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FASD Awareness Day BreakFASD in Rotary Park

International FASD Day occurs on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year to symbolize the nine months of abstinence during pregnancy

Amanda Casey

International FASD Day occurs on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, to symbolize the nine months of abstinence from drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, beginning at 9 am, come join Axis Family Resources Ltd.'s FASD Key Worker and Parent Support Program, in collaboration with Bellies to Babies, Supported Child Development, East Kootenay Addiction Services, CAPC, and Paqmi Nuqyuk for a Pancake BreakFASD at Rotary Park in Cranbrook, BC.

From 9 am until 11am, event organizers encourage the community to join in FASD Awareness Day to enjoy:

• free pancakes;

• speeches from individuals affected by FASD;

• information on how you can support women in making healthy choices during pregnancy to prevent FASD;

• what services are available to support children with FASD;

• who to contact if you are affected or live with someone affected by FASD.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD, is an umbrella term that describes the wide range of physical, behavioural and intellectual disabilities that occur in the fetus from consuming alcohol while pregnant.  FASD is the leading cause of developmental and cognitive disabilities among children in North America.

It was once widely believed that the placenta could filter out all toxins so that the developing fetus would not be affected.  What we know now is that alcohol crosses the placenta freely and can cause FASD.  Many women who consumed alcohol during pregnancy were unaware of the harm it can cause.  About half of the pregnancies in Canada are unplanned, and most women don't know they are pregnant until at least six weeks in or longer – so they may not know they are pregnant and could be drinking.

Even if a woman has consumed alcohol early in pregnancy there are many opportunities to enhance her health and the health of her infant for the duration of her pregnancy.  These include getting adequate rest, watching her nutrition, and keeping up with regular medical check-ups.  Being part of a community working together to reduce the stigma surrounding the disability makes help more accessible.

Join us in Rotary Park, September 9, at 9 am to show your support and enjoy a pancake BreakFASD.  If you would like more information about this event, or would like to know how you can participate in FASD Awareness Day, please contact Amanda Casey at 250-489-4074 extension 227.

Amanda Casey is a FASD Key Worker/Parent Support Facilitator