From rosse at ncf.ca Fri May 1 11:24:54 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 1 15:54:23 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] FASD Awareness Video Contest FASD Day 2009: Edmonton Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090501112446.03e22158@ncf.ca> http://www.region6fasd.ca Edmonton and area Edmonton, Alberta Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Video Contest FASD Day 2009 Final Contest Information Evening Poster Video Entry Form Commercial & Video Release Form http://www.region6fasd.ca/pdfs/final_contest_information.doc Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Video Contest FASD Day 2009 FASD Awareness Video Contest Information 1. What is the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness video contest? The purpose of the video contest is to raise awareness of FASD in our community as well as provide practical ideas on how we can each work to prevent FASD and support those affected by it. We hope to use these video public service announcements for future social awareness campaigns and as part of our FASD Flick Awards on September 9, 2009 taking place at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Auditorium. Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital 10230-111 Ave Edmonton, AB. .......... 7. What is the contest deadline? The contest deadline is August 1, 2009 at 3pm........ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090501/4b79a1a5/attachment-0001.html From rosse at ncf.ca Fri May 1 11:07:02 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 1 15:54:57 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] U.K. wrestles with stance on pregnant boozing Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090501110652.03e07e20@ncf.ca> Skipped content of type multipart/related-------------- next part -------------- From rosse at ncf.ca Fri May 1 11:54:29 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 1 16:54:30 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Response to Adolescents with FASD Who Have Sexually Offended May 12 Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090501114529.03a66740@ncf.ca> The Continuum of Services for Adolescents who have Sexually Offended 3rd National Conference Diverse Needs, Differential Responses Addressing the Unique Needs of Adolescents who Have Sexually Offended May 11 to 13, 2009 Novotel Toronto North York 3 Park Home Avenue Toronto, Ontario... May 12, 2009 1:30pm to 4:30pm Donna Debolt Donna Debolt is a social worker in private practice who translated her 30 years with Child Protection into working as an outspoken advocate for children and adults who have life long risks for health, development, learning and behavioural difficulties associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol. In her role as an FASD Specialist, Donna challenges communities through case management, advocacy and training to develop and implement prevention, intervention and management strategies so that families and communities can successfully cope and plan for useful futures for these high needs individuals. Donna developed curriculum for and taught in a unique program at the Lethbridge College specifically geared to preparing professionals to work in this field. She is also providing clinical support to a nationally recognized justice project that does case management work for individuals with FASD who interface with the justice system. She has also been asked by Alberta Child and Youth Services to oversee an innovative program targeting practice standards that is hoped will create expertise in Child Welfare practice, improve outcomes for children and youth diagnosed or suspected as having FASD, test new ideas and act on the new knowledge created. It is Donna's belief that most innovative programs are created through collaboration and through sharing experiences and skills we will create improved outcomes for individuals and their families. A Multi-Systemic Response to Adolescents with FASD Who Have Sexually Offended It is well understood that brain damage stemming from prenatal exposure to alcohol causes secondary as well as primary disabilities. Primary disabilities involve deficits in basic areas such as attention, impulsivity, cognition, language skills, memory, motor skills and social skills. These impairments are generally seen within executive functions (inhibition, memory, judgement etc.) and require adaptations to standard sexual offencespecific assessment and treatment. While these persons are likely to present to sexual offencespecific treatment programs, they are unlikely to be recognized as neurologically impaired because the impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure are seldom accurately understood and identified by clinicians. This session will explore the complexities and offer suggestions for a multi-systemic response to this complicated issue.... Submit Registration Fo r m s and Payment to: "Diverse Needs, Differential Responses" c/o Leasa Hennessy, Halton Truama Centre, 60 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, ON, L6K 1E1 Tel.: 905-825-3242, ext. 222 Fax: 905-825-3276 e-mail: lhennessy@on.aibn.com Cheques payable to "Halton Trauma Centre" Space is limited. Registration forms must be received by April 24, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090501/be9381f3/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Fri May 1 12:02:41 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 1 16:54:48 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Hamilton FASD conference May 6 Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090501120230.03e68b60@ncf.ca> [apologies for sending this so late. Hope you have seen it before]ER From: Nancy Hall Subject: Brochure The Hamilton Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder presents: FASD: Moving Systems forward for Effective Intervention A conference for professionals May 6, 2009 Michelangelo's Event Venue and Conference Centre 1555 Upper Ottawa Street Hamilton, Ontario Tel: (905) 575-9955 Email: info@michangelos.com Outline for One Day Training in Hamilton Ontario May 6, 2009 815 - 8:45 Registration 9:00 Introductions Diagnostic criteria under the University of Washington's 4 digit code FASD issues in systems of care: Justice Addictions Housing Child Welfare Break FASD and Mental Health Misdiagnosis Co-occurring issues Treatment adaptations 12:00 Lunch 1:00 FASD medication use Motivational interviewing Break Affect regulation in FASD Addressing anger in individuals with an FASD 3:45 Additional questions;closing; evaluations Daniel Dubovsky, M.S.W., L.S.W. Dan has worked over 35 years in the fields of mental health and developmental disabilities. He began his career as a childcare worker in residential treatment. After receiving his master's degree in social work, he worked as a therapist in a a residential setting with children, adolescents and young adults with serious mental illness and other disabilities. Dan has also worked with all ages as a therapist in community-based and hospital settings, addressing both medical and psychiatric needs of those with acute, chronic and terminal illness. Dan has developed and facilitated ongoing groups for residential, nursing and social work staffs. He developed an innovative community program to reduce smoking in youth and has worked extensively with persons who are HIV infected. Dan is currently FASD specialist for theU.