Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Grey Bruce Health Unit
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness month acknowledges those individuals who have been affected by alcohol use during pregnancy. It also reminds us to support women to have alcohol-free pregnancies!
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term used for the harm that can occur to a fetus when a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. Alcohol can cause both birth defects and brain damage to the unborn baby. There is no safe level of alcohol or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. According to Health Canada, 1% of births involve alcohol use while a Grey Bruce study found that 4% of births locally showed use of alcohol during pregnancy (Gareri, et al., 2008).
During September, there will be a display with information and handouts about FASD at Heritage Place Mall and various locations in Grey Bruce.
For more information, please visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
Media Contact:
Marilyn Lemon RN (EC)
Public Health Nurse, Family Health Team
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext 1436
m.lemon@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
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