Food Allergies have been a part of our family for almost five years now and just when I think everyone knows about them I meet a person who has no clue the damage a reaction can cause. Or I will chat with someone who thinks making a classroom, or even a whole school nut free is over reacting. It just points out to me that the job of creating awareness of Food Allergies is not over; not by a long shot. Enter Food Allergy Awareness Month (FAAM), May 2014.
There are so many hot button topics when it relates to Food Allergies. I have had a few heated discussions with people when I am trying to get my point across. The bottom line folks is that food allergies can kill a person. That means there are over 1.3 million Canadians playing Russian roulette with their dinner. The goal of FAAM is to let more people know about Food Allergies, what causes them, how they can help prevent an allergic reaction and ultimately how they can treat one if it happens on their watch. FAAM is also about showing you how the allergic child feels about his or her disease. It’s about teaching school aged children that Food Allergy bullying is still bullying and it can not be tolerated. A part of FAAM is learning to show some empathy towards a family that can’t have a certain food at their table ( or in their child’s lunchbox ) rather then complaining how unfair it is that your child has to eat his favorite sandwich filling at home.
There are many things happening this month to help spread the awareness of Food Allergies and I hope to share some with you throughout the month. In the meantime as a caring member of society I urge you to become more educated when it comes to recognizing a Food Allergy reaction and treating it. Recently Pfizer Canada for EpiPen Canada came out with this awesome new commercial that shows you how easy it is to use an EpiPen. Let checking out this video be your first step toward becoming Food Allergy Aware. Thank you!
Do you, or a loved one, suffer from Food Allergies?
FT&PD
Suz
No. No one in our family has any allergies to food. The EpiPen is an excellent commercial to help bring awareness.
It really is a wonderful way to spread the word about Epis!
I have been seeing a lot of the Epi Pen commercials, which is awesome. I had never seen one before I was given one. There was an instance where I probably should have used it (I went to the hospital instead), I was too intimidated. I think it’s great to get the word out about it more and take away some intimidation.
I agree Randa, taking away the fear of using one will undoubtedly save lives..
You are so passionate about this subject. You son is lucky. Although mine is not immediately life threatening it is still very dangerous. Im glad you are taking a stand
Thank you Jenn, that means a lot <3 The sad thing about food allergies, or others like bee allergies, is that we often don’t know how bad the reaction can get. We will keep you and your safety in our prayers <3
My son is allergic to oranges, dust, pollen, nothing needed for an Epi Pen. I however am allergic to spiders, bees, mosquitoes and have used an Epi Pen regularly over the years to help when I go into anaphylactic shock. This is a great post to bring awareness to allergies and how they can affect us.
Thank you Jodi and wow, that is some list! I know that allergies to citrus can cause horrible hive outbreaks, which is not nice for any little one 🙁 Yours are definitely dangerous. You are smart to use the Epi and not hesitate. I am hoping that others will learn not to be afraid. God bless!
Thankfully, no one in my immediate circle has any food allergies.
That is wonderful blessing Heather 🙂
Our main food allergies are mushrooms (weird I guess…) and some food dyes (my daughter). With me mushrooms are a huge one. I swell up and get very sick. My daughter gets red rash splotches if she has juice with Red Dye in it and anything with Yellow dye in it!
Oh that is different Josey! I have not heard of a mushroom allergy. It sounds like you have a pretty bad reaction to. Do you carry an Epi just in case? What a shame for your little one. Food dye is a tough one to combat. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I like to think that people don’t realize how serious it is, if they don’t have someone in their family allergic to foods. Some people also assume being allergic is similar to being sensitive to it. They are very vastly different. Thankfully no one in my family is allergic to any food. We just have a slight lactose intolerance that is nothing compared to a life threatening allergic reaction to food.
It is amazing to me how many people think a food allergy is typically minor. They have no idea sadly..
I have a daughter allergic to all tree nuts. She used to be allergic to all dairy, kiwi, plums and some other odds & ends. It is very important that others realize the dangers for others with food allergies. Thanks for posting about this. I did not know May was Food Allergy Awareness month!
Wow, what an assortment of allergies. Thankfully my son has outgrown some of his to, but it is so important for others to pay attention.
Great post! I agree that the word needs spread on allergies and how dangerous they are!
Thank you Valerie, we have to keep the awareness going..
No one in our family has allergies, but this blog topic is great to read and great to watch the EpiPen commercial. It certainly helps to bring more awareness. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for checking it out Doris!