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) FASD Center for Excellence. Dan has a keen interest in the provision of quality services to those with fetal alcohol syndrome, mental illness and /or develop;mental disabilities and their families. His teacher and mentor for FASD over the years has been his son Bill. Registration Form (attached) Name Phone# Organization Job Title Email Please submit your registration no later than April 22, 2009 You will be registered upon receipt of a cheque in the amount of $75.00 payable to ASCY Mail/deliver to ASCY 526 Upper Paradise Rd. Hamilton, ON L9C 5E3 For more information call: Angela Curto, Jan Smith or Monica Carruthers at 905-574-6876 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090501/ed82cc8c/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Fri May 1 12:08:20 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 1 16:55:02 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] London FASD workshop May 5th Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090429091754.040afa58@ncf.ca> {apologies for sending this so late. Hope you have seen it before]ER From: Laura Spero Subject: May 5th upcoming workshop FASD FYI Mark your calendars....detailed brochure to follow with agenda Eagle?s Nest: A Place to Soar Inc and Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Center presents: FASD and the Justice System: Exploring Appropriate Options and Alternatives to Custody for Fetal Alcohol Affected Individuals Tuesday, May 5th 2009 8:30 ? 5:00 Guest Presenter: Dan Dubovsky M.S.W., L.S.W. Dan has worked for over 35 years in the fields of mental health and develop?mental disabilities. He began his career as a childcare worker in residential treat?ment. After receiving his master?s degree in social work, he worked as a therapist in a residential setting with children, adolescents and young adults with serious mental illness and other disabilities. Dan has also worked with all ages as a therapist in community-based and hospital settings, address?ing both medical and psychiatric needs of those with acute, chronic and terminal illness. Dan has developed and facilitated ongoing groups for persons with disabilities, as well as groups for residential, nursing and social work staffs. He developed an innovative community program to reduce smoking in youth and has worked exten?sively with persons who are HIV infected, provid?ing counseling, support and education. Dan is currently the FASD Specialist for the U.S. Sub?stance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin?istration (SAMHSA) FASD Center for Excellence. Dan has a keen interest in the provision of qual?ity services to those with fetal alcohol syndrome, mental illness and/or developmental disabilities and their families. His teacher and mentor for FASD over the years has been his son Bill. To be held at the : Lamplighter Inn 591 Wellington Rd South London 0ntario N6C 4R3 (519) 681-3271 Name:________________________________ Phone #:_______________________________ Organization: ___________________________ ______________________________________ Job Title: _______________________________ Email: _________________________________ Please submit your registration no later than April 22, 2009 You will be registered upon receipt of a cheque in the amount of $100.00 payable to: Eagle?s Nest Mail/deliver to: Eagle?s Nest c/o Leo Hopkins 22358 Corn Plant Rd, RR #3 Bothwell, ON N0P 1C0 For more information call: Laura Spero @ 519 963 1402 Proceeds from this event will be dedicated to the development of a Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic Clinic. From rosse at ncf.ca Fri May 1 14:14:32 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 1 18:55:17 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Toronto FASD workshop May 26 Service Implications Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090501141422.03a665f8@ncf.ca> [A one page flyer is available] The Toronto FASD Leadership Team in partnership with the Children's Aid Society of Toronto Child Welfare Institute Introduction to FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and Service Implications for Youth and Adults Date: May 26, 2009 Time: 9:30 - 4:00 pm Location: CAS of Toronto 30 Isabella Street Toronto, ON M4Y 1N1 Auditorium (7th Floor) Training Overview This one day workshop is designed to introduce mental health and substance abuse service providers to FASD and assist them in understanding how to work effectively with individuals who have the disability...... Presenters: Diane Smylie MSW Jean Tweed Centre Manager Research, Planning & Development Tammy MacKenzie MEd Jean Tweed Centre Manager Pathways to Healthy Families Susan Porritt, BSW Children's Aid Society of Toronto Senior Child Service Worker Susan has 13 years of child welfare experience and over this time she has worked with many young people with FASD. She witnesses first hand the struggles these young people have as they transition from adolescent supports to adult supports within their community. Over the last two years, Diane, Tammy & Susan have had the opportunity to participate in an FASD Leadership program in Toronto. Through this initiative they have received and provided training and consultation with expert supervision, to a wide range of services and families impacted by or supporting individuals with FASD. Registration Form Name Organization Address City Province Postal Code Telephone Fax Email $50 per person Registration by mail only Children's Aid Society of Toronto Child Welfare Institute Attn. Anne Kwok 30 Isabella Street Toronto, ON M4Y 1N1 Inquiries: Contact Anne Kwok at 416 924-4640 ext. 1-2780 Make cheques payable to Children's Aid Society of Toronto *Note: "Intro. to FASD and Service Implications" on the cheque Registration Deadline: May 12, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090501/9271c3f7/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Sun May 10 11:58:59 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Sun May 10 16:12:25 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Binge drinking Britain Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090510115850.03ceb598@ncf.ca> http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/may/06/binge-drinking-women The Guardian U.K. News - Society - Alcohol Binge drinking Britain: surge in women consuming harmful amounts of alcohol ? Report shows narrowing of alcohol gender gap ? Children who drink are consuming more than ever John Carvel and Mary O'Hara The Guardian, Wednesday 6 May 2009 Binge drinking among women has almost doubled since 1998, in a rapid narrowing of an alcohol gender gap that persisted for generations, research today [Drinking in the UK] from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows. It found that the proportion of women who binge drink rose from 8% in 1998 to 15% in 2006. Over the same period, binge drinking among men increased only slightly, from 22% to 23%. Binge drinking is defined as consuming on at least one day a week more than twice the safe limit recommended by the government, which is three to four units of alcohol for a man and two to three units for a woman. Royal colleges representing the ?physicians and nurses who deal with the ?medical consequences of drinking to excess said last month the government's public health campaigns were not working. They backed a proposal from Sir Liam Donaldson, the chief medical officer, for a minimum price per unit of alcohol to prevent supermarkets from fuelling a culture of heavy consumption by offering strong drinks at discount prices. But the prime minister dismissed the idea, saying that the sensible majority of moderate drinkers should not have to pay for the excesses of the few. The JRF report said the narrowing of the alcohol gender gap could be partly explained by a tendency among many women to prefer wine to beer. The method adopted by the government for calculating a unit of alcohol changed in 2006, in effect doubling the number of units in a glass of wine. Researchers adjusted the data before 2006 to create a consistent set of statistics. The foundation also identified the influence of advertising