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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Alcohol News - 51/2020

The Hill (USA) - US government rejects scientific advisors' recommendations on alcohol and sugar consumption
The U.S. government on Tuesday announced new recommended dietary guidelines that reportedly did not make any changes to the amount of sugar and alcohol consumption recommended for Americans, despite a scientific panel advising otherwise.
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CBS New York - Those Coping With Coronavirus Pandemic By Drinking More Alcohol Should Consider A ‘Dry January’
It was a year like no other, so a January reset could be just the trick to forget 2020. One new trend that has gotten very popular in the last few years is giving up alcohol for the first month of the new year, CBS2’s Nick Caloway reported Tuesday.
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The Brussels Times - Brexit: New Year signals end of cross-channel ‘booze cruise’
The first day of January signals the end of the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union, and brings an end also to the long tradition of hopping across the Channel to stock up on cigarettes and alcohol.
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Bloomberg (South Africa) - Virus Resurgence Spurs South Africa to Ban Alcohol Sales
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a renewed ban on alcohol sales and extended a curfew in a bid to contain the fallout from a second wave of coronavirus infections that have pushed the cumulative caseload past the one million mark.
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Newstalk (Ireland) – 13% of motorists got behind the wheel the morning after drinking alcohol
An AA Ireland poll found, that at some point during the last two years, 13pc of motorists got behind the wheel the morning after drinking alcohol. Mark chats to Conor Faughnan, Director of Consumer Affairs for AA Ireland.
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Euro Weekly News (Spain) - Alicante: Campaign to warn of alcohol consumption risks during Christmas
THE Department of Education of Alicante launches a campaign to warn of the risks of alcohol consumption among young people and adults during Christmas.
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Herald Scotland (Scotland) - Disquiet over nation's health as Scots hit the bottle during lockdown
Almost one in four drinkers in Scotland are guzzling alcohol at increasing or high risk levels during the Covid-19 pandemic leading to serious concerns about the health of the nation in lockdown.
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Deseret News (USA) - Utah’s 0.05% DUI law turns 2, and it’s time other states follow süit
It’s been two years since Utah implemented a 0.05% blood alcohol content DUI law, and it’s high time other states follow its lead. The strictest DUI law in the nation came with a lot of noise and a host of dismal prophecies about Utah’s tourism and entertainment industry, all of which have been torn to shreds.
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Canberra Times (Australia) - Aussies warned to go easy on NYE alcohol
Health experts are reminding Aussies of alcohol-related risks and encouraging a safe and healthy December 31 celebration.
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Alcohol Change (UK) - Drink-refusal skills: how to say no to an alcoholic drink
A key skill for taking part in Dry January is learning how to say no to alcoholic drinks. And that skill will stand you in brilliant stead for drinking more healthily and happily year-round.
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Saturday, December 19, 2020

FASD News - 50/2020

SPECIAL
NEW BOOK, Ira J Chasnoff, MD and Ronald J Powell, PhD - Guided Growth: Educational and Behavioral Interventions for Children and Teens with FASD and Early Trauma
European FASD Alliance chair Diane Black writes in her review of the book: “This beautiful book, targeted to teachers, parents – anyone involved with guiding children and youth with FASD – fills a great gap in the literature addressing the education of children. Citing the most recent research, Drs. Chasnoff and Powell first explain how normal learning takes place and how the brain works and then explain what goes wrong in the brain affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol and postnatal trauma. In fact, many children prenatally exposed to drugs or alcohol have also been exposed to neglect or abuse. The authors explain how all these factors contribute to a state of permanent stress, which inhibits the development of social relations and academic learning. The second half of the book moves into providing strategies to improve behavior and effective learning, offering numerous examples with detailed analyses of what works and what does not. The final chapters will be of special interest to parents and teachers who aim to prevent problems before they occur and to promote better communication between parents and teachers. I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with children and youth who were prenatally exposed to alcohol.”
The book in hard copy or electronically is available at www.ntiupstream.com

 

