On the 9th day of the 9th month, we honor Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day as a symbol of the 9-months of pregnancy that a woman should remain alcohol free. Over the last decade, awareness efforts have grown and September is now set aside as International FASD month. FASD is an umbrella term describing…
How Common are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
Unfortunately, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are probably much more common than previously thought! FASD is a term used to describe a wide range of effects that can happen when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy. Often “hidden”, they may not be visible immediately in a baby. For instance, struggling with learning, managing behavior, and handling…
Make the Promise
There are many things we learn in our lifetime that don’t have a direct affect on us in the moment. Honestly, when was the last time we needed to use a logarithm in our daily lives? However, knowledge is power. Knowledge helps us make informed choices, helps us counsel friends, and guide loved ones. When…
Not A Single Drop
Go The Whole 9 This spring the St. Louis Arc partnered with Webster University students to create a public service announcement for the Go the Whole 9 campaign. Go the Whole 9 is an awareness campaign funded through the Department of Mental Health, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the United Way to educate…
Going the Whole 9 Months of Pregnancy without Alcohol
What’s the big deal about an occasional glass of wine, bottle of beer, or cocktail during pregnancy? If you have ever asked this question, you are not alone! As you research or seek advice about healthy pregnancy practices, you might feel overwhelmed by the contradictory information about alcohol. The St. Louis Arc’s Go the Whole…