to do.
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The Conversation (Canada) - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder amid COVID-19: Fewer services, potential boost in rates
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the leading developmental disability in Canada. Despite its preventable nature, there is concern among FASD researchers about a potential increase in FASD prevalence rates as a result of COVID-19, in addition to the impact the pandemic is having on the community.
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Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) - Alcohol sale controls lowered assaults: study
Former Dunedin epidemiologist and alcohol harm researcher Jennie Connor is heartened by a drop in hospitalisation from assaults, after alcohol sale restrictions.
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Insider (Scotland) - Almost half of Scots are in favour of minimum alcohol unit price - survey finds
Almost half of Scots are in favour of the minimum unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol, a new survey suggests. Analysis by Public Health Scotland of the 2019 Scottish social attitudes survey found 49.8% of the 1,022 people asked supported the measure, compared to 27.6% who did not.
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Helsinki Times (Finland) - Restrictions to late-night alcohol sales warranted in Finland, says boss at HUS
RESTRICTIONS to the late-night sales of alcohol could be warranted also in Finland, estimates Lasse Lehtonen, the director of diagnostic services at the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS).
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The Financial - Alcohol industry funded organisations undermining health information through ‘dark nudge’ and ‘sludge’
Alcohol industry corporate social responsibility (AI-CSR) bodies are promoting mixed messages about alcohol harms and undermining scientific evidence by using consumers’ cognitive biases, according to new research published in The Milbank Quarterly.
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Centre for Ageing Better (UK) - Alcohol and ageing: the hidden harms
Our Senior Programme Manager for Healthy Ageing, Jess Kuehne, summarises a new report out this week about the changes needed to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and highlights how harmful levels of alcohol consumption are actually highest among those in mid to later life.
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Friday, September 18, 2020

Alcohol News - 37/2020

BBC - The impact of banning alcohol during Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has left people across the globe holed up inside for months, many worried about job security and health issues. It’s clear that in many nations, some people have turned to alcoholic beverages to take the edge off. An April survey revealed that 21% of Brits started drinking more after they entered quarantine, with similar numbers in Canada.
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The Guardian (UK) - Plans to record pregnant women's alcohol consumption in England criticised
Pregnant women’s alcohol consumption could be recorded on their child’s medical records under plans for England being considered by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), prompting criticism from pregnancy rights advocates.
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ERR News (Estonia) - Tallinn city government late-night alcohol sales ban may pass this week
Tallinn city government's legal affairs committee has proposed postponing for nearly a year the entry into force of city-wide regulations which would restrict the late-night sale of alcohol, and also more clearly define what constitutes a nightclub, versus a bar, pub etc. However, daily Postimees reports that the law, already postponed from spring, is likely to come into effect this year.
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The Conversation UK - Alcohol and your brain: study finds even moderate drinking is damaging
It’s a well-known fact that drinking too much alcohol can have a serious impact on your health, including damaging your liver. But how much is too much? For conditions such as liver cirrhosis, that’s usually more than 21 units of alcohol a week – around two bottles of wine a week or one and a half pints of beer a day.
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Waterloo Chronicle (Canada) - Teens binge drink more often because of alcohol being available in grocery stores, University of Waterloo study finds
A policy change that allowed alcohol to be sold in grocery stores in Ontario has led some teens to go from abstaining from alcohol to binge-drinking multiple times per week, a new study has found.
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ERR News (Estonia) - Late-night alcohol sales ban to be implemented nationally from next weekend
Late-night alcohol sales will be banned nationwide, including in hotels as well as bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes from midnight next Friday, in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
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Medical Xpress - Increase in alcohol-industry funded research is a cause for concern, study suggests
The alcohol industry is increasingly funding academic research into the impacts of alcohol consumption—with some studies making claims about the health benefits of alcohol, new research suggests.
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Belfast Telegraph (Northern Ireland) - Minimum alcohol price for NI 'a step in right direction'
Medical professionals have welcomed a report recommending the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol.
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Holyrood (Scotland) - Associate feature: Putting prevention first on alcohol
Personal choice versus the nanny state. That’s the way that public health prevention is characterised by opponents. But with one quarter of Scots regularly drinking more than recommended, surely there’s more to it?
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The Independent (UK) - Alcohol consumption is spiralling out of control – we need to seriously address addiction
I’m a doctor and, with my team, I help a lot of very unwell people recover from illness, often saving their lives. Covid-19 has heightened their needs and the demand for our help has rocketed, meaning that many people go without support or face long waits.
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Independent.ie (Ireland) - Unrestricted sales of alcohol fuel the spread of Covid-19
The recent roadmap for the future does not explicitly blame alcohol for the spread of Covid-19, but it is, it seems, at the heart of many of the activities that carry most of the blame.
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OnMedica (UK) - NICE calls for formal alcohol screening at every antenatal appointment
Midwives warn mandatory screening could break down trust, stigmatise women and cause them to conceal drinking.
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Independent.ie (Ireland) - More spent on alcohol despite Covid-19 closure of pubs as people switch from beer to wine
IRISH people spent more on alcohol in the first seven months of the year despite the closure of pubs due to Covid-19 restrictions.
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Alcohol Change (UK) - 'It's everywhere' - alcohol's public face and private harm: our response
Alcohol Change UK welcomes the publication today [14 September 2020] of the report of the Commission on Alcohol Harm, ‘It’s everywhere’ – alcohol’s public face and private harm.
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RC Psych (UK) - Addiction services not equipped to treat the 8 million people drinking at high risk during pandemic, warns Royal College
Addiction services in England are not equipped to treat the soaring numbers of people drinking at high risk during the pandemic and must receive a multi-million-pound funding boost in the upcoming spending review, says the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
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Thursday, September 10, 2020