NEWS and ARTICLES

Scoop (New Zealand) - Funding Boost A First For The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Community
Christmas has come early for the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) community this year in the guise of a $210,000 contract with the Ministry of Health using money from the Government’s Proceeds of Crime fund.
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The Sidney Morning Herald (Australia) - If it's to be a merry festive season, consider the child you might conceive
Festive season cheer – let’s face it, alcohol – can lead to the conception of children. It can also damage not only one or two but three generations of your offspring.
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Medical News Today - Symptoms and treatment of fetal alcohol syndrome
If a baby has exposure to alcohol in the womb, they can develop a range of conditions known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The most severe of these disorders is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
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PsyPost – Dog-assisted therapy shows promise in treating youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
A new study found that children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders showed reduced symptoms after dog-assisted therapy when administered alongside pharmacological treatment. The findings were published in Frontiers in Psychology.
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The South End - Wayne Medicine study reveals biomarker of alcohol exposure in womb
Pediatricians and obstetricians could have another scientific weapon to yield in their pursuit of protecting newborn babies who may have been exposed to alcohol in the womb because of an original study published by researchers at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.
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CanFASD (Canada) - 2020 CanFASD Art Competition Winners
Since 2016 we’ve run an art competition to showcase the creativity of Canadians with FASD. Each year the winner is featured on our holiday card, but their art doesn’t have to be holiday-themed. Our applicants are inspired by anything from holiday traditions to sunsets, and everything in between.
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NoFASD Australia - SCHOOL HOLIDAY STRATEGIES
For some, school holidays are an exciting time, full of opportunities for fun. For others, the change in routine and unpredictability of the coming weeks can cause anxiety and stress for children and their carers.
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FASD: Learning with Hope - Tis the Season (for FASD Sensory Overload)
It’s that time of the year.  Fasten your sleighbelts. Batten down the breakable angels. Put those extra Christmas biscuits somewhere up high. And cherish those sparkling eyes lit up with the glow of Christmas lights, for sure as Rudolph’s nose shines, there will be tears.
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Our Sacred Breath - 12 WISHES FOR FASD: 2020 EDITION
In 2016 I wrote a blog post called 12 Wishes for FASD and My Daughter. It was a combination of things I wanted in terms of FASD awareness and things I wanted for my daughter.
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Counties Manukau (New Zealand) - FASD - Mum’s heartfelt plea to support pregnant women
“Alcohol hurt me. I wish someone had helped my mum not to drink so my brain wouldn’t have gotten hurt.” Sam* is 11-years-old and was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at the age of five.
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UPCOMING
ABLE2 - FASD Symposium TSAF (January 26th, 2021)
The 2021 Symposium is a virtual event. Attendees will be able to participate online (virtually) from home or office from all parts of Canada and the United States.
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Drexel Now - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Webinar Series II (January 6, 2021)
This webinar series is presented by Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health Maternal & Child Health Public Health Catalyst Program and PA AAP Medical Home Program.
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Children in Scotland - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: supporting children and young people (22/01/2021)
As part of our organisational response to the COVID-19 virus, Children in Scotland has adapted our training and events programme to a digital webinar format for the foreseeable future.
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FachPool (Germany) - Einführung in das Fetale Alkoholsyndrom (22.04.2021 - 18.06.2021)
In Deutschland werden jährlich ca. 12650 Kinder mit einer fetalen Alkoholspektrumstörung (FASD) geboren. Es ist von einer deutlich höheren Dunkelziffer auszugehen.
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FASD Hub Scotland - Moving Forward Together - FASD Scottish Collaborative Group Event (25 February 2021)
This event will be an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in FASD diagnosis and support in Scotland, and we will be joined by a host of speakers from various disciplines.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Nasenonline - School Resources for FASD
Children with an FASD have unique challenges that interface with the school environment. Learn more about how to help a child or family be successful academically.
