Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Endangers Neurotrophin Levels Jul 20, 2008
Visit the for more on fetal alcohol syndrome. Copyright. (Health-Finder)
Prenatal drinking, environmental enrichment: effects on neurotrophins are independent of each other Jul 19, 2008
"While the importance of the postnatal rearing environment for brain development is clear, we need additional research to aid in devising rational treatment strategies for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, including fetal alcohol syndrome," he said ... Co-authors of the ACER paper, "Environmental Enrichment Alters Neurotrophin Levels after Fetal Alcohol Exposure in Rats," were: Elizabeth A. Parks of the Neuroscience Program and Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California -... (EurekAlert!)
Water-diffusion technology identifies brain regions damaged by prenatal alcohol exposure Jul 19, 2008
Scientists know that children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) often have structural brain damage ... Co-authors of the ACER paper, "Brain Diffusion Abnormalities in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder," were: Catherine Lebel and Lindsay Walker of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Alberta; Katy Wyper and Jerome Yager of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta; and Gail Andrew of the FASD Clinic at Glenrose Hospital in Edmonton,... (EurekAlert!)
Alaska newborns at higher risk for defects Jul 18, 2008
But Alaska also posted higher than average rates of less common birth defects, such as cleft palates (two times the national average), fetal alcohol syndrome (four times the national average), and Hirschsprung's Disease, characterized by enlarged colons due to bowel obstructions (six times the national average). Grouping the major birth anomalies into broad categories, the study found that Native Alaskans were twice as likely as the state's non-Native population to suffer a cardiovascular birth... (Anchorage Daily News)
Tournament aids infant program Jul 18, 2008
Other services provided by MSSCA include employment, residential, respite care coordination, Short-Term Assistance and Referral (STAR), Fetal Alcohol Resource Project, the Look at Me Program and Car Seat Safety Program. John Cannon. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
PERFORMING IN PRISON: Both sides of the bars Jun 27, 2008
you're stimulating parts of the brain that for some people haven't been stimulated before or have been damaged in some way - either by the use of substances or traumatic brain injury, fetal alcohol (disorder), etc. " Forbes said. "So what music and art do is create that stimulation in the brain, on both sides of the brain, and helps healing occur. (Juneau Empire)
BCMA Congratulates Three Outstanding Award Recipients for Their Extraordinary Results in Promoting Health and Wellness in British Columbia Jun 8, 2008
Based in Victoria, Dr. Boulton paid special attention to the complex health care needs of Aboriginal children, child maltreatment, and those with fetal alcohol syndrome. He was active on many committees and boards that promoted the interests of children in the community and was Chair of the BC Medical Association's Child and Youth Committee. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Mom who caged kids gets 20 years May 23, 2008
She was commended by Ohio's governor in 1995 for outstanding parenting and praised in the Akron area for taking in children born with crack addictions or fetal alcohol syndrome. Schlax told Cooper that Ohio authorities refused to cooperate with Florida's case against the Sullivans. (Florida Times-Union)
Sen. Clinton: Ellsworth AFB is vital May 17, 2008
She said her universal health coverage plan would bring vital medical care to "underserved populations like Indian Country" and that she would focus additional resources on fighting diabetes, heart disease, fetal alcohol syndrome and other health issues among Native Americans. Read Comments > | Share This Story. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Sen. Clinton promises support for Ellsworth, DUSEL, Native American health initiatives May 16, 2008
Hillary Clinton said Thursday that her universal coverage plan would bring vital medical care to "underserved populations like Indian Country." In addition, Clinton said she would focus additional resources on fighting diabetes, heart disease, fetal alcohol syndrome and other crisis-level health issues among Native Americans. That would include reauthorizing the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, increasing funding to the Indian Health Service and elevating the IHS director to an... (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Sick boy endures chemo, visit from dad May 14, 2008
Math is sometimes difficult for the boy, who has fetal alcohol syndrome, which is detectable in his broad face and slightly slurred speech ... Both he and his former wife, who died of brain cancer seven years ago, battled addiction, and their two children have fetal alcohol syndrome. (Globe and Mail -- National)
A child can't weigh life and death May 14, 2008
In this case, the child has fetal alcohol syndrome and, his father says, has a mild intellectual delay. He also has serious behavioural problems for which he takes medication. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Oprah Winfrey to talk on leadership at Cleveland Clinic May 13, 2008
Katia, a fourth grader, is going to Washington D.C. next week to represent The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and talk to congressmen about the syndrome. Katia was adopted from a Russian orphanage ten years ago. (Cleveland.com)