Alcohol News - 36/2020

FASD.me - Walk along with me

The ninth day of the ninth month was chosen as a reminder of the risks associated with drinking alcohol during the nine months of pregnancy and to celebrate the achievements of those who live with the condition.
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Conversation AU - Forget the stereotypes. Our survey shows many young people are drinking less alcohol in lockdown
Lockdown and other public health measures to halt the spread of COVID-19 haven’t driven us all to drink (and other drugs), as many news stories would have us believe.
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News Medical - Alcohol intake linked to increased risk of hypertension in adults with Type 2 diabetes
Drinking eight or more alcoholic beverages a week may increase the risk of high blood pressure (also called hypertension) among adults with Type 2 diabetes, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access journal of the American Heart Association.
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The Reykjavik Grapevine (Iceland) - Alcohol Prices Higher In Iceland
According to statistics published by Eurostat, in 2019 the price of alcoholic beverages was 165% higher in Iceland than the average in the European Union. Apart from members of the European Union and Iceland, the prices were also measured for Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
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Aberdeen Evening Express (UK) - Alcohol harms exacerbated by coronavirus crisis, study suggests
The Men and Alcohol study by Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) and the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS), launched on Wednesday, found the coronavirus crisis has made issues such as social isolation, mental health challenges and deprivation worse.
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The Philadelphia Inquirer - How added sugars and alcohol can spread cancerous tumors
Medical researchers have given us numerous reasons to cut back on our intake of added sugars and alcoholic drinks. Now, here’s another: Zachary T. Schug, a researcher at the Wistar Institute, has been delving into how added sugars and alcohol can fuel the growth and spread of cancerous tumors.
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KOLD (USA) - Recent study shows 1 in 5 Arizonans treated pain with alcohol or drugs during the pandemic
A recent study conducted by an agency that is part of the American Addiction Centers of the United States, has found that one in five Arizonans treated pain with either drugs or alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Medical Xpress - Vitamin B1 deficiency a key factor in the development of alcohol-related dementsia
A common consequence of chronically high alcohol consumption is a decline in cognitive function, which can even progress to full-blown dementia.
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New Straits Times Online (Thailand) - Thailand bans online sales of alcohol
THAILAND has announced that alcohol sales via electronic channels will be prohibited. In an announcement on the Thai government website, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said that due to the popularity of e-commerce, some entrepreneurs opted to sell alcoholic beverages via electronic channels.
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The Guardian (UK) - ‘I was hammered for the first month of lockdown’ – meet the people who quit alcohol in the pandemic
Despite the stories of people drinking more when confined to home, for many this has been a time to tackle their dependency.
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Wales Online (Wales) - Any alcohol while pregnant increases chance of miscarriage up to 40%
Drinking alcohol while pregnant increases the chances of a miscarriage by up to 40 per cent, according to a new study.
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Croakey (Australia) - Exposing alcohol industry tactics during the pandemic
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, polls found that almost three in four Australians who drink do so most frequently at home — either their home or someone else’s.
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STV Edinburgh (Scotland) - Alcohol-related harm ‘remains significant issue for men’
Alcohol-related harm, both physical and mental, remains a significant issue for men in Scotland. That’s according to a study, which highlights how drinking is closely connected to their identity.
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Vindobona (Austria) - A Ban on Alcohol for Advent Markets May Be Discussed
For the director of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, Harald Mahrer, is it imaginable to have Advent markets this year. However, he is preferring a mandatory mask wearing at Advent markets and recommends a discussion about a possible ban on alcohol.
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NordAN (Ireland) - NordAN talks: Alcohol and cancer warnings in Ireland
Eunan McKinney, Head of Communications and Advocacy at the Alcohol Action Ireland and Lauri Beekmann, NordAN´s executive director are discussing the alcohol and cancer warnings case in Ireland.
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Sunday, September 6, 2020