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Werry Workforce Whāraurau - Lunchtime Learning FASD
This introduction to FASD will explore a learning resource aimed at building capacity across the workforce. The free eLearning course supports a range of frontline professionals to recognise and respond compassionately to people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other neurodisabilities.
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CourseVideos - FASD and Alcohol
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FASD Hub - A conversation with Professor Carol Bower: Shining a Light on FASD
Professor Carol Bower is an internationally recognised public health researcher who has spent almost her entire research career working in birth defects and aiming to improve maternal and child health.
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FASD Success - Turning the Spotlight on the Creators of the UK's first FASD podcast
We know Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder isn’t in the spotlight very much as it remains one of the most misunderstood or misdiagnosed disorders yet is the most common developmental disability. It is so important for us to work together to get the messages out, that I knew I just had to reach out when I heard about a new FASD podcast.
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Adoption Week Scotland - Adoption Week Scotland 2020-A conversation with Rich on FASD
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Twinkl - Adult Guidance for Children with FASD (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome)
This Adult Guidance for Children with FASD provides a wealth of information about working with and supporting children about FASD.
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RESEARCH
Advances in Pediatric Research - High facial specificity and positive predictive value are required to diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome when prenatal alcohol exposure is unknown
FASD diagnostic guidelines that use relaxed criteria for the FAS facial phenotype risk misdiagnosing and over-diagnosing FAS and partial FAS when PAE is unknown.
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Alcohol Clin Exp Res - Evolution of the Physical Phenotype of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders from Childhood through Adolescence
Key facial features that characterize FASD in early childhood diminish or evolve in some individuals, making diagnostic examinations that rely on these characteristics most sensitive during early childhood and school age.
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Alcohol Clin Exp Res – Use of Telemedicine for the Physical Examination of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Telemedicine is a valid and reliable method for the examination of the physical features of FAS, that may contribute to greater access to an early diagnosis of FASD in children prenatally exposed to alcohol and/or with characteristic neurobehavioral deficits.
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NeuroImage: Clinical - An fMRI investigation of neural activation predicting memory formation in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with physical anomalies, growth restriction, and a range of neurobehavioral deficits.
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Infant Cardiac Orienting Responses Predict Later FASD in the Preschool Period
A score reflecting total deviation from typical HR during CORs elicited using visual stimuli in infancy may be useful in identifying individuals who need early intervention as a result of their PAE.
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University of Regina - EXAMINING THE REPRESENTATION OF SOCIAL ACTORS IN FASD PREVENTION CAMPAIGNS
Through an exploration of public health campaigns targeting the prevention of FASD, I identified and challenged the concepts of mother blame and stigma found within the discursive practices of the medical system.
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Brain Sciences - Prenatal Alcohol Exposure in Rats Diminishes Postnatal Cxcl16 Chemokine Ligand Brain Expression
Maternal ethanol consumption during pregnancy is one of the main causes of Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) produces several adverse manifestations.
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International Journal of Forensic Mental Health - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: An International Practice Survey of Forensic Mental Health Clinicians
As awareness about FASD continues to grow in legal contexts, additional research, training, and policy consideration is required to develop and implement evidence-based practice resources for forensic clinicians.
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Alcoholism - Epigenetic Clock Analysis in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is characterized by severe clinical impairment, considerable social burden, and high mortality and morbidity, which are due to various malformations, sepsis, and cancer.
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Research in Developmental Disabilities - Yarning about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Outcomes of a community-based workshop
The current study identified key learnings from workshop facilitators and participants. The findings call attention to the importance of a co-design approach, where collaboration is vital to support the appropriate adaption of evidence-based practice to suit the local context.
Read more