and women's increased independence and financial security as reasons for an increase in binge drinking. Across Britain, they found the ?average consumption of women aged 16 to 24 rose from 7.3 units a week in 1992 to 10.8 in 2006. The biggest increase in consumption was among women over 65, rising from 2.7 units to 5.1 a week. They were surprised to find that young adults of both sexes are drinking less, a trend particularly pronounced among young men. The number of males aged 16 to 24 who indulge in binge drinking fell from 39% in 1998 to 30% in 2006. Fewer children are drinking, but those who do are consuming more than ever. The report said: "The amount of alcohol consumed by adolescents aged 11 to 13 increased substantially between 1992 and 2006 in England." Heavier drinking among young adults might be explained by advertising, easy availability of cheap alcohol and greater disposable income, but these factors could not account for the core of younger teenagers and children who are drinking more. "The most compelling consideration when trying to explain the rising trend in consumption among 11- to 13-year-olds is the influence of parents, family, friends and the home environment." Lead author Lesley Smith, from Oxford Brookes University, said an examination of trends over the last 15 to 20 years indicated it was generally the behaviour of women that has changed, at least in the UK. She added: "Many people will be ?surprised to learn that young men's drinking, including binge drinking, has gone down in recent years, while middle-aged and older people's drinking has increased." A Sheffield University study commissioned by the Department of Health said last year that targeting price increases at cheaper types of alcohol served in bars and pubs would deter excessive consumption without unduly penalising moderate drinkers. Last June the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Home Office and the DoH announced plans to work with the alcohol industry to develop a mandatory alcohol retailing code. Results of a consultation on the proposals are due shortly. Chris Sorek, chief executive of ?Drinkaware, a charity funded by the drinks industry to help people make informed decisions about alcohol, said: "Even in small amounts, alcohol affects women differently to men ? studies suggest women are more prone to liver disease after a comparatively shorter period of heavy drinking. Alcohol can also affect women's chances of conceiving a child and can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer." A DoH spokesman said: "In the past year, we have announced a package of measures to tackle excessive drinking and reduce alcohol health harm. For those young people who do develop problems, there are record numbers of treatment places available." Britain did not suddenly hit the bottle in 2006, as the official figures suggest. What happened was that government statisticians decided that the tried and tested way of measuring how much alcohol we consume did not adequately reflect the increasing strength of wine, beer and lager. Many pubs and restaurants were also serving wine in larger glasses. The new system in effect doubled the assumed unit strength of wine. A standard 175ml glass of white wine is now worth two units. Two small 125ml glasses are worth three ? the upper maximum for a woman wanting to avoid binge drinking. A YouGov poll last year found 77% of adults did not know how many units there were in a glass of wine. John Carvel Drinking in the UK: an exploration of trends (link to PDF, 112 pages) Summary Report (link to PDF, 4 pages) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090510/13a47da3/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Sun May 10 11:59:16 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Sun May 10 16:12:37 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Drinking in the UK Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090510115909.03ceb308@ncf.ca> [No mention of FASD or FAS or pregnancy or pregnant] Summary Report (link to PDF, 4 pages) Drinking in the UK: an exploration of trends (link to PDF, 112 pages) Drinking in the UK An exploration of trends Lesley Smith and David Foxcroft May 2009 Reviews research and highlights trends in alcohol consumption over the last 20 to 30 years. A key part of the Government?s alcohol harm reduction strategy is to monitor changes in drinking habits over time and to identify what factors are potentially contributing to the rising levels of consumption. This study is a systematic review of research relevant to trends in alcohol consumption over the last 20 to 30 years in the UK. The review: ? assesses the number, types and quality of existing research studies; ? synthesises the findings to evaluate alcohol drinking trends in the UK, highlighting key changes; ? discusses possible explanations for the trends observed, assessing what factors may have contributed to changes; ? explores implications for policy; ? makes recommendations for future research. Joseph Rowntree Foundation www.jrf.org.uk -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090510/9ecab3d7/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Sun May 10 12:01:29 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Sun May 10 16:12:46 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Pregnancy, alcohol use: Doctors can't agree Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090510120121.03ceac18@ncf.ca> http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2009154984_pregdrink01.html?syndication=rss The Seattle Times Seattle, Washington State Health Friday, May 1, 2009 - Page updated at 12:02 AM Pregnancy, alcohol use: Doctors can't agree By Shari Roan Los Angeles Times A British scientist is criticizing doctors over the advice they give to pregnant women about drinking, saying pregnant women can make up their own minds about the risks. In the United States, most medical advice on drinking during pregnancy centers on one word: "Don't." But the British have wrangled over the issue in recent years. In 2007, United Kingdom government officials recommended that women abstain from drinking any alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. The advice was controversial because, while excessive drinking in pregnancy is clearly harmful to a developing fetus and can result in fetal alcohol syndrome, there is debate over the harm of light or moderate drinking during pregnancy. In 2008, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence reported there was no evidence of harm if women drank no more than one or two drinks a week. One recent study in the United Kingdom suggested that even drinking small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can affect maternal-child bonding and delay the mother's recovery from childbirth. Another study found that children born to mothers who drank one or two drinks a week during pregnancy were not at increased risk for behavioral or cognitive problems at age 3 compared with children whose mothers did not drink. In the United States, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advise women to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. But in an article published Thursday in the Journal of Medical Ethics, Colin Gavaghan warned doctors against telling women to abstain instead of a more truthful message. Women, he said, should be presented with the medical facts as they stand and be trusted to make good decisions. "The days where doctors routinely withheld information (because) ... patients would become confused and make bad decisions are, supposedly, consigned to history," he writes. "It is far from clear why a paternalistic exception is permitted in the case of pregnant women." Gavaghan suggested that if a woman enjoys a drink or two and it helps her relax, that may be just as important to consider as the "interest of the future child." Moreover, if doctors exaggerate the risk, he said, "their advice on genuine risks will carry less authority." Many doctors advise women to abstain from alcohol while pregnant or while trying to become pregnant because it's not clear if there is any safe level of alcohol use. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090510/17003a29/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Thu May 14 16:24:45 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Thu May 14 20:54:14 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] B.C. study on FASD & Sleep Disturbances in children 6 - 12 Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090514162432.04400ac8@ncf.ca> Skipped content of type multipart/alternative-------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: FASD info letter Part I Study I February 20 2009doc.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 50491 bytes Desc: not available Url : /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090514/a04cbfd4/FASDinfoletterPartIStudyIFebruary202009doc-0001.pdf -------------- next part -------------- From rosse at ncf.ca Thu May 14 16:45:23 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Thu May 14 20:54:37 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Alberta May FASD Videoconference Sessions Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090514164516.043723e8@ncf.ca> [Sorry I didn't send this on right away. The May 5 & 13 sessions are over. People can register for the ones on May 21, 28, 29.]ER Archived Sessions from Oct. 2008 - April 2009 can be seen, and handouts obtained, online at http://www.fasd-cmc.alberta.ca/home/ Click on FASD Learning Series 2008-2009 From: Denise Milne [mailto:Denise.Milne@gov.ab.ca] Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 6:27 AM Subject: FW: May Posters for Distribution Hi everyone ? good morning ? please find attached posters for May for the FASD VC Learning Series ? just so you know we have had sites from Ontario and PEI join us - please feel free to distribute ? thanks, Denise Denise Milne, MSW, RSW, MSA, MC (Counseling Psychology) Senior Manager, FASD/Children?s Mental Health Community Partnerships Alberta Children and Youth Services Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Learning Series May Videoconference Sessions* Mental Health Problems in Individuals with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure/FASD Tuesday May 5, 2009 9:00 ? 11:00am MDT Presenters: Dr. Jacqueline Pei and Carmen Rasmussen Overview: Children and adults with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and/or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are at increased risk for mental health disorders. This presentation will focus on research evaluating the prevalence of mental health disorders among children with PAE and FASD as well as clinical considerations regarding unique mental health factors within the FASD population. FASD and Mental Health Treatment: A Multi-Modal Approach to Transgenerational Issues Wednesday May 13, 2009 9:00 ? 11:00am MDT Presenter: Dr. Keiran O?Malley Overview: This training will begin by exploring the construct of Dual Diagnosis, i.e. developmental disorder and psychiatric disorder in FASD. It will then describe the unique transgenerational quality to FASD which often involves concurrent issues of PTSD. Finally the concept of treatment of FASD will be placed in a transgenerational frame but maintaining a basic multi-modal management approach. The Mentor Experience: An Alberta Sampler Thursday May 21, 2009 9:00 ? 11:00am MDT Presenters: Dorothy Henneveld, Audrey McFarlane, and Others To Be Announced Overview: This session will provide an overview of FASD mentoring and its history in Alberta. The presenters use examples from urban and rural settings to illustrate the importance of partnership and adapting to the existing environment. They will share stories of encouragement and hope from rural and urban Alberta FASD mentoring programs. Understanding the Needs of Caregiver: Therapeutic Intervention and Treatment Thursday May 28, 2009 6:30 ? 8:30 pm MDT Presenter: Brenda Knight Overview: This workshop will explore the relationship between the needs of caregivers and the availability of resources for diagnosis, treatment and support for children with FASD. Frequent reference to relevant cases will provide the foundation for this workshop which outlines a standard for care for the caregiver. Psychological Treatment of Individuals with FASD Friday May 29, 2009 9:00 ? 11:00am MDT Presenter: Brenda Knight The FASD Learning Series is part of the Alberta government?s commitment to programs and services for people affected by FASD and those who support them Overview: This workshop focuses on assessing psychological needs of persons affected by FASD, and developing effective interventions. It addresses the additional psychological issues which often arise for those in foster or adoptive homes, and examines approaches to assisting the child or adult and the family to adapt. For registration information, please visit: www.fasd-cmc.alberta.ca To add a videoconference location, please email: erin.day@gov.ab.ca All sessions are recorded and available for viewing online approximately two weeks after the session at www.fasd-cmc.alberta.ca * All information (including Date, Time, Topic, and Presenter) is subject to change Alberta The FASD Learning Series is part of the Alberta government's commitment to programs and services for people affected by FASD and those who support them. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090514/8ca46019/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Sun May 17 22:49:15 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Mon May 18 02:52:12 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Supermarkets must display pregnant women alcohol warning posters: U.K. Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090517224907.03fae2d8@ncf.ca> http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/5319811/Supermarkets-must-display-pregnant-women-alcohol-warning-posters.html Telegraph.co.uk Lifestyle Food and Drink News Supermarkets must display pregnant women alcohol warning posters Supermarkets and off-licences will have to display posters warning pregnant women not to drink and other health risks surrounding alcohol, under Government plans to tackle binge drinking. By Tom Whitehead, Home Affairs Editor Last Updated: 7:12AM BST 14 May 2009 [Photo] Supermarkets and off-licences will have to display posters warning pregnant women not to drink alcohol Photo: GETTY The Home Office said the move is necessary because there is "confusion" among the public on alcohol consumption but is likely to fuel fresh accusations of ministers running a "nanny state". "Irresponsible" promotions such "all you can drink" or the "dentist's chair" will be subject to a blanket ban as part of a new mandatory code for licencees. While councils will have the power to stop "happy hours" if they are leading to disorder. Pubs will also have to offer a choice of drink sizes for customers, such a minimum 125ml wine glass instead of only offering larger measures. Plans to ban "multi-buy" deals such as three for two offers on bottles of wine have been shelved amid concerns it will attack responsible drinkers at a time when they are already being hit by the recession. Larger offers such as buy one crate of lager or case of wine and get another free will be banned however. And so-called loss leaders, where shops sell alcohol at below cost, will be subject to further consultation. The proposed measures are the Government's answer to tackling binge-drinking and alcohol abuse and are now subject to consultation. Chris Grayling, the