FASD News - 35/2020

Hertfordshire News (UK) - Ware parents' warning over 'hidden' condition affecting thousands of babies

A couple from Ware are speaking out about a “hidden” condition that could affect thousands of children in Hertfordshire and across the UK. Martin Butcher and his wife Sandy have become tireless campaigners about Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) after the diagnosis of their son with the condition.
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NICE (UK) - NICE extends consultation period for new quality standard on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
In line with recommendations by the UK's Chief Medical Officer and the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the quality standard looks at the assessment and diagnosis of FASD, as well as prevention.
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People.com - Parents of 10 Give 'Great Life' to 6 Adopted with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Everyone has seen children’s tantrums, but when first-time parents Alicia and Josh Dougherty welcomed 4-year-old foster child Alex into their home, they soon learned that his were titanic by any standards.
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Science Times - Drinking in Pregnancy - Latest Insight into the Harms it Causes
Miscarriage risk increases each week alcohol is used in early pregnancy and yet almost 20% of pregnant women report first trimester drinking.
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News24 (South Africa) - Local NGO pioneers prenatal research as SA battles highest prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome
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Irish Mirror (Ireland) - At least six babies a year born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in Ireland
At least six babies a year are born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in Ireland because of how much booze their mums drank during pregnancy, the Irish Sunday Mirror can reveal.
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2KUTV (USA) - Baby Your Baby: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
September 9th (9/9) is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day to remind women to avoid alcohol during the nine months of pregnancy.
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Safety + Health Magazine (UK) - Survey finds many young adults think it’s OK to drink alcohol while pregnant
More than 1 out of 4 young adults don’t know pregnant women shouldn’t drink alcohol, results of a recent survey out of the United Kingdom show.
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CanFASD (Canada) - “Why Red Shoes?”
“Why Red Shoes?” That is a question I often get, as originator of the concept of red shoes for FASD. Why did I choose to wear red shoes, and what do they signify to me?
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Surrey Place - Seven Myths about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Debunked
This September is FASD Awareness Month – a month devoted to raising awareness to improve prevention, diagnosis and support for individuals. What is FASD? FASD describes the range of effects that can occur in an individual exposed to alcohol before birth. These effects include a wide range of physical, intellectual and neurobehavioral deficits. 
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS

Health Nexus Santé - A Message about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Most everyone knows not to drink and drive, and that even small amounts of alcohol can be risky… but do we really understand that drinking small amounts of alcohol during the pregnancy can be harmful for our growing baby?
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Fnhealthcouncil - International FASD Day – Esk’etemc Community Highlights Strength-Based Approaches to Wellness
International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of every year to honour the length of pregnancy. Ahead of FASD Day on September 9, the FNHA Mental Health and Wellness team is sharing a unique and inspired collaboration and strength-based approach to FASD assessment and support.
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Medical Centric - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.
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HSE Health and Wellbeing - Invitation to 2020 Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day Webinar
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Me and My FASD - Read more