 

IN OTHER LANGUAGES
FASD & Schule - Die Fetale Alkoholspektrumstörung (FASD) und der Umgang in der Schule
Dieses Video gibt einen kurzen Überblick darüber, was die Fetale Alkoholspektrumstörung (FASD) ist und wie Lehrerinnen und Lehrer in der Schule mit Betroffenen - wie dem fiktiven Charakter Marie - umgehen können.
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FachPool (Germany) - Einführung in das Fetale Alkoholsyndrom (22.04.2021 - 18.06.2021)
In Deutschland werden jährlich ca. 12650 Kinder mit einer fetalen Alkoholspektrumstörung (FASD) geboren. Es ist von einer deutlich höheren Dunkelziffer auszugehen.
Read more

 

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Alcohol News - 50/2020

Diabetes.co.uk - “Key stages of life” when even small amounts of alcohol can do damage to the brain
There are three key stages of life when even small amounts of alcohol can do significant damage to the brain, researchers have said.
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The Sidney Morning Herald - Kate saved $10,000 cutting booze. Here's how she stuck to it
It’s been a big year for boozing. A survey by sobriety non-profit Hello Sunday Morning released in October found 19 per cent of 1250 respondents were drinking more heavily than usual, with almost a third admitting they were drinking earlier in the day.
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Personnel Today (UK) - Nine in 10 home workers drinking alcohol on the job
Nine out of 10 people have admitted to drinking alcohol while working from home this year – a statistic that a health and safety firm has said could have concerning consequences for worker health and the quality of work produced.
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Men´s Health UK - How to Start a Sober(ish) Lifestyle in 2021
With 2020 almost in the rear-view mirror, our attention turns towards pastures new and the benefits that come with a new year. Whether you're looking to cut back, are 'sober-curious' or ready to commit to tee-totality, welcome to your reader's guide.
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Tubefilter - YouTube Will Enable Viewers To Toggle Out Of Ads For Alcohol And Gambling
YouTube is giving users more control over the ads they’re served — specifically with respect to spots about alcohol and gambling.
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The Irish Times (Ireland) - ‘Dangerous territory’ of expanding alcohol delivery services
Ireland is moving into “dangerous territory” as a swell in delivery services during the pandemic gifts unprecedented access to alcohol for underage drinkers, campaigners have warned.
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Scoop (New Zealand) - Time For Meaningful Restrictions On Alcohol Advertising
Advertising and promotion of alcohol causes harm. The harm disproportionately affects children and young adults, as alcohol marketing contributes to drinking at a younger age and in greater volumes, which contributes to more harmful patterns of drinking over their lifetime.
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Evening Standard (UK) - Rich men and women twice as likely to drink excessively than poorer counterparts
Wealthier adults are much more likely to drink excessive amounts of alcohol than those on lower incomes, according to a new report.
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GENT SIDE - The Unsuspected Dangers of Passive Alcoholism
According to a study published in the scientific Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, one in five adults (about 53 million people) in the United States are affected by passive alcoholism, making it a ‘public health concern’ according to researchers.
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UTHealth (USA) - Stay-at-home orders tied to an increase in harmful alcohol consumption, study finds
Binge drinkers increased their alcohol consumption by nearly 20% during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, according to new research by public health experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
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ABC (Australia) - Study finds alcohol industry distorts evidence in government submissions
New research, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, claims the alcohol industry is 'distorting scientific evidence' in its attempts to influence government policy.
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The Barbados Advocate - EDITORIAL: REDUCE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION THIS FESTIVE SEASON
AS we move full swing into the festive Christmas season, there will have to be numerous reminders put out to members of the public to be careful with their alcohol intake over the duration of this season.
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Medical Xpress (Sweden) - The longer immigrants live in Sweden, the more they drink
Adolescents with a Swedish background drink more than adolescents with a non-European background, shows a new study from Malmö University.
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Thursday, December 10, 2020

