Media Advisory - Ryerson University to host FASD Pregnant Pause

TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2012 /CNW/ -

WHO:		TORONTO FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER NETWORK
		BRIAN PHILCOX, CHAIRMAN, FASWORLD CANADA
		SPECIAL GUEST: ALISHA TATHAM, MEMBER OF 2012 CANADIAN WOMEN'S OLYMPIC  BASKETBALL TEAM
WHAT:		(PHOTO OP) PREGNANT PAUSE TO RECOGNIZE FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) AWARENESS DAY & THE RELEASE OF 250 HELIUM FILLED BALLOONS

Pregnant Pause, in recognition of International FASD Awareness Day will see a large gathering of men and women dressed up to look 'pregnant' and observe 99 seconds of 'frozen' silence to remind everyone that it is best to stop drinking before trying to get pregnant, when trying to conceive and as soon as you know you are pregnant. The pause is strategically placed on the 9^th month of the 9^th hour of the 9^th minute to symbolize that during the nine months of a women's pregnancy no amount of alcohol is a safe amount.

WHERE:		Ryerson University campus (corner of Gould St. & Victoria St.)
WHEN:		Thursday, September 20 at 1:00pm.
		* Following the Pregnant Pause there will be opportunities to speak directly to families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the Chairman of FASworld Canada.
WHY:		Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is irreversible and preventable

In Canada, in incidence of FASD has been estimated to be 9 in 1000 live births. The impact of alcohol during prenatal growth has a wide variety of impacts but can include intellectual deficits and learning disabilities, hyperactivity and damage to the central nervous system.

 

SOURCE: Children's Aid Society of Toronto

Rob Thompson
Director, Communications
Children's Aid Society of Toronto
416-924-4640  ext. 2086