Bells at Dunedin's First Church will be ringing out at 9.09am
today to mark World Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Day.
One of the bell-ringers will be Jenny Salmon, who has been
researching the long-term effects of the disorder on
individuals and families. She will be joined by fellow
campanologist, husband Gwilym.
The time, in the ninth month of the year, was chosen to
symbolise the nine months of pregnancy, and Alcohol
Healthwatch health promotion adviser Christine Rogan asked
that when people heard the bells they paused and reflected on
those living with the disorder.
Mrs Salmon would like to see more done to promote prevention
of the condition and also to assist with diagnosis and
appropriate educational treatment of children with the
disorder.
Often such children were labelled dumb and obnoxious,
something which could exacerbate their difficulties, she said
It was important children with the disorder were diagnosed by
the age of 6 so they could be supported to avoid secondary
disabilities, which could lead to some children eventually
ending up in jail.
The Plunket Society is also urging women to be aware of the
risks of alcohol to the unborn child and the breast-feeding
baby, using the slogan "baby's sharing that drink with you".
Chief executive Jenny Prince said while there had been much
recent debate about adult and teen drinking, the child seemed
to have been forgotten.
The effects on children of a mother could range from slight
to severe and there was no safe limit for drinking, she said.
Today, the Ministry of Health is launching a practical guide
for health professionals on how to give advice about alcohol
in pregnancy.
Ms Rogan said she was "thrilled' about this happening on FASD
Day. She believed the guide would help health professionals
raise the subject of drinking with their patients in a
confident and consistent way.
FASD describes the range of developmental disorders that can
affect an unborn baby when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol.
- elspeth.mclean@odt.co.nz
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.