Fetal Alcohol Syndrome its symtoms and treatment.

Essay by psycollbUniversity, Bachelor'sA, November 2003

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Our country is witnessing the significant impact alcohol-related birth

defects are having on our society. These birth defects are caused by maternal use

of alcohol during pregnancy which are irreversible, yet preventable. According to

The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

is the name given to a group of physical and mental birth defects that are the direct

result of a woman's drinking during pregnancy." It impacts the family, education

system, health system and social services in general, as well as individual losses.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is considered the most common known cause of mental

retardation in the Western World. There is no known cure for this disorder. Fetal

Alcohol Syndrome is the only cause of birth defects that are totally one hundred

percent preventable. Through education and intervention these defects can be

stopped. In knowing how Fetal Alcohol syndrome can be prevented, what the

symptoms are, and who and what makes up the risk factors Fetal Alcohol

syndrome can be better understood.

Americans need to consider the life of their

children, and need to learn about fetal alcohol syndrome, know its effects, and how

to diagnose it. Let's begin by looking at education.

Communities, schools, and concerned individuals can help to prevent Fetal

Alcohol Syndrome, through education and intervention. Special efforts should be

directed toward educating women, prior to and during the childbearing years,

regarding the harmful effects of alcohol on the developing fetus. Major efforts at

all levels of society should be made to develop quality educational programs

regarding the deleterious consequences of alcohol on the unborn child. These

programs should be integrated into mandatory curriculum for all high school

students. They should be a part of the educational curriculum in all post-secondary

and adult centers of learning. Pediatricians and other health professionals...