 

RESEARCH
Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Identifying Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Among South African Children at Aged 1 and 5 years
We found that children can be screened and diagnosed for FASD at 1.5 and 5 years. As FASD characteristics develop over time, repeated screenings are necessary to identify all affected children and launch preventive interventions.
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Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work - Theoretical research: Improving treatment and outcomes for young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the youth justice system: A social work led response and practice framework
Key findings include the confirmation of the link between young people with FASD and the YJ population; consistent best practice recommendations for treatment and interventions; and a clear positive relationship between the social work mandate and the implementation of the recommended treatment for young people with FASD who have had contact with the YJ system.
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Paediatrics & Child Health - 59 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Canada’s Children: Pediatric Advocacy for Optimal Physical and Mental Health
Children with FASD/PAE are at risk for physical and mental health co-morbidity and on-going risk for developing new and significant health challenges. They should be followed by a community pediatrician.
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Research Square - Specialized Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consultation Service: An Innovative Clinic Model for Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Based at an Autism Center

 Findings indicate this clinic is feasible as a method for increasing diagnostic capacity, improving patient services, and potentially preventing misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of children with PAE. Results can inform best practices for FASD-informed care.
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The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology - Screening for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in forensic mental health settings
There is limited evidence to inform effective screening practices for identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in forensic mental health settings. This study sought to explore the potential use of four FASD screening tools in a Canadian forensic mental health program.
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Journal of Midwifery and Womans Health - Dissemination of Prenatal Drinking Guidelines: A Preliminary Study Examining Personal Alcohol Use Among Midwives in a Southwestern US State
Results of this study highlight the importance of advocating healthy lifestyles among health care professionals while also promoting communication practices that align with national alcohol guidelines.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES

QdS.it (Italy) - Il 60% delle donne beve alcol in gravidanza, ogni anno nascono 120 mila bambini con Fasd
Nel mondo circa il 60% delle donne beve alcol durante la gravidanza e ogni anno nascono circa 120 mila bambini – in Italia quasi 2.500 – che probabilmente svilupperanno lo spettro dei disordini feto-alcolici.
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IDW (Germany) - Null Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft
Daniela Ludwig, Drogenbeauftragte der Bundesregierung, erklärt: „Schwangerschaft und Alkohol – das passt nicht zusammen! Jeder Schluck stellt eine immense gesundheitliche Gefahr für das ungeborene Kind dar. Mein Appell an alle werdenden Mütter lautet: Verzichten Sie bitte während Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit komplett auf Alkohol – ihrem Baby zuliebe!“
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FAS-Portalen (Sweden) - Alkoholskadade barn får inte hjälp från socialtjänsten
Ett av 100 barn beräknas ha blivit så alkoholpåverkat under fostertiden att det fått bestående skador. Det innebär att det i Sverige varje år föds mer än 1000 barn som fått men för livet av alkohol. Bara ett fåtal av dem får det stöd och den hjälp de behöver.
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Radio Zielona Gora (Poland) - „ZaFAScynuj się ciążą bez alkoholu”
Każda ilość alkoholu w ciąży szkodzi – alarmują specjaliści. Biuro Profilaktyki i Przeciwdziałania Uzależnieniom Miejskiego Ośrodka Pomocy Społecznej w Zielonej Górze rozpoczęło kampanię „ZaFAScynuj się ciążą bez alkoholu”.
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Saffrance (France) - 4ème édition du SAFTHON
Le 9 septembre, à l’occasion de la journée internationale de lutte contre les Troubles Causés par l’Alcoolisation Fœtale (TCAF) et durant tout le mois de septembre, ce ne sont pas moins de 150 actions qui seront déployées en France, en Outre-mer et dans le monde, dans le cadre du SAFTHON.
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Thursday, September 3, 2020