Alcohol News - 49/2020

Reuters (Russia) - Don't mix Sputnik vaccine with alcohol, says Russian official
A health official’s warning that anyone getting vaccinated against COVID-19 with Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine should give up alcohol for almost two months has caused a backlash among some Russians who call the request unreasonable.
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The University of Sidney (Australia) - New alcohol guidelines urge Aussies to go easy on the booze
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has today released new guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol. Under the new recommendations, healthy adults should drink no more than ten standard drinks a week, and no more than four on any one day.
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The Southern Maryland Chronicle (USA) - 1 in 10 Maryland relationship breakups this year were due to alcohol abuse, reveals study
Broken down across the country, it was found Louisiana had the highest figure (50%) of relationships that have ended due to a partner’s drinking. Comparatively, this figure was the lowest in Michigan, Mississippi, and Ohio (10%).
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Newsweek (USA) – Study Says Binge Drinkers Are Consuming Even More Alcohol in Lockdown
No one needed a lengthy examination by a scientific journal to know that alcohol consumption has been up throughout the pandemic. However, a recently published study in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, regarding binge drinking for those living in lockdown, reveals a hidden and very real danger.
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Brno Daily (Czech Republic) - Restaurants To Close By 8pm, Consumption of Alcohol in Public Prohibited
Due to the recent upward trend in the PES risk score, the government has reintroduced stricter measures from Wednesday, December 9th. Catering establishments must close by 8pm. The consumption of alcohol in public and sale of alcohol at markets and from dispensing windows outside restaurants.
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Gizmodo - These Are the Ages When Alcohol Is Most Dangerous to the Brain, Researchers Say
Alcohol has many well-known negative effects on our health, but a new paper this week highlights what are likely the most harmful periods during a lifetime to have alcohol in your system, at least when it comes to our brains.
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Independent (Ireland) - Life as an alcoholic: ‘I’d sit at home, alone, with two bottles of wine and wouldn’t remember going to bed’
‘Two-and-a-half years ago, I broke down in my apartment and wanted to take my own life. There was no happiness inside me; I was a shell of a human being and the only thing I ate was grapes in liquid form.
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Powell River Peak (Canada) - Alcohol consumption spiked during spring lockdown: UVic study
British Columbians’ alcohol consumption has spiked during the pandemic, particularly during the spring lockdown, and UVic researchers are tracking to see whether the same will happen in the second wave.
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Daily Express - Alcohol effects: Four warning signs your nervous system has come under attack
ALCOHOL abuse can cause extensive and in some cases irreversible damage so it is vital that you drink in moderation. Some of the most acute effects of alcohol abuse are associated with the nervous system.
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The Times (Scotland) - Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems calls for Nordicstyle drink stores
Nordic-style controls over alcohol sales should be considered in Scotland, says a leading health campaigner.
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ABC News - Alcohol and your brain
Some people believe that low or moderate alcohol consumption is perfectly fine for the brain and might even reduce the risk of dementia. Recent reviews of the evidence suggests that's not true and it in fact may be much worse for your brain at certain, sensitive times of life.
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Jamaica Information Service (Jamaica) - Parents Urged To Talk To Children About Alcohol Use
Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Fayval Williams, is urging parents to discuss alcohol use and misuse with their children from an early age as part of efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of underage drinking.
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The Rio Times (Brazil) - Brazilian States Forbid End-of-Year Parties and Limit Alcohol Consumption in Bars
The Covid-19 surge, with ICU bed occupancy rates above 80% in some states, has prompted city halls and governments to increase restrictions on bars and restaurants and end-of-year parties.
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San Antonion Report (USA) - Relaxed alcohol policies during pandemic will harm public health in the long term
By now, we all know COVID-19 has thrown the Texas economy for a loop. Shutdowns and quarantine orders hit businesses hard, from retail to entertainment to food and beverage. Devastating drops in sales led to limited hours, increased unemployment, and even temporary or permanent closures.
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NANOS Research (Canada) - Boredom and Stress Drives Increased Alcohol Consumption during COVID-19: NANOS Poll Summary Report
This report presents the results of the second Nanos poll commissioned by CCSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. The poll, commissioned in May 2020, focuses on how much people are drinking while staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Inside Hook - Why the Link Between Cancer and Drinking Isn’t Well Known
Outside of the well-known “glass of red wine might be good for your heart” theory — which is possibly not true — alcohol isn’t considered a part of a healthy lifestyle. We enjoy it, obviously, and recognize its pitfalls.
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Cancer Council (Australia) - Cancer Council welcomes new drinking guidelines as an opportunity to inform the public of health impacts of alcohol
New alcohol guidelines have been released by the National Health and Medical Research Council today giving the Australian public advice on how to reduce their risk of harm from disease or injury caused by alcohol.
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Alcohol Justice (USA) - Under Fire for Causing Diabetes, Coca-Cola Pivots to Cirrhosis
It’s lonely at the top of the mountain. Perhaps this explains why the Coca-Cola company has launched alcoholic Topochico, a spinoff of the popular Mexican sparkling water brand.
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Sunday, December 6, 2020

