|
ChildrensForumOrg favorited a video
(1 month ago)
Jackson County, OR (PRWEB) November 28, 2011 - Drug Wars Last Call, the Sobering Truth about Drinking During Pregnancy has been released to the gen...
more
Jackson County, OR (PRWEB) November 28, 2011 - Drug Wars Last Call, the Sobering Truth about Drinking During Pregnancy has been released to the general public via PayLoadz. Veteran film maker, Tom Monson brings some of the most recognized experts in the field of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders(FASD) to describe the effects of alcohol on the unborn.
FASD describes a range of birth defects caused by a birth mother who drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. The majority of these are Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS - the most severe damage caused by alcohol introduced by the mother drinking during pregnancy) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE - often described as learning and behavioral disabilities). Poor coordination, hyperactive behavior, poor memory, difficulty in school, speech delays, low IQ, poor judgment, vision or hearing problems, heart, kidney, or bone disorders are just some of the possible effects of alcohol on the unborn.
When asked why he made this film, Monson explained. "I was at a Christmas party and saw this very pregnant woman drinking heavily. I asked her if she thought alcohol was good for her baby. She told me her doctor told her drinking wouldn't hurt the baby. A few days later I asked another doctor what she thought. She told me she didn't see much of a difference between a child molester and someone who would deliberately cause a child to live a lifetime of pain. That's why I made this documentary: to educate potential moms and people who may be able to influence them."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as one woman in five drinks during pregnancy. The study didn't differentiate if the woman knew how or if alcohol affected the fetus.
"The statistics of how many women drink during pregnancy tells me there is a critical need for education in this area. Each year thousands of babies are born with FASD." Monson added.
Estimates suggest as many as 100,000 babies are born each year with a FASD. No one knows for sure because the babies often go undiagnosed, since learning disabilities don't show up until years later.
The financial costs are staggering. A FAS baby could cost more than $2,000,000.00 in his or her lifetime. These costs include, medical care, special educational attention and psychological treatment.
The experts agree FASDs are 100% preventable and the only defense against this birth defect is educating people about how alcohol can cause a lifetime of pain and anguish for a child.
"If you know what to say when you see a pregnant woman drinking, maybe you will be more likely to speak up - you know, to defend the baby. That's my hope." Monson added.
The film includes interviews with an impressive cross-section of experts talking about how alcohol affects children. Included among these experts are world-renowned Ann Streissguth, Ph.D., University of Washington and Dr. Sterling K. Clarren, Children's Hospital in Seattle, Washington.
"A good educational film can change lives forever. This is especially true with like Drug Wars - Last Call." Monson concluded.
The film can be downloaded for personal use at http://www.drugwars.com for $1.99. For more information about public performance and broadcast rights, contact Monson at (541) 210-6698.
An award-winning film maker, Tom Monson has produced dozens of documentaries on subjects ranging from drug education, crime prevention, personal safety and financial fraud prevention. His films have been used world-wide by Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, drug treatment centers, libraries, educators, and law enforcement agencies. Many of his works can be found at www.lifeisgreatproductions.com and www.drugwars.com.
less
|
|