Amber Kesterson May 9, 2008
Clubs, organizations: Yuba Sutter Foster Adopt Kincare Association, Colusa Behavioral Health Board member, California Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Organization and many other groups that help children and families. What's the most frightening or thrilling thing you've ever done. (Appeal Democrat, CA)
Smoking and Drinking in Pregnancy May 7, 2008
Drinking alcohol may cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Heavy drinking or binge drinking during pregnancy may cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FAS. FAS is a serious lifelong condition that may have include problems eating and sleeping, having problems seeing and hearing, having trouble following directions, having trouble performing simple tasks, having trouble paying attention, having trouble getting along with others, not being able to control behavior, needing special teachers and special schools,... (Suite101.com)
More Than Half Of Pregnant French Women Still Drink Alcohol May 6, 2008
Alcohol drinking during pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol syndrome -- central nervous system or other damage resulting in physical, mental or behavioral problems. Two of the women in the study gave birth to babies with fetal alcohol syndrome. (AHN)
Governor should OK money for new youth crisis center May 2, 2008
Relocation is necessary because numbers are growing beyond current capacity and there are design issues relating to mental health, especially for those suffering the results of fetal alcohol syndrome. The current location, in the middle of a significant urban development, is unsuitable for a youth crisis center in the long run. (Anchorage Daily News)
Legislators reluctantly pass budget Apr 13, 2008
She praised programs to boost the economy, such as a construction academy, and to help people, such as those dealing with fetal alcohol syndrome, mental health and drug courts and children's services. "Good for us for what we're doing, and what we're trying to do," she said. (Juneau Empire)
Beer Tax Plan Would Raise $2 Billion Apr 11, 2008
"Other researchers have concluded that raising beer taxes not only minimizes drinking but reduces alcohol-associated problems such as broken families, venereal diseases, property damage, and birth defects caused by fetal alcohol syndrome," Beall's statement read. Beer corporations continue to rake in profits. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
South Bay Assemblyman Wants $2 Billion Beer Tax Apr 11, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008, 5:43 am. You've heard from us, now we want to hear from you. (NBC 11, CA)
Fetal Exposure to Substance Abuse Changes Brain Structure Apr 9, 2008
Previous studies that documented brain effects of prenatal alcohol exposure were mostly limited to children with fetal alcohol syndrome. Children with that condition were excluded from this new study. (MEDLINEplus)
Prenatal Drug Exposure Affects Brain Into Teens Apr 8, 2008
Moreover, while previous studies have documented brain effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, these studies were mostly limited to children with fetal alcohol syndrome, a diagnosis that was excluded in the current study ... 25, 2007) Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure does not always lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS); sometimes it can lead to cognitive and behavioral deficits in the absence of craniofacial features needed to make. (Science Daily)
Cuts will decrease services for kids Apr 8, 2008
- Services to over 80 children with fetal alcohol syndrome and pregnant women will be cut in half. - 1,700 children in Northeast Florida will lose infant mortality reduction services. (Florida Times-Union)
Town meeting will discuss teen drinking Apr 4, 2008
In Alaska in 2005, underage drinking resulted in violence, traffic crashes, injury, high-risk sex, poisoning and psychosis, property crimes, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and youth treatment for a total cost to Alaska communities of $316 million, according to state reports. While the reports don't show just how much of that $316 million was borne by Mat-Su communities, Jim Holen, a counselor with Mat-Su Health Services and one of the meeting organizers, says the Valley mirrors state and... (Anchorage Daily News)
Partial-birth abortion bill modeled on federal law Mar 27, 2008
Berta Gardner, D-Anchorage, said lawmakers would better use their time working on the problems that face "born children" like suicide and fetal alcohol syndrome. But she didn't expect the debate would change anyone's minds. (Anchorage Daily News)
Research on Fetal Alcohol Exposure Treatment Urged Mar 25, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - More study is urgently needed to understand how best to help children, adolescents and even adults coping with the "devastating" consequences of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD, conclude investigators who reviewed neurological and behavioral outcomes of individuals with FASD. ... While the general public is probably most familiar with fetal alcohol syndrome, in which children exhibit facial features such as a short nose and thin upper lip along with cognitive... (MEDLINEplus)
Alcohol and Health Mar 22, 2008
Alcohol can generate severe congenital abnormalities in the fetus, including fetal alcohol syndrome, which is characterized by physical abnormalities, neurological dysfunction, developmental delay and growth retardation. A recent meta-analysis indicated that the risk for fetal malformation is quite serious even with fewer than three drinks per day. (Suite101.com)
