The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which published the study, estimated that 34,833 people in 2001 died from cirrhosis of the liver, cancer and other diseases linked to drinking too much beer, wine, and spirits. Another 40,933 died from car crashes and other mishaps caused by excessive alcohol use. This brings the total to over 75,000 deaths a year all related to alcohol use. A single-use, drinking to much or drinking over time alcohol has many effects on the body. Arrhythmias (irregular heart-beat), stroke, high blood pressure are all results to damage of the heart. Damage to the liver includes Steatosis (fatty liver) alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. According to mayoclinic, cirrhosis is …show more content…
These children are then at a higher risk for alcoholism and drug abuse than non- alcoholic. The American Academy of Pediatrics states “There is no safe amount of alcohol when a woman is pregnant. Evidence-based research has found that drinking even small amounts of alcohol while pregnant can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, or sudden infant death syndrome”. When a pregnant woman drinks an alcoholic beverage so does the embryo or fetus. The amount of blood alcohol concentration the mother has is the same for the baby fetus. Alcohol is considered a teratogen. A teratogen is considered an agent that can disturb the development of an embryo or fetus. Teratogens are dangerous and can cause birth defects. In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimate between 800 and 8,000 babies could be born every year with FAS. Some experts believe the number is much higher around 40,000 babies born with FAS in the United States each year. Babies born with FAS have distinct facial features including small palpebral fissures, smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, cardinal features in blue, microcephaly, low nasal bridge, minor ear anomalies, micrognathia. It is also known that babies with FAS have lower than average height, weight, or both. If alcohol is a problem it is best to avoid breastfeeding. Alcohol passes into the breast milk and will make its way to the