Rankin Inlet (Mar 31/04) - For three days in early March, I was happy to take part in a wonderful conference in Rankin Inlet.

More than 30 participants spent three days learning and discussing the effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in our schools and families.

At the end of the workshop, I tipped my hat to the educators who work daily in schools with our children.

FASD is not a new disease. It is a new term to describe a range of illnesses related to birth defects and brain damage that are the result of a woman consuming alcohol during pregnancy.

FASD is now the umbrella diagnosis for the diseases formerly known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Effects and Alcohol Related Birth Disorders.

FASD affects about one in 500 children born in Canada. It is the most common cause of mental disability at birth -- ahead of Down's Syndrome and Spina Bifida.

Every day in Canada, one child is born with FASD and there is no cure.

Difficulties in life

The effects of alcohol on an unborn baby vary depending on the stage of prenatal development, the amount of alcohol consumed, the mother's ability to metabolize alcohol and the child's genetic make-up.

Sadly, the damage is often done before a woman knows she's pregnant.

Children born with FASD have greater difficulties growing up and learning as compared to other children.

They suffer from memory deficits, poor impulse control, problem solving difficulties, aggressiveness, delinquency and hyperactivity.

School is a real struggle for children with FASD.

These problems are further complicated in Nunavut because most children are learning in a second language.

Maintaining a job can be very difficult for people afflicted with FASD.

Adolescents and adults with FASD are more prone to drop out of school early, struggle with alcohol and drug problems, suffer with mental health issues and have altercations with the law.

The impact of a woman drinking while she is pregnant can last a lifetime.

So, what does this mean to Nunavummiut?

FASD is 100 per cent preventable.

We know if a mother does not drink alcohol during her pregnancy, her child will not be born with FASD.

We know the more a pregnant mother drinks, the greater the incidence of FASD.

As I grew up, my parents were aficionados of country music (I still think that I have unresolved issues because of this).

I remember one song in particular that monotonously droned from the record player day after day.

It was by Carroll Baker and called, One drink is One too Many, but a Thousand's Not Enough.

With respect to FASD, the first portion of the song title is definitely correct.

No research study has ever been able to determine if there is a safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

To put it simply, one drink may be one too many.

- Fred Monpetit is a public health nurse in Rankin Inlet.