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New campaign launched on International Women’s Day
On March 8th (International Women’s Day), SIGO (the Italian Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) and AssoBirra (the Industrial Association of Beer and Malt), with the support of the Italian Ministry of Health, launched a three week alcohol and pregnancy campaign.
The campaign also has the support of over 35 celebrities, including actresses, journalists, TV hosts, bloggers, and chefs. Each of the celebrities has written personal messages about the campaign and issue on their blogs and/or Facebook wall or created an exclusive video message.
The general message of the campaign is “If you’re expecting a baby, alcohol can wait.” According to the Beve Responsabile (Drink Responsibly) campaign website, the first “edition” of this campaign happened three years ago.
This edition focuses on young women under the age of 30. Approximately 1/3 of births in Italy are in the under 30 age group and it is believed that younger women are less aware of the effects of alcohol during pregnancy. As well, approximately 10% of young people are believed to engage in risky drinking practices.
The main campaign website features an awareness video and sections for women and for obstetricians and gynecologists. There are links to the celebrity messages and a download area.
I’ve previously posted about another alcohol and pregnancy campaign from Treviso, Italy called “Mamma Beve, Bimbo Beve” (see Are shock tactics effective?, March 22, 2011).
On September 9, 2011 (International FASD Awareness Day), the public health unit released a new awareness video called “I do not drink, my baby does not drink.” (Through some form of Internet magic, if you watch the video with Google Translate, English subtitles appear on the video. Serious magic, I know). The video features comedy performers “I Papu” and uses a humorous approach different from anything I’ve seen in North America. The campaign also has a Facebook page.
Round-up of Activities across Canada
Here are just a few of the events and activities held across the country on September 9, 2011.
North Bay, Ontario – Walk for FASD hosted by The North Bay Indian Friendship Centre. Read more here.
Espanola and North Shore, Ontario – 1 day conference “Embracing our Future Generations;” lunch and presentations; Supper at the Sagamok Multi-Educational Centre and Tiny Tots Pow Wow hosted by the North Shore Tribal Council.
Hamilton, Ontario – “Celebrate Strengths” event hosted by the Hamilton FASD Community Initiative.
Ottawa, Ontario – A press release by the Assembly of First Nations to announce a five year plan on FASD by the AFN National Youth Council.
Toronto, Ontario – A 99 second “Pregnant Pause” at Union Station. Hosted by the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. See a press release from Toronto Public Health here and another from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Kids here.
Norway House, Manitoba – A march to the legislative building in Winnipeg by a group from Norway House Cree Nation. Read March aims to shine light on FASD (Winnipeg Free Press, September 9, 2011).
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Unveiling of a youth photovoice project called “Hammered: A sober look at youth and alcohol” at the Remai Arts Centre. Read Teen photo project captures alcohol’s influence (Saskatoon StarPhoenix, September 8,2011) and a booklet on the project here.
Regina, Saskatchewan – Pregnancy Pause at the University of Regina by volunteers from the Regina FASD Network. Read more in an article in the Regina Leader-Post. Read a press release from the Saskatchewan government here.
Camrose, Alberta – An FASD awareness ceremony in Founders Square and free mocktails at local liquor establishments. (The Prairie Central FASD Network has partnered with Boston Pizza Geo’s Sports Lounge O’Shea’s Eatery and Ale House The Canadian Brewhouse Norsemen Inn Gravity Lounge and Tap Room The Alice Hotelthe to provide free mocktails for expectant mothers every Friday in September). Read more in an article in The Camrose Canadian.
Grand Prairie, Alberta – Women in the Wind FASD Awareness Biker Poker Run and BBQ (read more here). A Mocktail Challenge by five local restaurants and bars: The Lions Den, The Zone Sports Grill, Egan’s Restaurant and Pub, Better than Freds, and the Crown and Anchor. Servers offer their own non-alcoholic mocktail to their customers and the server that sells the most mocktails at the end of the evening wins the competition. Read more here.
Calgary, Alberta – Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network’s annual BreakFASD with guest speaker Myles Himmelrich (see a video of Myles speaking here on YouTube and speaking as part of the Alberta government’s FASD learning series here).
