Selah Hart’s Post

Step in the right direction

🌍 World FASD Awareness Day: A Step Toward Prevention and Support Today, Robertson Clinical Research Centre (RCRC) joins the global community in recognizing World Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day. FASD affects thousands of children each year, causing lifelong challenges in learning, behavior, and health. The cause? Prenatal alcohol exposure. At RCRC, we are dedicated to advancing research and spreading awareness to prevent FASD. By fostering education and understanding, we can help future generations thrive. Remember: No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Let’s work together to protect the next generation. #FASDAwareness #ClinicalResearch #HealthMatters #PreventFASD #RCRC #LangebergHealth #FASDPrevention"

CTA #33 (in progress) https://lnkd.in/gKHEwrKK Why “In Progress?” Budget 2017 of the Federal Government allocated an “additional” $10.5M over 5 years with $3.7M ongoing to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program beyond the $14.2M allocated annually prior to 2017-2018. By 2022 the annual funding will have increased from $16.3M to $17.9M as part of an existing suite of services aimed to improve health outcomes for First Nations and Inuit children, families and communities. No mention of Métis. The objective of the funding is to increase awareness and understanding of the risks of alcohol use in pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder within urban, rural or remote off-reserve Indigenous communities and among service providers who support Indigenous peoples of childbearing age

CTA #33 (in progress) https://lnkd.in/gGAvycNE Why “In Progress?” Budget 2017 of the Federal Government allocated an “additional” $10.5M over 5 years with $3.7M ongoing to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program beyond the $14.2M allocated annually prior to 2017-2018. By 2022 the annual funding will have increased from $16.3M to $17.9M as part of an existing suite of services aimed to improve health outcomes for First Nations and Inuit children, families and communities. No mention of Métis. The objective of the funding is to increase awareness and understanding of the risks of alcohol use in pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder within urban, rural or remote off-reserve Indigenous communities and among service providers who support Indigenous peoples of childbearing age

Family connectedness, particularly at meal times – excellent protective factor: The scientists are catching up – Research confirms what all community minded and family valuing people know. Family togetherness is a key to not only better health and well-being, but also building resilience into the emerging adult – resilience that can make it easier for them to avoid the substance use trap. (https://lnkd.in/giK9wsM6) #resilience #prevention #DemandReduction “Eating dinner together at least 3 or 4 times per week has positive effects on child development and has been linked to children’s lower rates of overweight and obesity, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, depression, and eating disorders; higher self-esteem; and better academic performance. Eating family meals also has nutritional benefits. Families who eat dinner together eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer fried foods and sugary drinks. Family meals also help adults and children learn to like a variety of foods.” (Source: JAMA Paediatrics) https://lnkd.in/gvNy_TNf

Family basics a key protective factor... also see https://lnkd.in/gSAdAwex

CHI experts are exploring different facets of life with CHD. Our sub-study on maternal health aims to empower patients to shape future maternal care, with the goal of reducing pregnancy-related stress and anxiety for people with CHD. More details to come in our annual report! Adult Congenital Heart Association

This is fantastic news! 👇👏. Thank you to the Australian Government and special mention to Mark Butler who opened the Australian Red Shoes Rock campaign in Parliament House September 5th 2023. Thank you for listening to us lived / living experience experts as well as peak bodies and taking on board the importance of FASD awareness and prevention in Australia. It’s greatly appreciated 💫. The Every Moment Matters Campaign is incredibly important in informing all Australians that guidelines have changed and there is officially no safe amount of prenatal alcohol exposure when it comes to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, an overwhelmingly invisible from the outside brain, central nervous system and body based disability which presents it’s symptoms in behaviours. These behaviours that are just that… primary symptoms of FASD… sadly though, too many in Australia are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and this leads to consequences for behaviours that cannot be helped by the individual yet are punishable by societal standards… be it at primary school or beyond. We all know it in this country and in fact Australia is famous for it’s drinking culture all over the world. Given this undeniable fact, it’s no surprise that FASD is by far and away Australia’s largest spectrum of disability… it’s a bit surprising that there’s so much stigma attached when wherever alcohol ( a teratogenic substance meaning it crosses the placenta ) goes, FASD is going to follow… and follow it does…across all socioeconomic lines, education statuses and geographical locations. Prevention is always best and awareness is crucial for outcomes for kiddos and grownups where prevention has not been possible. FASD is lifelong however it does not have to be a life sentence. All individuals with FASD have incredible strengths to celebrate 👏⭐️. Every Moment Matters has been so important for clear and consistent messaging to the Australian general public about the clear danger alcohol poses to an unborn baby’s brain throughout the entirety of pregnancy, including before pregnancy is confirmed. As always, thank you to Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) for their tireless work on this campaign. No blame ladies ❤️… my biological child has diagnosed FASD 💙… and he’s not alone as the prevalence chart below confirms. Early diagnosis and FASD informed accommodations make for the very best outcomes… just like with any other neurodivergence. #fasd 🌻 #fasdawareness 🌻 #redshoesrock 👠

We spoke with Dr. Yukiko Washio about behavioral interventions and the importance of taking a holistic approach to maternal health, to meet the unique needs of pregnant and breastfeeding people. Read more about her insights and experience in our Q&A blog: https://lnkd.in/ejigEZWk

Pregnancy-related deaths can occur up to one year after the end of pregnancy. Our new meeting package will guide your team to take action in recognizing urgent maternal warning signs in the #postpartum period. The package includes resources to facilitate a 30-minute meeting with sexual and reproductive health staff, along with tools to plan your agency's next steps: https://lnkd.in/gS_kEEdm #MaternalHealth