In 1997, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network designated one week in May for food allergy education . The 12th annual U.S. awareness week runs May 10-17, 2009.
The purpose of this designated week is to increase public awareness about food allergies and anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Get involved by helping to educate schools, restaurants, work-places, scout groups, religious organizations and others about the seriousness of food allergies.
There are many ways to celebrate Food Allergy Awareness Week- whether you have food allergies or not. The number of people diagnosed continues to rise, making it an issue for all children and adults. During the next week, try one (or more) of these suggestions:
- For one day, avoid one of the major allergens. Choose dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat or soy. Read every label and check every ingredient to make sure you don’t eat anything containing your “allergen for the day”.
- Contact your local ambulance service and find out if they carry epinephrine- junior and adult strengths.
- FAAN hopes to get state proclamations from all 50 U.S states to declare May 10-17, 2009 as Food Allergy Awareness Week. So far, 14 states are on board (Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin). Contact your governor and request a proclamation if your state isn’t listed.
- Plan a food allergy presentation for your school, church, library, or community center.
- Thank someone for keeping people with food allergies safe. Maybe your school nurse, classroom teacher, allergist or other doctors’ office deserves some recognition and gratitude. FAAN offers lanyards, pencils, totebags and other appropriate gifts.
- If you have a food allergy story to tell, write it and send it to your local paper. Ask the paper to run it during Food Allergy Awareness Week.
- Sign up for a food allergy walk (foodallergy.org) to raise money for research and educational initiatives. Over 30 cities in the U.S. hold walks. No walk near you? Participate in an online walk.
- Write to your state legislators. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2009 has not made it through the U.S. House and Senate.
- Join the FAAN Facebook page at foodallergy.org.
- Check out FAAN's YouTube page (youtube.com) for informative videos. FAAN's celebrity spokesperson, Trace Adkins, has posted several videos. There are also stories from families and educational videos related to food allergy.
- End the week with a Twitter Party. On May 15, 2009 at noon and/or 10:30 pm (Eastern Time) join a panel of food allergy experts for education, information and prizes.
Most people know someone with a food allergy. By participating in activities during Food Allergy Awareness Week, everyone can learn more.
The copyright of the article Food Allergy Awareness Week in Food Allergies is owned by Joanne LaSpina. Permission to republish Food Allergy Awareness Week in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
 |