Alcohol News - 35/2020

Yahoo Sports - Half a glass of wine a day linked to obesity

You may not think a small glass of wine could help cause you to pile on the pounds, but new research has linked less than one alcoholic drink a day to obesity.
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BusinessTech (South Africa) - Cape Town moves towards stricter alcohol laws – here are the planned changes
The Western Cape’s minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, says that his provincial department plans to make amendments to the Western Cape Liquor Act.
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Science Blog - Shaken And Stirred: The Relation Between Stress And Alcohol
There are many unknowns with the COVID-19 pandemic, but people’s relationship with alcohol and rationale for drinking seem to be consistent.
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The Local (Switzerland) - Switzerland rejects plan to ban alcohol in stadiums
Switzerland's Federal Council has rejected a planned nationwide ban on selling alcohol in stadiums, despite Swiss health officials pushing for the move.
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CTV News (Canada) - Parents more likely than non-parents to turn to alcohol during pandemic, survey finds
Parents with at least one child under the age of 18 at home are more likely to report using alcohol to cope with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new Canadian study.
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Healthline (USA) - Women Increasingly at Risk for Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Deaths of non-Hispanic white Americans from alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) — especially in women — have surged since the early 2000s, a new study finds.
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BNN News (Estonia) - Estonia considers extending ban on late-night alcohol sale to whole country
To limit the spread of COVID-19, in some parts of Estonia a ban on late-night alcohol sale in bars and cafes is in place. The Estonian government has discussed expanding it to the whole country, but has decided not to do it for now, ERR reports.
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Medical Xpress - Trial addresses health disparities in alcohol treatment
Yale researchers are completing a first-of-its-kind clinical trial to test the efficacy of an automated bilingual alcohol screening and intervention tool for use in emergency departments (EDs).
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BandT – Calls to regulate how alcohol is advertised on Social Media
The University of Queensland has released research on how alcohol advertisers are using social media to encourage parents to drink during COVID-19.
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The Journal (Ireland) - More than a quarter of over-65s at risk of harm from mixing alcohol and medication
MORE THAN A quarter of older adults are vulnerable to harm caused by mixing alcohol and medication, a new study has found.
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Business Daily - Sorry, no safe alcohol level in pregnancy
During pregnancy, women usually endeavour to do everything possible to protect the unborn child from harm. Those who take alcohol are often concerned about the impact that drinking can have on the unborn child.
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ABC News (Australia) - Drug and alcohol overdose deaths triple in the far west of New South Wales, report finds
The number of people dying from unintentional drug and alcohol overdoses in the far west of New South Wales has increased, according to a report from not-for-profit drug and alcohol research centre, the Penington Institute.
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Medical Xpress - Research shows that the addictive effect of alcohol is altered in the presence of pain
A research team from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Valencia has shown that the presence of physical pain alters the effect of alcohol as a reinforcement to avoid suffering.
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Newshub (New Zealand) - Cutting back alcohol sales hours cut hospitalisations for youth – study
Public health experts are calling for earlier closing times for bars and shops selling alcohol after tracking a substantial fall in the number of young people hospitalised due to assaults after 24-hour sales ended.
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Global GAPA (Latin America) - New report on alcohol industry activities in Latin America and the Caribbean
The rapidly growing disabilities and death arising from the harmful use of alcohol in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region (LAC) is a direct result of  a series of deliberate tactics by the alcohol industry to influence and undermine government policy aimed at  regulating the marketing, advertising and sale of alcohol at safe levels a new report has revealed.
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Drug and Alcohol Review (Australia) - Alcohol industry arguments for putting profit before health in the midst of a pandemic: The Western Australian experience
In an effort to limit the impact of alcohol on the Western Australian (WA) health system during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, the WA Government introduced temporary restrictions on takeaway alcohol purchases for several weeks in March and April 2020.
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NordAN - NordAN talks: Alcohol and cancer warnings in Ireland
Eunan McKinney, Head of Communications and Advocacy at the Alcohol Action Ireland and Lauri Beekmann, NordAN´s executive director are discussing the alcohol and cancer warnings case in Ireland.
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