FASD News - 48/2020

Gisborn Herald (New Zealand) - Taking action on FASD rates among Maori
A UNIVERSITY of Otago researcher who works in Gisborne has been awarded a grant to undertake vital research on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
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Stuff (New Zealand) - 'Bicultural approach needed' to address foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Māori
Weaving Māori values in with those of western medicine will provide better outcomes for tangata whenua in the treatment of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, researchers say.
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CanFASD – Book Review: FASD and the Online World
Every parent struggles with managing the internet and social media for their child(ren) but there are additional worries when it comes to raising a child with FASD in this digital world.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
PreventionInstitute1 - Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is complicated. Prenatal alcohol exposure impacts the brain and body. Each person is affected differently. Myles Himmelreich joins Marlene Dray and Bev Drew to help increase understanding of the complexities of FASD.
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First 5 Santa Clara County - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
This video explores what FASDs are, how FASDs affect behavior, and why FASDs are difficult to diagnose. Included are interviews with Dr. Ira Chasnoff, president of NTI Upstream and a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, Kathy Page of FASD NorCal, Christine Clifford, and Shirley Sparks, the FASD Parent Support Group Coordinator at Parents Helping Parents.
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Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of Northern New Jersey - Common Myths about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
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CanFASD - Sleep in Children with FASD
Sleep, or lack thereof, can be a problem for many people, but it can be a significant issue for those who have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The aim of this video is to help you understand sleep disruption for children 6 years old and under with FASD and discuss some practical approaches to managing sleep.
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CanFASD - Parents of Individuals with FASD Raising their Grandchildren
Parents of individuals with FASD share their experiences in raising their grandchildren and talk about the role research can play in getting better supports.
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Spotlight on FASD - Podcast Episode 7 - An interview with Dr Raja Mukherjee, Part Two
In the second part of our brilliant interview with Dr Raja Mukherjee, he talks about why the narrative around FASD needs to change.
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The FASD Project – The Film
The FASD project is a film seeking to rapidly increase awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption in pregnancy within a short period of time, given the significant increase in alcohol consumption since the onset of the global pandemic.
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CanFASD - Pain as Experienced by People with FASD
Pain and FASD is a very complex, under-researched, and misunderstood topic. This panel discussion dives into the topic of pain as experienced by people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
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RESEARCH
ERA - The Self-Awareness of Adolescents with FASD: A Secondary Analysis Study
These findings indicate that the online awareness of adolescents with FASD was consistent. Further study is needed to explore individuals' online awareness within FASD populations and examine whether online awareness is a potential area of strength for adolescents with FASD.
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Drug and Alcohol Dependence - An investigation of the link between prenatal alcohol exposure and sleep problems across childhood
Heavy PAE was associated with significantly more sleep problems across childhood and a higher probability of reporting persistent sleep problems, relative to children with no PAE. Implications for the understanding and management of sleep in young children with PAE and FASD are discussed.
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Brain Research Bulletin - Agmatine Improves the Behavioral and Cognitive Impairments Associated with Chronic Gestational Ethanol Exposure in Rats
This study provides functional evidences for the therapeutic potential of agmatine in cognitive impairment and other neurological complications associated with FASD.
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ERA - Achivement Motivation and Intervention Impacts in Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This dissertation consists of three separate papers that contribute to an increased understanding of achievement motivation and discuss how it can guide interventions for adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Fetal Alcohol Exposure Alters BOLD Activation Patterns in Brain Regions Mediating the Interpretation of Facial Affect
These findings of greater BOLD signal in the FAS/PFAS group in response to neutral faces suggest less efficient neural processing of more difficult to interpret emotions, and the weaker BOLD response to angry faces suggests altered processing of angry stimuli.
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ERA - Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Advances in Measuring Cortical Microstructure
This thesis provides novel contributions to the understanding of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing brain and provides methodological advances for future studies of the development of cortical microstructure.
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Research Square - The Prevalence and Characteristic of Sleep Problems among Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Sleep disorders are more common among individuals with FASD than among healthy children. As distorted sleep can affect daily performance and worsen neurodevelopmental issues, it is vital for the pediatricians and other FASD specialists to include the question about sleep in the anamnesis.
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Acta Neuropathologica Communications - Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading cause of interneuronopathy in humans
Our results are globally concordant with those previously obtained in mouse models, in which alcohol has been shown to induce an interneuronopathy by affecting interneuron density and positioning within the cortical plate, and which could account for the neurological disabilities observed in children with foetal alcohol disorder spectrum.
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Journal of Adolescence - Completed secondary education among youth with prenatal substance exposure: A longitudinal register-based matched cohort study
Inferior educational outcomes may not be directly linked with prenatal substance exposure but may rather reflect the extent of evolving offspring's mental and/or behavioural disorders over time influenced by childhood adversities.
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Journal of Biomedical Optics - Dose-response analysis of microvasculature changes in the murine fetal brain and the maternal extremities due to prenatal ethanol exposure
Results showed a dose-dependent reduction in vascular blood flow in fetal brain vessels when the mother was exposed to ethanol, whereas vessels in the maternal hindlimb exhibited concurrent vasodilation.
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Protocols for High‐Risk Pregnancies - Alcohol Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
Alcohol use during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of fetal death in some, but not all, studies. Most studies have focused on the negative effects of alcohol on fetal development.
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Archives of Disease in Childhood - Genetic testing in patients with possible foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
110 patients were included. 130 tests were carried out, including 86 array comparative genomic hybridisation tests. The overall diagnostic rate for a contributing genetic disorder was 3.6%, all being chromosomal disorders and chromosome copy number variants.
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Fetal Alcohol Exposure Alters BOLD Activation Patterns in Brain Regions Mediating the Interpretation of Facial Affect
These findings of greater BOLD signal in the FAS/PFAS group in response to neutral faces suggest less efficient neural processing of more difficult to interpret emotions, and the weaker BOLD response to angry faces suggests altered processing of angry stimuli.
Read more

