Study Links Fetal Health to Toxic Emissions Exposure

A study by Columbia University economist, Janet Currie, and graduate student Johannes Schmieder, links a decline in fetal harm in the 1990s to stricter environmental controls.  According to the study living near a toxic manufacturing plant poses a significant risk to fetal health.

Folic Acid Awareness, Special Olympics, Genetics, Other News

1. A Note from Our Friends at NCBDDD: Acting CDC Director Attending Special Olympics Winter Games

   Acting CDC Director Dr. Richard Besser is attending the Special Olympics Winter Games in Boise, ID this week, February 7-13th. CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) partners with Special Olympics through the Healthy Athletes program to identify health challenges and disparities faced by Special Olympics athletes and other people with intellectual disabilities. NCBDDD supports the national and international efforts of Special Olympics to provide health screenings to athletes with intellectual disabilities through the partnership. For more about Special Olympics and the 2009 Winter Games in Boise, visit www.specialolympics.org.

   

2. A Note from the Executive Committee: New Advocacy Resource

   The EPG executive committee has developed a fact sheet identifying a coherent strategy for increasing overall funding for NCBDDD for four specific priority areas. We request that all EPG partner organizations include this document ( available online here, under “FY2010 Budget and Appropriations” ) in their advocacy materials when making Capitol Hill visits or working with Congressional staffers. These priorities are more global in nature, and while each organization will pursue its own initiatives, we hope that by working together we can garner additional resources to promote NCBDDD’s work. Clarke Ross, Carolyn Mullen, and George Jesien can provide additional information, and as always, I’ll be happy to follow up on any questions or issues you might have.

   - Russell Kirby, EPG Chair

   

3. Findings Released from Gallup Survey of Folic Acid Awareness & Use

   March of Dimes has released the latest information from their 2008 Gallup survey of women and their knowledge and use of folic acid. Among the most notable findings: In 2008, 84% of women ages 18-45 reported having heard of folic acid, and 39% of women in the same age group reported taking a vitamin containing folic acid daily. Some 20% of these women aware of folic acid mentioned that folic acid prevents birth defects, and 11% mentioned that folic acid should be taken before pregnancy. For more information and detailed data, click here.

   

4. March 25-29: ACMG’s Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting

   March 25-29, the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) will hold its 2009 Clinical Genetics Meeting in Tampa, FL. This gathering of the movers and shakers in the clinical genetics field will include educational sessions on topics including x-linked mental retardation genes and syndromes, follow-ups of anomalies detected during prenatal ultrasound, metabolic and molecular mechanisms of disease, direct-to-consumer genetics and personalized medicine, ethical controversies in the genetic screening of minors, and many others. For detailed meeting information or to register, go to www.acmgmeeting.net.

   

5. New Resource from the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities

   The newly established Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CI) provides cutting-edge services, research and training to benefit individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. And they are reaching out to partners, friends and supporters with a new newsletter. The Carolina Institute combines four nationally-recognized programs within the UNC School of Medicine—the TEACCH Program, the Center for Development and Learning (CDL), Family Support Network (FSN) and the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Center. For more information or to subscribe, send email to info@cidd.unc.edu.

   

6. April 18-19: Global Health & Innovation Summit at Yale

   Yale University will host the Global Health and Innovation Summit, an annual conference presented by Unite for Sight, Saturday, April 18 through Sunday, April 19, 2009 in New Haven, CT. The event includes 200 speakers and some 2,500 attendees from all 50 states and around the world, representing public health, public service, advocacy, science, nonprofits, human rights, universities, law, physicians, and many others. For more information and to register, go to www.uniteforsight.org/conference.

   

7. Learn More About AAHD’s Disability & Health Journal

   The Disability and Health Journal (DHJ), launched in January 2008, is the official journal of the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD). The DHJ is a scientific, scholarly, peer reviewed and multidisciplinary journal whose hard-copy format is part of membership in AAHD, included in the membership fee. To learn more about submissions guidelines and the editorial board, and to read abstracts from the January 2009 issue, visit www.disabilityandhealthjnl.com. For membership information in AAHD, click here. You may also contact Roberta Carlin for more information, at 301-545-6140 ext. 206 or rcarlin@aahd.us.

   

8. IRS Lowers Mileage-Reimbursement Rate

   In an unusual move, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has lowered its standard mileage-reimbursement rate. Effective January 1, 2009 the mileage rate is 55 cents per mile for all business miles driven, down from the rate of 58.5 cents a mile that was in effect in the second half of 2008. The mileage-reimbursement rate for 2009 is now 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes and 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations. For complete details from the IRS, click here.