Whitecourt, Alberta – Free BBQ at Tennille’s Hope sponsored by the Healthy Families, Healthy Futures program. Read more here.
Hinton, Alberta – Mocktail War by three local watering holes. Read more here.
Moose Jaw, Alberta- FASD Awareness Day during a luncheon at Wood Acres Read more on Discover Moose Jaw.
Edmonton, Alberta – Flash mob with over 100 participants at Kingsway Garden Mall. Visit the Edmonton Fetal Alcohol Network blog for the story and pictures here. The clip below is from an appearance on 102.3 NOW radio’s Friday Morning Dance Party.
Kamloops, BC – Mocktails at Thompson Rivers University Welcome Back BBQ, information packages at the Canada Games pool, and an information booth at the Saturday farmer’s market. Read more here.
Quesnel, BC – FASD Day Walk hosted by the Quesnel FASD Advisory Group/Committee.
Terrace, BC – Events hosted by the Kermode Friendship Society, including a free pancake breakfast, sirens and bells at 9:09 a.m and free family activities and a free barbecue at George Little Park.
Prince George, BC – Mayor Dan Rogers reading the Proclamation for FASD Prevention and Support Day and a ‘pregnancy pause’ – observing a moment of silence to remember that duringthe nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol (read more here). The Family Resource Centre also invited members of the public to drop by the centre to take part in family events (a watermelon relay, cake walk, door prizes, raffle, display booths and entertainment) and check out displays (read more here).
Penticton, BC – Activities including a birth mother telling her story, doctors speaking on living with FASD and a panel of parents and professionals who will lead a discussion about various relationships for people living with FASD. Read more in the Penticton Western News here.
Vernon, BC – FASD Awareness Walk from the NONA Child Development Centre to the First Nations Friendship Centre. Read more in the Vernon Morning Star.
Bulkley Valley, BC – Bulkley Valley FASD Committee launches a poster campaign. Read Poster campaign to educate on drinking and pregnancy (Smithers Interior News, September 7, 2011).
Victoria, BC – Launch of campaign to promoted FASD awareness by BC government. Read the press release here.
Surrey, BC – BBQ lunch hosted by the Centre for Child Development.
Inuvik, NWT – Awareness event at Aurora College hosted by Healthy Babies and the Prenatal Nutrition Program. Read news coverage here which includes an interview with NAT member Narine Margaryan.
Yellowknife, NWT – An awareness walk and public displays. Read more here.
And, as a finale to this roundup, you may want to read a message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, from September 9, 2011 on International FASD Awareness Day.
On the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from drinking alcohol.
You might want to take some time today to learn more about FASD and what’s happening in your community to address FASD.
I’ve pasted the answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions from an FASD Toolkit created by the BC Ministries of Children and Family Development and Healthy Living Services, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, and the Public Health Agency of Canada below. They cover some key points that might be helpful in starting a conversation about FASD with someone today.
I’ve also added a new link on the blog called “FASD Prevention 101″ which lists key Canadian resources on preventing FASD (the link is at the top of the page). You can also find this list on the Healthy Choices in Pregnancy web site.
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term used to describe the range of disabilities that can affect people whose are exposed to alcohol prenatally. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause brain damage in a developing fetus, resulting in lifelong problems with attention, memory, reasoning and judgment. Pre-natal exposure to alcohol can also result in physical disabilities such as vision and hearing problems, slow growth, heart problems and bones that are not properly formed. There is great variability in the characteristics of those affected by FASD, depending on such factors as the amount and timing of the mother’s drinking, mother’s nutrition and overall health, as well as genetic factors.
How big a problem is FASD? How many people are affected in Canada?
It is estimated that every year, approximately 3000 babies are born in Canada with FASD. We do not know the exact numbers of people living with FASD as FASD is not always diagnosed, and we are still developing adequate resources to
ensure individuals receive diagnosis and supports.
What has been proven to be effective in the prevention of FASD?
FASD can be prevented! Preventing FASD starts by increasing awareness of the harmful effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Communities can work together to ensure that all women receive support with pregnancy planning, are able to find alternatives to alcohol use during pregnancy, and have access to prenatal care. Some women may need extra support to cut back on their drinking. For these women, addictions treatment services that are easy to access, and which provide respectful and holistic care are key. And, after the baby is born, mothers may need support and advocacy to continue with the healthy changes they made during pregnancy.
