Newslines Radio broadcast tackles the topic of FASD

A recent Newslines Radio broadcast (August 2012 - program two) focuses on the issue of Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) among the Indigenous population.

Newslines Radio presenter, Nathan Ramsay, interviews experts on FASD, including:

• Associate Professor Ted Wilkes (National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee - NIDAC)
• Scott Wilson (NIDAC)
• Anne Russell (Russell Family Foetal Alcohol Disorders Association and Training Connections Australia)
• Adele Gibson (Anyinginyi Health)
• Michelle Gray (Drug and Alcohol Office).

The interviewees discuss the dangers of FASD, and how it can be prevented if women stop drinking when they're pregnant.

Mr Wilson reveals that almost 50% of Indigenous women drink while pregnant. He says the effects on the unborn baby can include varying degrees of brain damage, with symptoms sometimes only appearing in later life, particularly at school.

Various programs and health promotion materials that aim to assist in preventing FASD are also highlighted in the broadcast.

Source: Indigenous.gov.au

Contacts

Newslines Radio
Email: newslines@fahcsia.gov.au

Links

• View news item: Newslines Radio: Clear message – no grog while pregnant