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What Is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (Fas)?

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What is Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
How is FAS characterized in the community? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Describe how babies with FAS are affected? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In your view what are the symptoms of long-term alcohol use? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What kind of role has the South African context played in FAS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REFRENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

This assignment will research Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in light of the South African context. Attention will be given to understanding what FAS is; how is FAS characterized; the impact that alcohol has on brain development; and the effect that FAS has on a baby with the diagnosis. Furthermore, the role that the South African context plays in FAS will be explored.

What is Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
The foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of physical malformations observed in the offspring of women who drink alcohol during pregnancy. (By Abel, Ernest Psychological Bulletin, Vol 87(1), Jan 1980, 29-50.) ----1.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a serious health problem that tragically affects its victims and their families, but that is completely preventable. Causing a child to suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome is really nothing short of child abuse and it lasts for life.
( Stratton, K., Howe, C., and Battaglia, F. (Eds). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment. Washington, DC; National Academy Press, 1996.)----2 Fetal alcohol syndrome has been a widely known danger associated with maternal drinking for more than forty years. It is the most common cause of mental retardation, surpassing Down syndrome and spina bifida, and might be the most common preventable cause of learning disabilities. The purpose of this two-part essay is to examine the silent epidemic that is better known as fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is an irreversible pattern of multiple birth defects caused by maternal ingestion of alcohol during pregnancy ---7 (TheCommuter. (Jul 13, '12). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: An Epidemic (Part II). Retrieved Tuesday, Jul 09, 2013, from http://allnurses.com/showthread.php?t=757243)

How is FAS characterized in the community

Describe how babies with FAS are affected

Babies born with FAS tend to weigh less and be shorter than normal.--- 4( Stratton, K., Howe, C., and Battaglia, F. (Eds). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment. Washington, DC; National Academy Press, 1996.)
Drinking alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features. Growth and central nervous system problems (e.g., low birthweight, behavioral problems) can occur from drinking alcohol anytime during pregnancy. The baby’s brain is developing throughout pregnancy and can be damaged at any time.----5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009b). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a competency-based curriculum development guide. Atlanta Georgia
The syndrome is characterized by brain damage, facial deformities, and growth deficits. Heart, liver, and kidney defects are also common, as well as vision and hearing problems. These infants generally have difficulties with learning, attention, memory, and problem solving as they get older.----3 ( Armstrong, Elizabeth M. Conceiving Risk, Bearing Responsibility: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the Diagnosis of Moral Disorder. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University, 2003.)
They usually suffer from:smaller heads,deformed facial features, abnormal joints and limbs, poor coordination, problems with learning, short memories.Victims of fetal alcohol syndrome often experience mental health problems, disrupted school experience, inappropriate sexual behavior, trouble with the law, alcohol and drug problems, difficulty caring for themselves and their children, and homelessness. –6( Streissguth, A., and Kanter, J. (Eds.) The Challenge of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Seattle: University of Washington, 1997)

In your view what are the symptoms of long-term alcohol use

Lewer siektes nier pak op brein skase versnelde veroudering diabetes hart aanvallle depressive alcholisme

High levels of alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of alcoholism, malnutrition, chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and cancer. In addition damage to the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system can occur from chronic alcohol abuse. Long-term use of alcohol in excessive quantities is capable of damaging nearly every organ and system in the body. The developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol. In addition, the developing fetal brain is also vulnerable, and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) may result if pregnant mothers consume alcohol.
The psychiatric disorders which are associated with alcoholism include major depression, dysthymia, mania, hypomania, panic disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia, suicide, neurologic deficits (e.g. impairments of working memory, emotions, executive functions, visuospatial abilities and gait and balance) and brain damage.

What kind of role has the South African context played in FAS?

This assignment involved researching FAS in light of the South
African context. Attention was given to understanding what is
FAS; how is FAS characterized; the impact that alcohol has on
Brain development; and the effect that FAS has on a baby with
The diagnosis. Furthermore, the role that the South African
Context plays in FAS was explored.

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