National Food Allergy Campaign Aims to Educate, Raise Awareness
There are millions of Americans with food allergies must treat every morsel they eat as if it could potentially cause them to have an allergic reaction, one that could even possibly be fatal. Or in other words, they must “Respect Every Bite.” This message, the theme of the 13th Annual Food Allergy Awareness Week of May 9-15, is also directed at those individuals without food allergies.
Regrettably, recent studies have revealed that the general public’s knowledge and awareness of food allergies is minimal, and often times inaccurate. This is why the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network urges everyone to “Respect Every Bite” during Awareness Week, and throughout the whole year, to assist those individuals with food allergies stay free from reactions, and to show compassion and solidarity for the challenges that face the food allergic. This group also can include those with dietary restrictions due to other medical conditions.
The prevalence of food allergies is certainly rising, especially among children. But despite this widely-publicized increase in the number of children with food allergies, many Americans still have misconceptions about food allergens and potential reactions. A study in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology published in 2009 showed that only about 65 percent of those surveyed could correctly answer general questions about food allergy. Nearly half of those surveyed incorrectly believed there is a cure for food allergy, and more than two-thirds mistakenly stated that a daily medicine could be taken to avoid allergic reactions.
And a recent study published in Pediatrics late last year discovered that more children are seeking medical treatment for food allergy-related reasons, and food allergy is the cause of over 300,000 ambulatory care visits per year among children.
So as researchers continue to work towards a hopeful cure for food allergy sometime in the future, it’s imperative that we continually raise awareness and educate the public on the facts about food allergies, and serve as an ongoing resources to those seeking knowledge for themselves and loved ones. Take some time during Food Allergy Awareness Week to ask questions and learn more about food allergens, the potential reactions they can cause, and how to avoid them by practicing safe meal and overall diet planning, and encouraging others to join in the cause of Respecting Every Bite.
The Allergy Free Shop exists to help those with food allergy or other dietary restrictions with products and educational resources, for patients and their loved ones. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN, at: http://www.foodallergy.org) is a leading advocate and provider of information about food allergies, a medical condition that afflicts approximately 12 million in the US, or one out of every 25.
Tags: allergic reaction, allergy free, anaphylaxis, casein free, celiac, dining out, food allergen, gluten free, ingredients, peanut allergy, wheat allergy