shadow Home Secretary, said: "This is the third time the Government has announced this initiative, what we need to do now is get on with tackling the problem. "Binge drinking is a big factor behind anti-social behaviour, so it needs to be dealt with. Simply re-announcing policies will not make the difference." The proposed mandatory code for retailers and licencees will also demand free tap water and strong age verification. Pubs and restaurants will have to display alcohol units at point of sale but only shops and other retailers will be forced to display the health risk posters because it is considered "on-trade" venues would not have the room to display them. Beyond the code, local authorities will have a series of powers to restrict other activities if they are causing problems, including happy hours, pub crawl offers and serving drinks in plastic glasses at times most associated with disorder. Alcohol-related crime and disorder and harm to health costs the UK up to ?13 billion every year, the consultation said. Any premises that breach the mandatory code or local discretionary conditions that have been imposed will face a range of possible sanctions including losing their licence, having additional tough conditions imposed on their licence or, on summary conviction, a maximum ?20,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment. Speaking yesterday, Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, said: "We do not want to stop the vast majority of people who enjoy a drink responsibly from doing so but this code will crack down on the minority of businesses whose irresponsible promotions fuel the excessive drinking that can lead people into crime and disorder or to risk their own or other's safety. "It is not about penalising the majority who trade responsibly but the Government has a duty to tackle this issue which affects us all." -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090517/c40ffb54/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Wed May 20 09:33:00 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Wed May 20 13:53:25 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Appeal Court to decide if fetal alcohol spectrum disorder a factor: Ontario Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090520092923.03cb5af8@ncf.ca> http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iuJJPwFF8b3NSKwRbbkV8_gcqSXw Canadian Press Appeal Court to decide if fetal alcohol spectrum disorder a factor in sentencing 1 day ago [as of May 20, 2009] TORONTO ? The role that fetal alcohol spectrum disorder should play in deciding violent offender status for a man with a long rap sheet of sexual assaults - including one against a seven-year-old cousin - will be weighed by Ontario's top court Tuesday. The man's condition, caused by his mother's drinking during pregnancy, went undiagnosed and untreated for decades and was among the reasons a trial judge refused to name him a dangerous offender, which would have seen him jailed indefinitely. The tragic disorder will be pitted against the 33-year-old man's history of violent sexual assaults against relatives and prostitutes as Crown lawyers argue to overturn the trial judge's sentencing decision before the Ontario Court of Appeal. Part of the Crown's appeal will be based on the testimony of experts who have said the man "obviously considers his needs first, while empathy for his victims is rudimentary at best." Court has heard the man - who cannot be named to protect the identities of his victims - was born in Vancouver in 1976 to two chronically alcoholic parents and was sexually abused by his father for several years starting at the age of six or seven. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a neuro-psychiatric condition and attention disorder that has been associated with mental health issues, struggles with education and employment, inappropriate sexual behaviour and a high likelihood of falling into trouble with the law. The man struggled to learn to read and write, was expelled from high school and joined a gang. When he was 18 he brutally sexually assaulted his 31-year-old cousin after a night of drinking, and repeatedly hit her with a beer bottle, punched her in the face and threatened to kill her with a carving knife when she resisted. "She told me to stop and I didn't, so I kept on hitting her and hitting her and forced her to have sex with me," he told police after he was arrested, according to court documents. He was released from custody while awaiting trial but was arrested again months later after sexually assaulting his seven-year-old cousin while he was babysitting her. He pleaded guilty to sexual assault in both cases and a pre-sentence report suggested he "knew in each instance that his behaviour was wrong but each offence was planned and purposeful." His sentence of eight years was extended by another 18 months after being convicted of two assaults against female jail guards. In November 2004, he was released from custody in Toronto with a warning to his parole office that he was "an untreated sex offender who has anger and violence management issues." Within months he was arrested again after attacking and raping a prostitute and another former sex-trade worker within a span of about a week. He admitted he'd carried a cord with him for six months before the attacks, in case he had an opportunity to choke and rape a woman. He pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault and two counts of choking and was sentenced by Superior Court Justice Frances Kiteley to 10 years in custody, after time served was factored in. Despite expert testimony that he was still a very high risk to reoffend and would likely mount another violent and sexual attack upon release, Kiteley did not declare him a dangerous offender, and instead gave him long-term offender status. A long-term offender can face up to 10 years of supervision in the community after being released, while a dangerous offender can be jailed indefinitely until a parole review determines they've been rehabilitated. Kiteley ruled that the man had shown some signs of improvement in jail. In 2003, about a year before being released from prison for the attacks on his cousins, he agreed to take medication that reduced his sex drive and took it for about six months. But he stopped after complaining of weakness, fatigue and lethargy and because the drug was causing him to grow breasts. Court heard he is willing to take the drug again since becoming aware of breast-reduction surgery and other medications that would also help treat his impulsive behaviours. It was also suggested that his risk of reoffending would decrease because of "burn-out theory," evidence that suggests male production of testosterone decreases significantly starting at age 45 leading to lower sex drive. And Kiteley said he would not receive any treatment if declared a dangerous offender, since limited Correctional Service Canada resources are dedicated to prisoners who have a release date set and virtually no attention is given to those sentenced indefinitely. "There is evidence that (he) can be meaningfully treated within a definite period of time. There is evidence that the resources needed to supervise him in the community are available," she wrote in her decision. Kiteley said she also considered Supreme Court precedents dictating that sentencing cases involving aboriginals must be approached differently. She noted that case law suggests a sentence must consider the factors that have led to aboriginals being over-represented in jails. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090520/0da87deb/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Wed May 20 09:45:32 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Wed May 20 13:53:38 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Szabo merits praise Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090520093439.03cb5698@ncf.ca> [MP Paul Szabo is a champion of FASD. He often speaks on FASD in the House of Commons. He has introduced his private member's bill on warning labels on alcohol products a number of times.]ER http://www.mississauga.com/article/27328 The Mississauga News Editorial and Opinion Szabo merits praise By: May 14, 2009 10:09 PM - He?s not flashy and he?s not controversial. He?s just a guy you can trust to get the job done. Wednesday night in Ottawa, Paul Szabo was honoured as Canada?s hardest-working MP. It?s the third consecutive year the long-serving representative from Mississauga South has earned that title, recognition bestowed upon him by a leading Canadian magazine, based on a vote by his peers ? Canada?s 308 MPs. This is a significant acknowledgment. Szabo is a 61-year-old former accountant who has built a solid reputation as an honest, intelligent, informed and industrious MP. Outside of Mississauga, not many people knew who Szabo was until the Mulroney-Schreiber affair dropped into the lap of the ethics committee that he chairs last year. But his calm handling of the histrionics of the two main combatants, the parties and the press, while working to air the facts of a complicated matter, won him accolades from all quarters. Szabo has written books on domestic violence, divorce, child poverty and fetal alcohol syndrome. He has sponsored more than 40 private member?s bills and almost every year he is the MP who speaks most often in the House of Commons. There are more than a few politicians who could learn a thing or two from this 15-year veteran servant of the people. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090520/c60a7214/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Wed May 20 22:21:20 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Thu May 21 02:28:11 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] FASD on NishTV Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090520222113.03522ff0@ncf.ca> Watch Live with Flowers: My Fight with FASD on YouTube From Richard Ogima Hey Guys, This morning I awoke and felt the need to pour out my thoughts on my struggles with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). I think this is an appropriate story for NishTV. I have been telling other people's stories for 6 months; however, today I needed to tell part of my own story. If you don't know about FASD and how a lot of North American Indian People are challenged with it, please either read or view my video content. I didn't pay attention to spelling and video perfection. I just need to pour out my heart and so I did. FASD on NishTV http://www.nishtv.com/aboriginalwithfetalalcoholspectrumdisorder FASD on FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&suggest¬e_id=62112808224 http://www.facebook.com/video/?upload&canceled#/group.php?gid=48850791951 FASD on YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjazvhWEHlo Thanks, Richard Ogima Director of NishTV.com ----- www.nishtv.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090520/fe9276c3/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Thu May 21 21:41:12 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 22 01:46:10 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Rapist's rehab prognosis 'grim'; Treating fetal alcohol condition won't address sadism issue Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090521214103.01df32c0@ncf.ca> Rapist's rehab prognosis 'grim'; Treating fetal alcohol condition won't address sadism issue, court told John Goddard. Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: May 20, 2009. pg. GT.5 Treating a convicted rapist for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder would do nothing to address the man's sexual sadism and anti-social behaviours that make him a public danger, the Ontario Court of Appeal heard yesterday. Such treatments would only raise the rapist to the level of other sexual sadists, Crown attorney Jamie Klukach told the court in a bid to have the man declared a dangerous offender and jailed indefinitely. Sexual sadism is a rare condition, difficult to treat, the lawyer said. "His prognosis is grim," she said. The rapist in question is a 33-year-old man of aboriginal heritage who cannot be named to protect the identities of his victims. At 18, the man sexually attacked his 31-year-old female cousin, at one point breaking a beer bottle over her head, Klukach said. While on bail awaiting trial, he sexually attacked a 7-year-old cousin. To both offences he pleaded guilty and drew an eight-year sentence. In jail, on separate occasions, he sexually attacked two female guards. Other issues drug and alcohol abuse, verbal abuse, compulsive sexual behaviour, poor performance in a sex-offender program and refusal to take medication. In 2005, within months of getting out of jail the man savagely attacked two Parkdale prostitutes in incidents just a week apart. At trial, defence lawyer Paula Rochman presented evidence that the man suffered undiagnosed and untreated fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, a result of his alcoholic mother drinking during pregnancy. The Crown asked that he be declared a dangerous offender. But Justice Frances Kiteley sentenced him to 10 years in prison, followed by 10 years of ongoing treatment. The judge erred in concluding the man is treatable, Klukach argued. Some problems associated with his disorder might be treatable but no evidence presented at trial supports the conclusion that his sexual sadism and other criminal behaviours could be controlled, she said. Rochman said the judge correctly understood that once the fetal alcohol condition is treated, the sexual sadism and anti-social personality disorder can also be treated. Intervener Jonathan Rudin of Aboriginal Legal Services said 23 per cent of declared dangerous offenders are aboriginal. More needs to be known about the man to establish his potential for rehabilitation in aboriginal programs, he said. Appeal judges John Laskin, Kathryn Feldman and Harry Laforme will pass judgment at a later date. Credit: Toronto Star -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090521/315744e7/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Thu May 21 22:47:48 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 22 02:52:12 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Proposed fee increases on alcohol a worry for Inland wineries: California Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090521224728.04228c48@ncf.ca> "...the state needs help dealing with the effects of problems...including drunken driving, child abuse and fetal alcohol syndrome...." http://www.pe.com/business/local/stories/PE_Biz_S_alcohol24.3f488bc.html PE.com The Press-Enterprise Southern California Proposed fee increases on alcohol a worry for Inland wineries 09:26 PM PDT on Thursday, April 23, 2009 By LOU HIRSH The Press-Enterprise After a similar idea pushed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was dropped earlier this year, a proposal to increase fees on producers of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages is again making the legislative rounds in Sacramento. Currently in committee and up for its next discussion Tuesday, Assembly Bill 1019 would impose a per-gallon mitigation fee -- ranging from $1.07 for beer to $8.53 for distilled spirits -- to help California handle health and social problems caused by alcohol consumption. If approved, fees would take effect in January. Proponents say producers and consumers, rather than taxpayers at large, should be required to bear the brunt of escalating costs tied to alcohol use. Opponents contend higher fees will make matters