Meconium Testing to Determine Alcohol Exposure
June 23, 2017
Meconium is a baby’s first bowel movement after birth. It can be tested to see if the baby was exposed to alcohol before he was born. Dr. Gideon Koren explains meconium testing, how it is used, and some of the ethical issues with this test.
Time to Get Serious About FASD Prevention
September 21, 2016
It seems so simple. If a woman does not drink while pregnant, her baby will not have a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Sterling Clarren talks about the challenges of protecting babies from this lifelong disability.
FASD Prevention, Diagnosis, and Support
September 21, 2016
Minister Draude talks about Saskatchewan’s commitment to preventing FASD and providing supports for children and adults with FASD to reach their potential.
What is FASD?
August 3, 2017
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby. This can result in a disability called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
FASD: A Message for Future Parents
August 3, 2017
We all want what is best for our future children. Fathers, family members, friends, and our community all play a role in providing a supportive environment for a mother and future child. You can support women not to drink during pregnancy.
Diagnosis: The Start to a Better Understanding of FASD
August 3, 2017
A diagnosis provides information about the strengths and challenges of an individual. After receiving a diagnosis, the next part is to understand what it means. Recognizing that struggles are because of the disability, dealing with them, and focusing on strengths can lead to success.
FASD: Doctors Play an Important Role
August 3, 2017
When it comes to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, doctors play a very important role in both preventing FASD and supporting those with FASD. First, doctors play a role in preventing FASD by having non-judgemental conversations with women of childbearing age about alcohol and pregnancy. Second, doctors play a role in supporting individuals with an FASD by recognizing that FASD affects more than the brain. Doctors may also see harm to the organs, joints, muscles, and other parts of the body.
FASD: Prevention, Awareness, Support, and Understanding
August 3, 2017
Sharing information about FASD is key to helping society make shifts in understanding. This leads to better support for mothers, individuals, families, and communities.
FASD: Let’s Move From Shame and Blame to Support and Care
August 3, 2017
“My mom loved me.” When talking about FASD, there is often shame and blame. That does not help anyone. The best way to help moms and people living with FASD is to provide support and understanding.
FASD: No On/Off Switch
August 3, 2017
Sleep is important for recharging the brain. Sleep can be very difficult for people who live with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. This can affect daily living and functioning.
FASD: Living With a Brain and Body Disability
August 3, 2017
FASD is often described as an invisible disability and living with an FASD is not always predictable. Myles talks about how coming to an understanding of his disability has helped him.
FASD: Living With Sensory Issues and Challenges
August 3, 2017
Myles Himmelreich describes some of the sensory issues he lives with and how he deals with them. He encourages patience and understanding with individuals living with an FASD because there is so much going on that we can’t even see.
FASD: I Struggle but I also Succeed
August 3, 2017
Myles Himmelreich lives with an FASD. He does not let FASD define him and that is part of his success.
FASD: Let’s Support Mothers and Children
August 3, 2017
“My mom loved me.” When talking about FASD, there is often shame and blame. That does not help anyone. The best way to help moms and people living with FASD is to provide support and understanding.
FASD: Physical Challenges
August 3, 2017
Prenatal alcohol exposure affects both the brain and the body. Myles Himmelreich talks about some of his physical challenges such as hip dysplasia, scoliosis, arthritis, and pain.
To Drink or Not to Drink?
September 22, 2016
This video features Natacha Hogan, Assistant Professor in Animal and Poultry Science and the Toxicology Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. Natacha talks about what she is doing during her pregnancy to ensure her baby has the best start possible.
Thank-You Mom
September 22, 2016
This video, created by youth, communicates the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. Young people thank their own mothers for not drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The acting, directing, filming, and musical composition were all completed by Saskatchewan youth.
Photovoice
September 22, 2016
This photovoice project explores the impact of alcohol on Saskatchewan youth as viewed and experienced by the young people themselves. Photovoice is a technique that gives a “voice” to people whose voices are often unheard or ignored.
Your Choices Matter
September 22, 2016
This video focuses on raising awareness about the impacts of youth’s early life choices on the health of their future children. The video addresses choices about: drug and alcohol use, diet and exercise, relationships, vaccinations and regular healthcare checkups, and sexual activity.