What are the economic and social costs of FASD?
FASD can have many health, social, and economic costs, for the individual, their families, health and social service systems and communities. For families the extra costs for medical and other treatments are estimated to be approximately $24,000 a year. It is estimated that the costs per individual over their lifetime for services can be over 1 million dollars. While many individuals with FASD lead fulfilling lives, many also have trouble with the law, drop out of school, have difficulties keeping a job, develop mental health problems, or become homeless.
What can communities do to help prevent FASD?
Communities can help prevent FASD in a number of ways, especially by helping to spread the word that it is safest not to drink during pregnancy. Friends and family members can all help a pregnant woman not to drink during pregnancy. If you work with women, learn about services in your community that can support women in avoiding alcohol use during pregnancy. Health care and social service providers can talk openly and supportively with women about drinking alcohol if they are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant and where to find support in they need assistance with avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. Bars can provide fun and tasty nonalcoholic options on their menu and liquor stores can hang posters with information about FASD.
How do I respond to people who say they have heard that it is okay for a woman to drink when she is pregnant?
Heavy drinking during pregnancy (either binge drinking or chronic use of alcohol) is clearly the most likely to cause harm to the fetus, as well as to a woman’s health. While very low levels of drinking such as one drink a week is unlikely to
cause harm, it is not possible to know a safe level of drinking for any particular woman. We do know that alcohol can be harmful to fetal development, which is why health professionals recommend that it is safest not to drink during pregnancy.
International FASD Day is on September 9th
On the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from drinking alcohol.
International FASD Awareness Day is less than a month away – it just might be time to start thinking about organizing an event for your workplace, organization or community. Activities can be small and (gasp) even fun – check out what the Edmonton Fetal Alcohol Network is up to below.
Learn more about the history of FASD Awareness Day and get ideas from organizers from around the world for ways of honouring FASD Awareness Day by visiting FASWorld. You can also find resources on the Healthy Choices in Pregnancy web site and the Best Start Ontario Resource Centre.
Round-up of Activities across Canada
Here are just a few of the events and activities held across the country on September 9, 2010.
Thunder Bay, Ontario - A mini-powwow and information booths in Marina Park. Organized by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Planning Committee. See pictures here.
Fort Frances, Ontario – Pancake Breakfast and information displays at the Seven Generations Education Institute. Read articles in the Fort Frances Times Online here and here.
Grey Bruce, Ontario – Music and dancing at the Owen Sound Farmers Market. Ceremony, displays, and speeches at the M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre. FASD posters and video clips by high school students. View the winners of the media contest here.
North Bay, Ontario - Displays and information at Canadore College. Organized by the The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder North Committee.
Region of Peel, Ontario (Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga) – A “Pregnant Pause,” displays and lectures. Bars and restaurants in the Region of Peel received a specially created Mocktail guide.
Ottawa, Ontario – Presentations by community members, displays and refreshments. Organized by the FASD Coalition of Ottawa.
Norway House, Manitoba – An 800km march to raise awareness about FASD and to lobby for funding. View an article in the Winnipeg Sun here and in the Winnipeg Free Press here.
Regina, Saskatchewan – A “Pregnant Pause” downtown with men in baby blue shirts and women in pink shirts. T-shirts read “I have the power to prevent FASD.” Organized by the FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan. View an article in the Leader-Post here.
Edmonton, Alberta – Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network’s FASD Day Breakfast and the 2nd annual FASD Flick Video Contest. Visit EFAN’s blog here.
Grand Prairie and High Prairie, Alberta – Bell Concordance at Peace Wapiti Academy. Information displays at the Grande Prairie Regional College Trade Fair . Walk for Awareness and Talent Show Fundraiser in High Prairie. Organized by the Northern Association for FASD.
Lethbridge, Alberta - Ringing of the bells at Southminster United Church downtown followed by a breakfast and networking event.
100 Mile House, BC – A “Pregnant Pause” at 9:09am where community members gathered and placed a balloon symbolizing pregnancy under their shirt for one minute. Screening of the documentary “Realities and Possibilities” for youth. Organized by the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre. Read more here.