Many Moms Use Cigarettes, Marijuana, Alcohol During Pregnancy; Dads Don't Help, Study Suggests Mar 22, 2008
Substance use around pregnancy presents a wide variety of risks to fetuses and infants including fetal alcohol syndrome, cognitive and behavioral problems and impairments, asthma and higher incidences of sudden infant death syndrome. The study found that. (Science Daily)
Adolescents At Risk Of Developing A Substance-use Disorder Have Deficits In Frontal Brain Activation Mar 8, 2008
25, 2007) Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure does not always lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS); sometimes it can lead to cognitive and behavioral deficits in the absence of craniofacial features needed to make. (Mar. (Science Daily)
Spending hike approved in operating budget Mar 6, 2008
Sharon Cissna, D-Anchorage, did propose several amendments to the Mental Health Trust Budget to add money for programs dealing with substance abuse, fetal alcohol disorder and severe mental illness. Those amendments failed. (Juneau Empire)
Family reunions: New drug court aims to heal families Feb 28, 2008
I've seen babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome and drug-related complications. This is a key to helping change that. (Brewton Standard, AL)
New draft Australian drink guidelines rubbished as unrealistic Feb 19, 2008
Women who drink heavily during pregnancy are at risk of having babies with a condition called fetal alcohol syndrome which can result in growth deficiencies, nervous system problems, lowered intelligence, and facial abnormalities in the child. Certain people are advised not to drink alcohol, such as women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, people who plan to drive or engage in other activities that require alertness and skill, people taking certain over-the-counter or prescription... (News-Medical.net)
Moderate Prenatal Exposure To Alcohol And Stress In Monkeys Can Cause Touch Sensitivity Feb 10, 2008
Schneider called for further studies to determine whether reducing sensory sensitivities at an early age in children might help prevent the development of fetal alcohol-related behavioral problems ... 26, 2007) New research in primates suggests that infants and children who carry a certain gene variant may be more vulnerable to the ill effects of fetal alcohol exposure. (Science Daily)
Eye Blinks May ID Fetal Alcohol Exposure Feb 6, 2008
She and her colleagues administered EBC (which paired a tone with an air puff) to 98 South African 5-year-olds and found a link between EBC deficit and fetal alcohol exposure. "Our results show that there was a dose-response relation between alcohol exposure and FASD [fetal alcohol spectrum disorder] diagnosis and that a fundamental element of learning is affected by prenatal alcohol exposure," Jacobson said ... "We next need to extend the study of the EBC paradigm with fetal alcohol-exposed... (MEDLINEplus)
Eye blinks may help to identify children prenatally exposed to alcohol Feb 4, 2008
Not all children prenatally exposed to alcohol show distinctive facial anomalies usually associated with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) ... While children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) have identifiable craniofacial abnormalities, children with alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) can have significant cognitive impairments without facial anomalies ... Given that we controlled for IQ and that EBC was not impaired in non-alcohol-exposed children with microcephaly, these findings... (EurekAlert!)
Can Pregnant Women Ever Drink? Feb 3, 2008
"Everybody is scared of this thing called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I practiced 20 years. I haven't seen a case. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist," he said. Because of the lack of testing, the default consensus is "no one is definitely safe." Dr. Mortiz said that in his opinion, what is clearly unsafe is "people that drink every day, repetitively.". (ABC News)
$1,000 energy bonus draws heated opinions from writers Feb 1, 2008
Don't we still have some of the highest rates of rape, domestic violence, fetal alcohol syndrome disorders, substance abuse, etc. We have hundreds of children in residential treatment facilities outside of the state because we cannot serve them at home. (Anchorage Daily News)
Beware of warnings Feb 1, 2008
The tragedy of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol effects (FAE) is compounded by the fact that this condition is fully preventable if alcohol is avoided during pregnancy. Canada desperately needs a strategy to address the tragic consequences of FAS/FAE, which must include counselling and treatment targeted at high-risk groups. (Globe and Mail)
Doctors urged to combat birth-defect virus Jan 25, 2008
"A lot of people are really shocked when they hear that there are as many disabled kids from congenital CMV as there are kids with fetal alcohol syndrome or Down syndrome or spina bifida and people haven't heard of it," CDC epidemiologist Michael Cannon said in a telephone interview. The CDC said 5,000 to 8,000 babies are born annually in the United States with disabilities associated with CMV infection. (MSNBC -- Health)
Decrease chance of birth defects Jan 22, 2008
There is only one birth defect 100 percent preventable - fetal alcohol syndrome ... The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, according to the March of Dimes, refers to the range of conditions that could result from drinking including mental retardation; learning, emotional and behavioral problems; and defects involving the heart, face and other organs. (The Clarion-Ledger)