Get some Answers from Answers

Answer is based at Rutgers University and is a nationally known program that provides sexual education to adolescents.

Since February is the month of Valentines, Answer would like to celebrate. We will be holding two workshops at the end of February for which we would like to offer you discounts of $25 on each workshop. We love our educators and want to help out in these tough economic times. If you are interested in attending simply fill out the attached form and either mail or fax it to us at: AnswerRutgers University41 Gordon Road, Suite CPiscataway, NJ 08854

Fax: 732-445-5333

Workshops:

Is MySpace a Safe Space?: Internet Safety for Adolescents

Date/Location: Wednesday, February 25, 2009 — Kean University

Time: 9am-2:30pm

Cost: $75 (Includes discount)

For more information or to register click here <https://answer.rutgers.edu/course/39> .This workshop is perfect for educators who want to learn more about social networking sites (such as Facebook and My Space), the different methods of communication teens use and safety strategies for using these forms of technology.

What about the Boys?:Teaching about Sexuality Effectively with Teen Boys

Date/Location: Friday, February 27, 2009 — RWJ Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness Time: 9am-2:30pmCost: $75 (Includes discount)

For more information or to register click here <https://answer.rutgers.edu/course/14> .At times sexuality education may not meet the needs of boys. This workshop is meant for educators who want to learn more about how to reach boys and effectively teach sexual health education.We would love for you to join us for these wonderful and exciting workshops!Feel free to contact me with any questions.-Todd–

Todd Slawsky, Ed.M

Training Coordinator

Answer

Center for Applied Psychology

Rutgers University

41 Gordon Road, Suite C

Piscataway, NJ 08854

732.445.7929, ext. 237

732.445.5333/fax

http://answer.rutgers.edu

FASD Center For Excellence February Newsletter has Arrived

FASD Center News

• CADCA Forum Presentation
• New Native American Initiative Launching
• Eastern Mennonite University Science Seminar Receives Overview of FASD

FASD-Related Literature

• Prenatal alcohol exposure as a risk factor for dysfunctional behaviors: The role of the pediatrician
• The burden of prenatal exposure to alcohol: Revised measurement of cost
• 2009 Gold for Adult/Young Adult Fiction by the Mom’s Choice

FASD Conference

• The 3rd International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

______________________________________________________________________________________

CADCA Forum Presentation

Dr. Patricia Getty and Callie Gass will be presenting at a CADCA Forum workshop on February 11, 2009. This presentation demonstrates a community approach to establishing local partnerships that can result in the implementation and sustainability of effective FASD prevention programs. This session introduces a publicly-available, SAMHSA-funded public education program manual titled “Partnership to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders” that was developed and field-tested in four diverse communities. To download or get a copy of this manual please go to: http://fascenter.samhsa.gov/publications/publications.cfm

New Native American Initiative Launching

Candace Shelton, the Center’s Senior Native Specialist, is working full time for the Center as of January 2, 2009 to increase our focus on improving FASD prevention and treatment in these populations.

Eastern Mennonite University Science Seminar Receives Overview of FASD

Daniel Dubovsky, MSW, LSW, gave an overview of FASD and the effects of alcohol on a developing fetus in a Suter Science Seminar Monday, Jan. 19, 2009 at the Suter Science Center. Mr. Dubovsky also discussed behavioral and cognitive difficulties that children, adolescents, and adults with FASD often have at home, in school, and in the community.

http://www.emu.edu/news/index.php/1838

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Prenatal alcohol exposure as a risk factor for dysfunctional behaviors: The role of the pediatrician

Momino W, Sanseverino MT, Schüler-Faccini L. J Pediatr (SBP) 2008; 84(4 Suppl): S76-9. Affiliation: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. DOI: 10.2223/JPED.1799 What is this? (Copyright © 2008, Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria)

Although the classic features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) have been recognized since 1968, research on alcohol teratogenesis has only recently demonstrated that the brain is the organ in the body most vulnerable to the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In this present article, the literature focusing mainly on behavioral disturbances related to prenatal ethanol exposure was reviewed. A PubMed search was performed on the literature published between 1968 and 2006 using the terms ethanol, pregnancy, and behavior. The search was limited to studies on humans.

The data presented in this review suggested that youths with FASD are at risk of disruptive social behavior, among other neurobehavioral abnormalities. Although it is still impossible to completely separate brain teratogenesis secondary to alcohol exposure from environmental postnatal influences as the definite cause for these outcomes, the pediatrician should be encouraged to early-diagnose children affected by FAS and FASD. This provides proper management and care and avoids long-term behavioral consequences, besides ensuring better and productive school and social adaptation.

http://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_92459_6

The burden of prenatal exposure to alcohol: Revised measurement of cost

Stade B, Ali A, Bennett D, Campbell D, Johnston M, Lens C, Tran S, Koren G.

Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Winter;16(1):e91-e102. Epub 2009 Jan 23.

In Canada the incidence of FASD is estimated to be 1 in 100 live births, making them the leading cause of developmental and cognitive disabilities in that nation. And yet, prior to this one, only one other study had examined the cost of FASD in Canada. In that study, prospective data for infants under the age of one year, costs for adults beyond 21 years, or costs for individuals living in institutions were not included.

The objective of this study was to calculate a revised estimate of direct and indirect costs associated with FASD at the patient level. A cross-sectional study design was used. Two-hundred and fifty (250) participants completed the Health Services Utilization Inventory (HSUI) study tool. Participants included caregivers of children, youth, and adults with FASD from day of birth to 53 years, living in urban and rural communities throughout Canada. Key cost components were elicited: Direct costs (medical, education, social services); out-of-pocket costs; and indirect costs (such as lost productivity). Total average costs per individual with FASD were calculated by summing the costs for each in each cost component, and dividing by the sample size. Costs were extrapolated to one year. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to identify significant determinants of costs and to calculate the adjusted annual costs associated with FASD.

Study results demonstrated that the annual cost burden of FASD in Canada is profound, reaching $5.3 billion to care for those from day of birth to 53 years old. Inclusion of infants aged 0 to 1 years, adults beyond the age of 21 years, and costs associated with residing in institutions provided a more accurate estimate of costs. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.

2009 Gold for Adult/Young Adult Fiction by the Mom’s Choice

The Whitest Wall: Bootleg Brothers Trilogy – Book 1

by Jodee Kulp

What if a serial killer lived in your neighborhood and no one noticed? A grizzly murder in a small Midwestern town triggers a chain of events of hidden pasts and misconceptions. A young transient is arrested for a crime obvious to some he did not commit, while those in positions of power miss the signs.

The Bootleg Brothers Trilogy has been designed to build FASD awareness at a general public level by placing realistic characters with lives and voices in an understandable context. Hopefully the Trilogy will increase compassion for persons affected by FASD and support for healthy future pregnancies. The first book, The Whitest Wall (September 2008), is a journey of young adult male with FASD. The second book, Tiger Butterfly (September 2009), is the journey of a young adult female with FASD. The final book, Different Beat (September 2010), is the journey of a professionally skilled family (psychologist and child development specialist) struggling to raise a baby born with FASD.

http://www.momschoiceawards.com/celebrate09.php#YA

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The 3rd International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

“Integrated Research, Policy, and Promising Practice Around the World: A Catalyst for Change”

Mar 11, 2009 – Mar 14, 2009

Victoria Conference Center Victoria, British Columbia Canada

This international conference will provide a forum to discuss and examine current research, policy, and practice that will assist parents, caregivers, service systems, and governments as they strive to prevent FASD and to provide a range of supports for people living with one. The emphasis of this conference will be the practical application of various forms of research covering the following areas: Biomedical, Clinical Diagnosis & Assessment, Health, Legal, Justice, Corrections, Social Services, Family, Education, and Community.

The conference will enhance knowledge and collaboration, as researchers and frontline professionals with recognized expertise and from diverse cultures share their findings. Individuals living with FASD, their parents and families, professionals, communities, and policymakers will speak throughout the conference.

http://www.goingtomeet.com/conventions/details/41002

Alliance Alert -Stimulus Proposal, Healthy Homes, International Ban on Lead Paint And More…

Alliance Alert Newsletter for January/February 2009 includes the following topics:

* Stimulus Proposal Allocates Lead and Healthy Homes Funds

* Lead in DC’s Water: New Study Shows Children’s Blood Lead Level Increased 2001-2004

* EPA Receives Support for CARB-Like Formaldehyde Regulation; Adds Hearing on New Orleans & Extends Comment Period

* Consumer Product Safety Commission Delays Parts of New Child Product Safety Rule

* HUD Cancels Some Lead NOFAs; Breaks-up SuperNOFA

* Mandatory Blood Lead Testing Starting in Connecticut

* Rhode Island Holds Summit on Carbon Monoxide

* Continuing Push for International Ban of Lead-Based Paint

* Research Briefs

Read this exciting  issue of The Alliance  Alert.

Guidelines for Physical Activity and Disabilities are Available!

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability has issued a fact sheet on general guidelines for physical activity for persons with disabilities.  You can obtain the fact sheet by clicking here.