Fetal Alcohol & Lower IQ

Message from Christine at Alcohol Healthwatch

Kia ora FANNZ

Here is a link to some significant research that has hit NZ headlines showing that even very light drinking during pregnancy can lower the IQ of a child when assessed at age 8, compared to those born to mothers who abstained.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20325000  

This is the same group of researchers (Gray et al) whose earlier meta-analysis of observational studies had lead to the belief that light to moderate consumption of alcohol prenatally did not cause measurable harm which was very challenging to the public health advice to avoid alcohol during pregnancy.  The full paper can be viewed @  http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0049407

 

This news follows hard on the heels of a NZ Herald article about some data shared at the Alcohol Healthwatch ‘Harm to Harmony’ symposium earlier this week, that young Kiwi women are now more likely to binge-drink than boys. The number drinking at least 8 drinks per occasion has doubled since 2004, according to the research which is yet to be published, with much of the rise being attributed to ready to drink products.   http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10847267

 

Ka kite

 

Christine Rogan

Alcohol Healthwatch

FASD video - Remember 9th September

Attitude on FASD

The TV One Attitude Programme on Sunday 8^th July featured the stories and interviews of Kiwi families living with the effect and experience of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The programme is available to view at TVNZ On Demand

http://tvnz.co.nz/attitude/s2012-ep17-video-4959334

Commissioner for Children speaking on Radio NZ Morning Report

Alcohol Reform Bill - watch the video

Professor Doug Sellman discusses politics of alcohol reform

http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/labour-s-plan-alcohol-advertising-video-4967266

The NZ Herald have been running a series of excellent articles focusing on local alcohol problems.

See Judge Beecrofts statement below.


http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10816213

Alcohol-free month raises more than $100,000

05 Mar 2012

Tags: Fundraising, FebFast

Media release – FebFast

FebFasters are celebrating raising more than $100,000 after a whole month without drinking alcohol.
And FebFast Coordinator Catherine Milburn says their determination to stay alcohol-free during February is commendable.
“Some people have found it a hard slog but they've stuck with it, which is fantastic,” she says. “No doubt they've been enjoying a beer or glass of wine over the weekend. Hopefully they’ve remembered not to overdo it, as their bodies haven't been used to drinking for the past month.”
So far over $104,000 has been raised through online donations and sponsorships, and Ms Milburn says that total will probably increase further during March as last minute donations come in.
People can still donate via the FebFast website at www.febfast.org.nz or by texting FebFast to 5338 to make an instant $3 donation.
Four youth charities are set to receiving funding:Evolve (Wellington), Rainbow Youth (Auckland), CareNZ (Waikato), and the ADHD Association (national).
Ms Milburn says young people affected by drugs or alcohol issues will benefit from a range of programmes and projects by these organisations.
“FebFast is always about giving community organisations a helping hand. There are a lot of young people out there who really need the support and assistance these organisations offer, and we’re delighted to be able to contribute to their work.
“Well done, FebFasters! We'll look forward to seeing you next year!”
ENDS

Trade Agreement implications paper

'On behalf of the NZ Tobacco Control Research Tūranga I am happy to announce the release of our first research results: Professor Jane Kelsey’s analysis of the international trade and investment agreements implications for tobacco control.'  

Here is the link to Jane’s media release that she put out last night:

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1205/S00230/trade-investment-agreements-could-threaten-smokefree-goal.htm

Decriminalisation Push Australia - NZ next?

Dalgarno Institue in Australia warn about a campaign to decriminalise drug use.

"As you may be aware, the noisy pro-drug lobby are harnessing every vehicle they can to promote drug decriminalisation. Of course one of the key elements is to have media on side. The AGE has thrown their hat in with this push. Whilst this action can be made to sound ‘credible’ it has many flaws and will lead to only greater drug use and the subsequent dysfunction that will bring.

 Even well-meaning people sometimes  think decriminalising and going to a health only focus will make things better. This is an experiment the emerging generation will not survive well."

 Sign in to their web site and look at two excellent papers on this issue  www.dalgarnoinstitute.org.au