For troubled adoptees, a last stop Jan 20, 2008
The youngsters may have fetal alcohol syndrome, mental illness, attachment disorders -- perhaps all three -- and can't function in a family, though they show no outward signs of disability. "These kids are the victims of every kind of abuse you can imagine: sexual, physical, emotional," said Sterkel. (Los Angeles Times)
Working with FASD children requires a shift in thinking Jan 16, 2008
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) describes the range of characteristics and disabilities seen in children who have had prenatal exposure to alcohol and other drugs ... People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are open, friendly, sensitive and verbal ... Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is generally an invisible physical disability that impacts those affected throughout their lives. (Missoulian, MT)
Forever Families Inc. opens state's first resource center Jan 14, 2008
Many children in the foster system have been abused or have other problems, such as fetal alcohol syndrome. These children need counseling and medical care and other resources that the adoptive parents are cut off from once they are no longer in the foster system. (Billings Gazette)
Ranch raises hopes for adoptees Jan 7, 2008
Due to one or more of a variety of reasons -- among them fetal alcohol syndrome, mental illness, abuse, attachment disorders -- the youngsters can't function in a family, though they show no outward signs of disability. "These kids are the victims of every kind of abuse you can imagine -- sexual, physical, emotional," said Sterkel, who runs what may be the only therapeutic school exclusively for adopted children. (Chicago Tribune)
Editor's mailbag: Stop drunks from having more babies affected by FAS Jan 6, 2008
This is in reference to the article FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome) impact lasts a lifetime in the Dec. 30 Sunday edition. Perhaps someone can explain to me why we allow alcoholics and druggies to give birth to several babies. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Low Antioxidant Level May Damage Fetal Neurons Jan 4, 2008
One in 100 live births in Texas suffers from a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Of 370,000 live births in the state annually, 3,700 babies are affected, said Carolyn A. Smith, executive director of the Texas Office for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities. (Science Daily)
FAS’ impact lasts a lifetime Dec 31, 2007
Developmentally disabled and cognitively about 6 years old, Justin is an adult face of fetal alcohol syndrome ... Alaska has one of the highest rates in the country of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, an umbrella term that encompasses less severe cases than FAS. The rate in Alaska is five times higher than Arizona, for instance, and four times higher than New York, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
The adult face of fetal alcohol syndrome Dec 25, 2007
Twenty-year-old Justin continues to struggle with fetal alcohol syndrome and a host of medical problems, including cerebral palsy and severe vision and hearing impairment ... Developmentally disabled and cognitively about 6 years old, Justin is an adult face of fetal alcohol syndrome ... Alaska has one of the highest rates in the country of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, an umbrella term that encompasses less severe cases than FAS. The rate in Alaska is five times... (Anchorage Daily News)
Charlie Fischer: Alberta's tough-love philanthropist Dec 17, 2007
The kids didn't ask for these problems - to some extent, lifestyles have contributed, like with fetal alcohol syndrome. My wife and I decided our priorities are education and children's charities. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Fetal Alcohol Exposure May Prime Offspring for Alcoholism Dec 15, 2007
Full-blown fetal alcohol syndrome involves profound mental retardation as well as cranial facial defects. But there are also more subtle effects of being exposed to alcohol in utero. (MEDLINEplus)
Pre-natal Alcohol Exposure Shapes Sensory Preference, Upping Odds Of Later Alcohol Use And Abuse Dec 14, 2007
These more subtle consequences of fetal alcohol exposure come on top of the potential for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which leads to profound neurodevelopmental problems including mental retardation. In one study, infantile rats exposed to alcohol (ethanol) in the womb drank significantly more of it in youth but not in adulthood. (Science Daily)
Congressional earmarks lose luster for Alaska Dec 11, 2007
Alaska-specific earmarks Stevens is most proud of include the Denali Commission to improve the infrastructure in rural Alaska, the Medallion program for virtual pilot training on two of the state's most dangerous mountain passes, and earmarks for telemedicine and fighting fetal alcohol syndrome. But there's been a backlash against earmarks, with criticism that they lack public scrutiny and demands in Congress to cut back on them. (Anchorage Daily News)
Secrets Of Alcohol's Effect On Brain Cells Revealed Dec 11, 2007
The findings may also edge scientists closer to understanding alcohol-linked disorders such as the brain damage associated with chronic alcoholism, and the abnormal brain development seen in the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). "If you are going to understand the biological effects of alcohol on genes within cells, you have to understand the molecular machinery driving the transcription, or activation, of the genes in question. That's what we believe we have done here," says the study's senior... (Science Daily)
