www.alkoholpolitik.ch

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have a number of cognitive deficits, but mathematical ability seems particularly damaged. Little is known about the brain structures related to mathematical deficits in children with FASD. A new study that used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate the relationship between mathematical skills and brain white matter structure in children with FASD supports the importance of the left parietal area for mathematical tasks. (Source: Medical News Today, 11/20/09)

“There is no Single European way to Consume Alcoholic Beverages”
– Understanding Different Drinking Patterns Across Europe key to Successful Alcohol Policies. EU-level policy to reduce alcohol-related harm must be tailored to respond to diverse, complex realities in the different Member States. This is the conclusion of experts meeting in Brussels today at a scientific conference, organised by the Wine Information Council. (Source: Google Alkohol Alert, 10/23/09) flensburg-online.de, 23.10.09 Comment: In the media-report they pretend: „Furthermore, the literature suggests that the regulatory approach is simplistic, and sometimes counter-productive, punishing moderate drinkers and leaving problem drinkers unhelped.” The literature they mention is their own literature. The reality is just the contrary. Moderate drinkers and problem drinkers have a profit by regulatory measures, which reduce consumption and harm. We all are at any time passive-drinkers under the pressure of the alcohol industry and suffer from tremendous harm and social costs. We need regulatory measures. They alone are able to reduce overall consumption. That’s the only reason, why the alcohol industry doesn’t like them.

More protection needed for European citizens. This is the headline of a new brochure by Eurocare with basic facts on alcohol in the EU.
The European Union (EU) is the heaviest drinking region of the world (11 litres of pure alcohol drunk per adult each year). This is over 2,5 times the rest of the world average. ALCOHOL IS NOT AN ORDINARY CONSUMER
COMMODITY. Harm to the Individual drinker: Alcohol is a key health determinant, responsible for 7.4% of all ill-health and premature death in the EU, which makes it the 3rd leading risk factor, after high blood pressure and tobacco. (Source: Eurocare, 10/18/09)BROCH_MEP091019

Saint Louis University researchers in the department of family and community medicine have received an $880,000, three-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to develop and test a new program aimed at helping older children and young adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) successfully transition into adulthood. (Source: Medical News Today, 10/17/09)

Interesting news on alcohol politics within EU and WHO. (Switzerland incl.)

With the support of the Swedish presidency of the EU. Wednesday, 9 September 2009
European Parliament, Brussels Room ASP 3G3
9 September – International ‘Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders’ Awareness Day Source: Eurocare report: (repalc&pregnancy091008)

A woman who murdered a retired Louisiana minister had her death-row appeal rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled against Brandy Holmes‘ contention that her debilitation caused by fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) should have been considered during her sentencing. (Source: Join Together, 10/6/09) Comment: Incredible, medival justice.

Drinking While Pregnant Poses A Serious Risk To Children, Health Department Reminds Women
In recognition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health today reminded women about the serious implications of drinking while pregnant. „Studies show that 50 percent of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned and many women consume alcohol before they realize they are pregnant,“… (Source: Medical News Today, 9/9/09)

Click here to download the complete journal in pdf format. (Source: THE GLOBE 2/2009 with articles )

Hosted by the Swedish Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats.
The Conference is jointly organized by Eurocare and the Swedish Presidency of the European Union to mark International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders( FASD) Day. This meeting will be a unique opportunity for Public authorities and experts to learn more about this condition, share experiences and good practices, and discuss the different policy options to curb its incidence.
Place: European Parliament – Brussels
Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2009 Time: 08h45
Deadline for registration:
* 8 September 2009 (for those who have a permanent pass to the European Parliament)
* 24 August 2009 (for those who DO NOT have a permanent pass)
Please send RegistrFormEP09_09_08_1 to info@eurocare.org