worse for restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses already hard-hit by a severe pullback in consumer spending. Higher fees are opposed by organizations that include the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. The proposed legislation would require Inland wine producers to pay $2.56 per gallon, sold at wholesale, for products with up to 14 percent alcohol, and $4.27 a gallon for wine over 14 percent alcohol. "We're not Big Alcohol," said Bill Wilson, president of the winegrowers group and co-owner of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. "We're just trying to squeak by, and anything they charge us can only be passed to the consumer." While visitor traffic at his winery is holding up in the current economy as people take weekend and vacation trips closer to home, wine purchases by visitors have declined. Wilson said Temecula wineries have seen sales to stores and restaurants drop as much as 30 percent from a year ago. He added that California winemakers already pay state and federal excise taxes totaling between $1.19 and $3.83 per gallon sold, depending on alcohol content, and now is not a good time to raise costs further. Currently, wholesalers of beer and wine pay state fees of about 20 cents per gallon, while spirits sellers pay about $3.30 per gallon, and those fees go primarily toward law enforcement efforts. The legislation's author, Assemblyman Jim Beall Jr., D-San Jose, said Thursday that state fees on alcohol producers haven't been raised since 1991, and the state needs help dealing with the effects of problems that have worsened since then, including drunken driving, child abuse and fetal alcohol syndrome. Beall said researchers estimate the measure would generate $1.4 billion in yearly revenue to fund medical care and alcohol treatment services, while boosting prevention and education efforts. "I was looking at this from the standpoint of the harm that alcohol does to society," Beall said. "Passing this is going to be tough because the alcohol lobby is very powerful." Michael Scippa, advocacy director for the Marin Institute, a San Rafael-based nonprofit watchdog group that monitors the alcohol industry, said the organization approached Beall and other state lawmakers about a year ago. They sought support for a system that pays for the social effects of alcohol similar to the way the impact of tobacco is addressed, letting users carry the bulk of costs. But Sarah Longwell, managing director of the Washington, D.C-based American Beverage Institute, which primarily represents restaurants, including about 700 in California, said raising fees will further damage prospects for an industry already reeling from the recession. Various government agencies already make twice as much from a drink than hospitality businesses because of existing fees, Longwell said, and restaurants are facing rising food costs but falling foot traffic as consumers cut back on restaurant meals. "We're not asking for a bailout like some industries," Longwell said. "But don't kick us in the teeth while we're down." Raising alcohol fees Proposed legislation would impose a mitigation fee at the wholesale level on businesses that make and sell alcoholic beverages, to support programs addressing alcohol-related health and social problems. Alcohol producers would pay these per-gallon fees: Beer: $1.07 Wine (up to 14 percent alcohol): $2.56 Wine (more than 14 percent alcohol): $4.27 Champagne, sparkling wine: $2.56 Distilled spirits: $8.53 Source: California Assembly -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090521/2ff2716b/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Thu May 21 23:06:23 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 22 03:10:09 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Alcohol syndrome affects many people (2 articles) Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090521230613.01dde830@ncf.ca> http://news.guelphmercury.com/Opinions/article/473549 GuelphMercury.com Guelph, Ontario Opinions Alcohol syndrome affects many people Email Story April 28, 2009 Andre Auger Dear Editor - I am writing in response to the Mercury's reporting of a "bully" pleading guilty to charges against him in Saturday's paper. The article failed to mention, however, that the defence lawyer indicated that fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) was a factor in the boy's behaviour. While fetal alcohol is no excuse for breaking the law, it provides a different framework for understanding what is going on. FASD is a physical disability. It is every bit a physical disability as an amputation or blindness. We tend to have greater compassion for the physical disabilities that one can see. We have expectations of FASD kids that are unrealistic. Expecting that an FASD child can act responsibly is often like expecting a blind person to see or a paraplegic to walk, and then getting morally outraged when he or she can't. Labelling the young man in court Friday as a "bully" paints the typical picture of an out-of-control youth who relishes hurting others and who deserves punishment for his actions. FASD kids can be unable to make healthy judgments, impulsive, easily manipulated by peers, and can lack a sense of consequences, and have a significantly delayed emotional development. Those facts don't make the matter in this case any easier nor do they excuse the boy's behaviour. I have also read that 60 per cent of FASD kids end up in the courts. I wish this context had been part of this sad story. The reader might have been left with a very different impression. Andre Auger, Guelph http://news.guelphmercury.com/article/472439 Bully pleads guilty to assault, robbery Email Story April 25, 2009 Thana Dharmarajah Mercury Staff GUELPH A College Heights Secondary School student bullied a younger teenager several times and beat up another for his wallet, a city courtroom heard. The 16-year-old accused, who can't be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, pleaded guilty yesterday to assault and robbery charges. Court heard on April 17, 2008, the 14-year-old victim was playing football during his lunch break, when he was confronted by the 16-year-old who wanted to box. "If you don't box me, I'll punch you in the face," Assistant Crown attorney Murray deVos said the older teen said to the other. The 14-year-old tried to walk away when the accused grabbed him by the sweater and punched him five times in the face. Other students intervened and both parties eventually went back to school. Several weeks earlier, when the victim was walking in the hallway, the accused jumped on his back and tried to get the other to fight. When the younger boy said 'No,' the accused punched him in the face once, deVos said. Court heard that a few months later on Sept. 17, 2008, the accused approached another 14-year-old in the smoking area of College Heights and tried to grab his wallet from his pants pocket. DeVos said the student was able to stop the accused but was threatened to be taken to "the rocks," an area near Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute. During the exchange, the victim's baseball hat was swiped, deVos said. The victim went into the school and came out again with a friend to look for his hat and found the accused near the back entrance of College Heights. The accused approached the victim demanding his wallet and telling him that he won't be hurt, deVos said. Several students egged on the accused who began punching the younger teen in the face, taking him down to the ground, where he continued to punch him in the hands and face, deVos said. Another teenager joined in the fight and while the victim was on the ground, his wallet was taken. The victim suffered swelling to his left eye, bruises on his head and a swollen and cut lip, deVos said. His wallet had about $15 to $40 inside, a bus pass and a $20 gift certificate. DeVos said the baseball hat was returned to the victim. Justice Donald Downie ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned sentencing to June 17. tdharmarajah@guelphmercury.