Research in Developmental Disabilities - Yarning about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Outcomes of a community-based workshop
The current study identified key learnings from workshop facilitators and participants. The findings call attention to the importance of a co-design approach, where collaboration is vital to support the appropriate adaption of evidence-based practice to suit the local context.
Read more

Drug and Alcohol Dependence - The prevalence, child characteristics, and maternal risk factors for the continuum of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A sixth population-based study in the same South African community
Seventeen years after the first study in this community, FASD prevalence remains high at 16 %–31 %. The FAS rate may have declined somewhat, but rates of PFAS and ARND seemed to plateau, at a high rate.
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Drug and Alcohol Dependence – Prenatal Substance Exposure and Developmental Trajectories of Internalizing Symptoms: Toddlerhood to Preadolescence
Prenatal tobacco exposure was associated with suboptimal developmental trajectories of internalizing symptoms in the context of prenatal poly-drug exposure, highlighting a need for continued and increased effort toward prevention of prenatal tobacco use.
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Europe BMC - Opinions on Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and The Role of The Medical Staff as an Expert in This Regard - A Grounded Theory Analysis of Online Forum Discussions
lcohol consumption during pregnancy should be addressed regularly in the care of all pregnant women. In addition to information on consumption risks, information on support offers is relevant.
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Pediatric Research - Maternal alcohol consumption and risk of offspring with congenital malformation: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, even in early pregnancy, displayed no significant adverse impact on congenital malformations of interest.
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The BMJ – Lifetime perspective on alcohol and brain health
The maintenance of brain health is central to health and wellbeing across the lifespan.1 Evidence suggests three periods of dynamic brain changes that may be particularly sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of alcohol: gestation (from conception to birth), later adolescence (15-19 years), and older adulthood (over 65 years).
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International Journal of Law and Psychiatry - Suggestibility and confabulation among individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A review for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal interviewers
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are conditions arising from prenatal alcohol exposure which results in a range of neurodevelopmental deficits in areas including cognition, memory, language, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and adaptive functioning.
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Thursday, December 3, 2020