Great Reasons to Breastfeed
September 22, 2016
This video presents real-life families sharing their great reasons for breastfeeding their children.
Motivational Interviewing: Talking With a Pregnant Woman About Her Alcohol Use
October 19, 2017
Motivational Interviewing: Discussing Alcohol Use With a Pregnant Woman
October 19, 2017
Doctor Uses Motivational Interviewing to Discuss Alcohol Use
October 19, 2017
Doctor Uses Motivational Interviewing to Discuss Contraception
October 19, 2017
Hope for the Future: Having a Healthy Pregnancy While Living with HIV
Shares information about HIV, pregnancy, and parenting, with the goal of showing that healthy pregnancies and healthy babies are possible for pregnant women living with HIV in Saskatchewan. The knowledge and experiences of people living with HIV and those that work in this area are shared. The DVD was created as a resource for health and allied health professionals and for people living with HIV in Saskatchewan.
The DVD shares information about the experiences of a mother and a father living with HIV, as well as those of a young adult who was perinatally infected. The following professionals also share their knowledge about HIV and their experiences working with pregnant women living with HIV: an infectious diseases specialist, an obstetrician/gynaecologist, a nurse, a nurse practitioner, a clinical pharmacist, and an HIV outreach support worker. It is the hope that in sharing these experiences and knowledge, women living with HIV will be supported to have the healthiest pregnancies and babies possible.
The DVD can be viewed in its entirety or as individual chapters, as listed below.
Chapter 1: “Living with HIV”
September 21, 2016
Provides basic information about HIV, including information about vertical transmission of HIV and the importance of HIV treatment is stressed.
Chapter 2: “HIV in Pregnancy”
September 21, 2016
The impact of HIV and HIV treatment on pregnancy. The importance of HIV treatment for insuring a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby is also discussed.
Chapter 3: “Planning a Pregnancy While Living with HIV”
September 21, 2016
Importance of accessing care and being as healthy as possible when planning a pregnancy while living with HIV.
Chapter 4: “Newly Pregnant and Living with HIV”
September 21, 2016
A mother living with HIV talks about her pregnancy, including how she accessed care and support services in Saskatchewan.
Chapter 5: “Having a Healthy Pregnancy While Living with HIV”
September 21, 2016
The steps taken during pregnancy, labour and delivery, and following delivery to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to the baby are discussed.
Chapter 6: “Engaging Pregnant Women Living with HIV in Care”
September 21, 2016
Health and allied healthcare providers talk about effectively engaging pregnant women living with HIV in care in order to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Chapter 7: “Hope for Pregnant Women Living with HIV”
September 21, 2016
This chapter shares the hopes of healthcare providers for pregnant woman living with HIV. A mother and a young adult living with HIV share their hopes for themselves.
Traditional Teachings
Elders share their wisdom regarding the cultural practices, laws, and traditional values surrounding the sexual maturation of First Nations children to young adulthood. The video is a full length production of teachings and life stories of eight Elders from the Plains Cree, Dakota, Dene, Nakota, and Saulteaux First Nations of Saskatchewan. The DVD was created as a resource for educators and healthcare providers, family and community members, and others as they support youth to make positive lifestyle choices for their sexual and reproductive health. This video is an introduction to the full version.
Youth-Created Videos on STIs and Unplanned Pregnancy
The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute works in areas of reproductive health that are of particular pertinence to the health of Saskatchewan’s population. Rates of adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Saskatchewan are among the highest in Canada. Adolescent pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes for the mom and the baby. If STIs aren’t treated, they can cause serious health issues for males, females, and unborn babies.
The Prevention Institute believes that young people should be included in primary prevention efforts. Youth in Saskatchewan were asked to participate in a video contest focused on helping other young people make healthy choices to reduce their risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
Two of the awards went to the Tisdale Middle and Secondary School students. Jeremy Ernst developed his own video, STI Awareness, while Kanna Jorde, Kristen Wallington, and Trisha Wallington worked together to develop the STI Video. The third award was received by Alia Hogan for her video, Wrapped.
Following are the links to the three winning videos. Congratulations to each of the winners!