Don't drink at all, pregnant women told Dec 3, 2007
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was a significant issue in Australia yet there is no national diagnostic service and a huge lack of awareness on the issue of alcohol consumption by pregnant women, alcohol-related brain injury group, Arbias said ... According to a National Drug Strategy 2002 paper on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, it is the leading, preventable cause of nongenetic intellectual handicap ... The draft guildelines, released in October for public consultation, state that alcohol "is a well-known... (Sydney Morning Herald)
Evidence Sparse That Binge-Drinking Harms Fetus Nov 21, 2007
According to Gray and colleagues, the reviewed studies contained no consistently significant effects of alcohol on any of the outcomes considered: miscarriage, stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, birth weight, having a small baby at birth, and birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome and neurodevelopmental effects. There was some suggestion that binge-drinking, particularly during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, might impair normal brain development. (MEDLINEplus)
Ritalin Wars Nov 19, 2007
These can include over anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, child abuse, developmental delays, fetal alcohol exposure, etc. I am concerned when I see/hear of a physician or therapist make the diagnosis w/o considering all alternative possibilities and w/o taking a developmental/family history. (New York Times)
Single Binge Drinking Incident May Not Harm Fetus:... Nov 15, 2007
" The study did find that women who went on drinking binges before realizing they were pregnant did not appear to harm their unborn children, said Lee, who specializes in high risk pregnancies. What they re saying is that if a woman goes on a drinking binge and finds out two weeks later she s pregnant, she doesn t need to have an abortion or worry about a miscarriage or birth defects, she said. For their study, the researchers initially identified more than 3,500 scientific papers between 1970... (Fox News)
Little Evidence That Binge Drinking While Pregnant Seriously Harms Fetus, Review Of Research Suggests Nov 15, 2007
The results indicated that there was little substantive evidence that binge drinking caused a range of problems, including miscarriage, stillbirth, abnormal birthweight or birth defects, such as fetal alcohol syndrome. But there was some suggestion that it might impair normal neurodevelopment, although the effects were generally quite small, say the authors. (Science Daily)
Maternal Alcohol Drinking During Pregnancy Associated With Risk For Childhood Conduct Problems Nov 7, 2007
19, 2006) Fetal alcohol exposure is usually determined through self-reported maternal consumption. New research shows that certain fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in meconium may provide dependable. (Science Daily)
Drinking alcohol while pregnant helps 'create unruly children' Nov 7, 2007
Heavy alcohol use by mothers causes a range of developmental problems called fetal alcohol syndrome. But there is still debate about low to moderate levels of drinking during pregnancy. (Daily Mail)
Schools tackle special ed disparity Nov 5, 2007
" Why black students tend to make up a higher percentage of EBD students is a question that perplexes teachers and administrators in lots of school districts, O'Hara said. There are no clear-cut answers, she said, but there does seem to be a clear connection to poverty. And in Clarke County, black students make up a large portion of students whose families either live in poverty or qualify for Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. As a special education director at Coile Middle School, Heather... (Athens Banner-Herald)
11-year-old brings Bigfoot to school (509) Nov 3, 2007
He has cystic fibrosis, severe child migraines that give him seizures, epilepsy, fetal alcohol syndrome and asthma, Phyllis Fosjord said. Terry eats, but his nutrition is supplemented by a feeding tube. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Reality Store makes students think Nov 3, 2007
This was to emulate a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome. Duncan said the Reality Store was fun, except for the constantly crying baby. (Russellville News Democrat Leader, KY)
Countywide effort to reduce alcohol-related injuries begins Oct 31, 2007
Big Spender wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:27 AM:" Alcohol-impaired driving and so forth is well-known, but one problem not commonly thought of regarding alcohol abuse is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). I saw an MRI of a FAS baby at a U talk given by an organic chemist...that poor baby's brain looked like a ball of rolled-up sausages...quite horrible! No amount of alcohol is safe for any pregnant mother-to-be. For more, see "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders" http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/ ". PLEASE NOTE:... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Pregnancy And Alcohol - How Much Is Safe? Oct 29, 2007
Pregnancy And Alcohol - How Much Is Safe. No" Vivienne Nathanson BMJ 2007;335:857 (27 October), doi:10.1136/bmj.39356.489340.AD "Is it all right for women to drink small amounts of alcohol in pregnancy. (Medical News Today)