Richmond, BC - Guest speakers and breakfast event. Hosted by the FASD Richmond Roundtable.
Nanaimo, BC – Training opportunity, presentations and lunch. Hosted by the Nanaimo FASD Society. Read a review on the Vancouver Island Adoption blog.
And, as a finale to this roundup, you may want to read a message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, from September 9, 2010 on International FASD Awareness Day.
On the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from drinking alcohol.
Take a minute today to talk to someone about FASD. You might mention:
- FASD is the leading cause of developmental disability among Canadian children (Poole, 2008).
- Approximately 1 in 100 Canadian children will be born with FASD (Chudley et al., 2005).
- The impact of alcohol varies on the amount, timing, and frequency of alcohol consumed. During the 9 months of pregnancy it is safest not to drink any amount or type of alcohol (Chudley et al., 2005).
- The annual costs of FASD in Canada are profound and are estimated to be approximately $5.3 billion a year. The average annual cost per individual is estimated to be approximately $21,5000.00 per year (Stade et al., 2009).
Visit FASWorld to see how others are marking the day.
References
Chudley, A., Conry, J., Cook, J., Loock, C., Rosales, T., and LeBlanc, N. (2005). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Canadian guidelines for diagnosis. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 172 (Suppl. 5), S1-S21.
Poole, N. (2008). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD): Canadian perspectives. Retrieved June 3, 2010, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fasd-etcaf/pdf/cp-pc-eng.pdf
Stade, B., Ali, A., Bennett, D., Campbell, D., Johnston, M., Lens, C., and Koren, G. (2009). The burden of prenatal exposure to alcohol: Revised measurement of cost. Can J Clin Pharmacol, 16, e91-e102.
International FASD Awareness Day is on Thursday, September 9th. Looking for a quick and easy way of marking the day? Look no farther! Here are a couple of suggestions.
- On the way home today or on your way to work tomorrow, stop by the grocery store and pick up a few simple easy ingredients to make some non-alcoholic drinks for your co-workers and/or clients. Mocktails usually have a small number of ingredients, require some mixing, and voila! A piña colada? Mix up some coconut milk, crushed pineapple and pineapple juice. How about an Apple Bliss? Just some ice, apple cider, lemon juice and cranberry juice. Check out a previous post on mocktails for more recipe resources.
- Print out this quiz on FASD and take it to a meeting or leave it in a prominent location in a waiting area for clients to pick up.
- Download or print a few copies of 10 Fundamental components of FASD prevention from a women’s health determinants perspective from the CanFASD web site and share them with colleagues
For more ideas about honouring FASD Awareness Day, visit FAS World or check out the resource booklet for service providers on the Healthy Choices in Pregnancy web site.
Visit the Healthy Choices in Pregnancy web site to download a short booklet on preparing for International FASD Awareness Day (September 9th) in your organization and/or community. The booklet contains information on possible events and activities, Q&As about FASD that you might be asked by media and the general public, and an editable media release.
The Best Start: Ontario’s Maternal Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre is currently developing a resource for pregnant women with information about alcohol use in pregnancy which will include non-alcoholic drink recipes. The resource, available in French and English, will likely be available in the fall of 2010.
The Best Start Centre has a number of resources on alcohol and pregnancy, including a screening tool for physicians, a brochure for expectant parents, and a bookmark for health care providers.
In the meantime, the web sites of the following provincial liquor boards have a selection of mocktail recipes. Mocktails can be a delicious part of any social event, but it might be worth checking out these recipes before International FASD Awareness Day on September 9th.
Manitoba Liquor Control Commission
Liquor Control Board of Ontario
Anytime is a good time to raise awareness about FASD. However, many community groups and organizations are starting to prepare for International FASD Day on September 9th. International FASD Day was started in 1999 by a mother in Toronto and it is now honoured all over the world. The day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from drinking alcohol.
It’s a good time to start thinking about hosting an event in your community. It can be as simple as a display in the library or mall or showing a powerpoint presentation at lunch to working with local bars to offer non-alcoholic drinks to pregnant women to organizing a community celebration. For more ideas about honouring FASD Awareness Day, visit FASWorld. 
