Food Allergy Awareness Week

As part of its ongoing efforts to educate people about food allergies and reduce risk-taking behavior during Food Allergy Awareness Week and on a daily basis, the
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) reminds everyone to CAP It!

Carry your medicine.
Avoid your allergen.
Plan ahead to prevent a reaction.

Simply put, CAP It can save a life.

For the 12th annual Food Allergy Awareness Week, May 10-16, 2009, FAAN is highlighting the need for improved education and awareness about food allergies and the need to “Take Action, Prevent Reactions.” These efforts are vital to improving safety and avoiding a reaction, whether it’s teaching a child’s classmates how to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction or encouraging teachers, athletic directors, or other school officials to learn how to use an epinephrine auto-injector. Though food allergies can be fatal, this is a condition that can be safely managed through education and preparedness.

“Food allergies can be challenging to manage, but we know that reactions can be prevented by taking a few simple steps,” said Julia Bradsher, CEO of FAAN. “Adults and children with food allergies and their families can empower themselves every day by taking steps to safeguard against reactions. By sharing their knowledge with others during Food Allergy Awareness Week and throughout the year, we hope to reduce the number of reactions and save lives.”

As the prevalence of food allergy rises, particularly among children, there is an increasing need for education and awareness about food allergies as well. About 12 million Americans, including 3 million children, have food allergies. While there are many encouraging research studies underway, there is no cure for food allergies. Avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction.

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