Alcohol News - 48/2020

Eyewitness News (South Africa) - ALCOHOL POLICY ALLIANCE CALLS FOR BAN ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN PUBLIC
The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in South Africa on Wednesday said it was not realistic to rely on the goodwill of the public to control the consumption of alcohol.
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The Counter - Less than half of Americans know that alcohol is a carcinogen. Big Booze wants to keep it that way.
The alcohol industry regularly spreads misinformation to obscure booze’s cancer link. Public health groups are demanding label warnings to give consumers clarity.
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News Medical - Older people in wealthy countries consume more alcohol, finds study
A new global study finds older people in wealthy countries consume more alcohol than their counterparts in middle-income countries, on average, although a higher cost of alcohol is associated with less frequent drinking.
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News Medical - Atrial fibrillation patients should avoid heavy alcohol consumption, warns study
Fourteen drinks a week is linked with a higher risk of health problems including stroke and embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, according to research published in EP Europace, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
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Roy Morgan (Australia) - Australians drink over 100 million glasses of alcohol in an average week
New data from Roy Morgan, set to be released in the latest Alcohol Report, shows wine is the most popular alcoholic drink, ahead of beer; and younger drinkers are more likely to favour spirits than older counterparts.
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BBC News (Wales) - Covid: Alcohol ban for Welsh pubs and restaurants from Friday
Welsh pubs, restaurants and cafes will be banned from serving alcohol from Friday and will be unable to open to customers beyond 18:00 GMT.
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SciTech Daily - Drinking Alcohol Blocks a Chemical in the Brain That Promotes Attention
In a new paper, researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) report brain chemistry that may contribute to why drinkers have difficulty paying attention while under the influence.
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DutchNews (Netherlands) - Misconceptions about alcohol are widespread, addiction clinic says
The Dutch underestimate the dangers of drinking alcohol and almost 60% say there are six standard glasses of wine in a normal bottle, when there are actually 7.5, the Trimbos addiction clinic said in a new report out on Thursday.
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The Wall Street Journal (USA) - No Alcohol? No Problem. Spirits Are High in New York City
Just in time for the holidays—it’s New York City’s first zero-proof liquor store. Or as owner Douglas Watters has it, “booze-free bottle shop.” It’s a store stocked with fancy drinks that won’t get you drunk.
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Glamour Magazine (UK) - Why now could be the perfect time to examine your relationship with alcohol and try staying sober through December
Welcome to December's mental health column by writer and author Beth McColl, where she explores the lessons learned from staying sober a month in Lockdown.
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CBC (Canada) - Manitoba plans to hire youth to help catch retailers selling cannabis, alcohol to minors
The Manitoba government plans to stop alcohol and cannabis retailers from selling to minors by hiring young people for undercover operations.
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The Punch - Seven reasons not to use alcohol when depressed
In May, about three months after the coronavirus index case was recorded in Nigeria and lockdown measures were announced across states to curb the virus spread, Peter Nnaji lost his job as a chef at one of the hotels at Lekki, Lagos.
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Cape Talk (South Africa) - New law on 0% blood-alcohol limit for drivers to be strictly enforced, says FARR
Zero-tolerance for drunk drivers is the way to go, says the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research.
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The Globe and Mail (Canada) – We can’t keep ignoring the public health crisis of alcohol dependence
Imagine you are lying in a hallway stretcher of an emergency department. You’ve just had a heart attack – the pain is gone, but part of your heart muscle has stopped working. You’re scared. Anxious. Wondering what this means for your health.
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IAS Blog (UK) - What has 2020 done to the UK’s alcohol consumption?
o say 2020 has been tumultuous would be something of an understatement. It’s been a strange old year full of crisis and, well, more crisis. If stereotypes are to be believed, then the pub or the drinks cabinet is one of the first ports of call for the British when hard times strike. So it might seem reasonable to suspect that we’ve all been drinking more this year. Yet at the same time, pubs have been closed, or severely restricted, since late March, and we drink a lot in pubs. So maybe we’re drinking less overall?
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IAS - New report on how nudge theory shapes alcohol policy
The public are 'blameworthy' for their own alcohol-related health issues, according to a new IAS report looking into how the public health initiatives use nudge theory’s principles to frame actions and attitudes.
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Your Room (Australia) - A profile of alcohol-related harm in NSW
Before a packaged liquor licence is approved in NSW, the community are given an opportunity to raise their concerns through the Community Impact Statement process. So begins a process of examining the harms caused by alcohol in a community and what effect increased outlets or venues may cause.
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