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090521/26c673ad/attachment.html From rosse at ncf.ca Fri May 22 06:36:15 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 22 10:40:10 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Woman's behaviour suspicious - 2 stories Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090522063558.039f9d28@ncf.ca> Skipped content of type multipart/related-------------- next part -------------- From rosse at ncf.ca Fri May 22 06:50:34 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Fri May 22 10:52:13 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Lights, camera . . . movement assessment: Alberta Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090522065025.01de9fd8@ncf.ca> Skipped content of type multipart/related-------------- next part -------------- From rosse at ncf.ca Mon May 25 15:14:29 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Mon May 25 19:16:13 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] FASD conference Edmonton Oct. 2009 Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090525151421.04b2a680@ncf.ca> Skipped content of type multipart/related-------------- next part -------------- From rosse at ncf.ca Mon May 25 16:29:30 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Mon May 25 20:34:17 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] Alcohol use by pregnant women hasn't changed Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090525162922.03ceef98@ncf.ca> http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2009/05/21/eline/links/20090521elin023.html Reuters Health Information (2009-05-21) Alcohol use by pregnant women hasn't changed Last Updated: 2009-05-21 13:50:00 -0400 (Reuters Health) NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Alcohol use and binge drinking among pregnant women and women of childbearing age changed little between 1991 and 2005, according to investigators at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fetal alcohol syndrome, birth defects, and low birth weight are among the problems associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy, Dr. C. H Denny and co-authors note in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. To examine trends in alcohol use among women of childbearing age, the researchers analyzed data from 533,506 women 18 to 44 years of age surveyed during 1991-2005; of these, 22,027 were pregnant at the time of the interview. Any alcohol use was defined as having at least one drink in the past 30 days, and binge drinking as having five or more drinks on at least one occasion in the past 30 days. "The prevalence of any alcohol use and binge drinking...did not change substantially over time," the authors report. Among pregnant women, the average annual percentage of any alcohol use was 12.2 percent, while the average annual percentage for binge drinking was 1.9 percent. Corresponding rates among non-pregnant women were 53.7 percent and 12.1 percent. Denny's team found that problem drinking among pregnant women was tied to older age, having a college degree, being employed, and being unmarried. As to why these factors are associated with drinking in pregnancy, the authors of an editorial note suggest that "1) older women might be more likely to be alcohol dependent and have more difficulty abstaining from alcohol while pregnant; 2) more educated women and employed women might have more discretionary money for the purchase of alcohol; and 3) unmarried women might attend more social occasions where alcohol is served." SOURCE: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 22, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090525/76d8272d/attachment-0001.html From rosse at ncf.ca Mon May 25 16:29:49 2009 From: rosse at ncf.ca (Elspeth Ross) Date: Mon May 25 20:34:24 2009 Subject: [Fasd_canadian_link] New Data Show Drinking While Pregnant Still a Problem Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.2.20090525162443.03cef0e0@ncf.ca> http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/35958/ Infozine Kansas City New Data Show Drinking While Pregnant Still a Problem Friday, May 22, 2009 :: Staff infoZine Exposure to alcohol is a known cause of birth defects [] Atlanta, GA - infoZine - The number of women who drink alcohol while pregnant is not decreasing, according to a 15 year-study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately 1 in 8 women drank any amount of alcohol while pregnant, the study says. The drinking patterns persisted despite repeated warnings from surgeons general about the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant. The surgeons general have told pregnant women, and women who may become pregnant to abstain from alcohol consumption in order to eliminate the chance of giving birth to a baby with alcohol related birth defects. The CDC analysis, as well as a study also published today by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that far too many women use substances (especially alcohol) during their pregnancies. The CDC study, "Alcohol Use Among Women of Childbearing Age, United States, 1991-2005," is in the CDC s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The CDC study also found that 1 of every 50 pregnant women engaged in binge drinking each year during the 15 years. "Exposure to alcohol can cause lifelong physical and mental disabilities that are preventable by avoiding alcoholic drinks while pregnant," said Edwin Trevathan, director of the CDC s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. "All women should know that there is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink or safe time to drink it during pregnancy. We encourage all women to pay attention to the surgeon general warnings." The study found that pregnant women most likely to report any alcohol use were 35-44 years of age (17.7 percent), college graduates (14.4 percent), employed (13.7 percent), and unmarried (13.4 percent). Pregnant women who binge drink were more likely to be employed and unmarried than were pregnant women who did not binge drink. This study did not examine the reasons why women are still drinking while pregnant. Any alcohol use was defined as at least one drink of any alcoholic beverage in the past 30 days. Binge drinking was defined as having five or more drinks on at least one occasion in the past 30 days. "By screening and advising women about the risks of drinking while pregnant, health care providers can play a key role in reducing rates of fetal alcohol syndrome," said Clark Denny, a CDC epidemiologist and primary author of the study. "This study revealed that there is still a great need for health care professionals to routinely ask all women who are pregnant or at risk of being pregnant about their alcohol consumption." The study examined data from 533,506 women aged 18-44 years, of whom 22,027 reported being pregnant at the time of the interview. The data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a state-based system of health surveys that collects information on health risk behaviors, preventive health practices, and health care access primarily related to chronic disease and injury. Data are collected monthly in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. For more information about FAS and other birth defects please call toll free 1-800 CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/fasd. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/fasd_canadian_link/attachments/20090525/f1de77a1/attachment-0001.html