May 8    

• Food is the leading cause of severe allergic reactions treated in U.S. emergency rooms. The CDC reports that food allergies result in over 300,000 ambulatory-care visits a year among children.   Every 15 Minutes PSA
• Peanut allergies more than tripled from 1997-2008.  Until There's a Cure PSA
• More than 12 million Americans have food allergies- that's one in 25. One out of 17 young children have food allergies. The Food Allergy Support Group of Minnesota is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by food allergies.  Food Allergy Support Group of MN video

 May 9

• Food allergies differ from food intolerances or sensitivities. A true food allergy involves the immune system and can cause a life-threatening reaction.  Do You Have a Food Allergy?  brochure
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching or swelling of the mouth/throat, hives, or swelling on other parts of the body, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure.  Food Allergies 101 video.
• Diagnosis of a food allergy is complex and is best obtained from a board-certified allergist, using an evaluation of the patient's history, and skin prick and/or ImmunoCAP blood tests. An oral food challenge can be used to confirm or refute a diagnosis.   Food Allergy: An Overivew  brochure

May 10

• Eight foods account for 90% of all allergic reactions in the U.S. (milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish). Other foods can be allergens, too, and can result in severe reactions.  Respect Every Bite PSA
• Peanuts are legumes and grow on the ground. Tree nuts are other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, etc.   Kids Allergies: Peanuts and Tree Nuts presentation
• Oral allergy syndrome is a type of food allergy occurring in individuals allergic to pollen. Symptoms include itching of the lips, mouth, or throat, occurring when eating fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables containing allergens that cross react with the specific pollen.  When Raw Food Bites Back article

May 11

•  Epinephrine is the first line of treatment for a severe food allergy reaction, and should be available at all times. After it's administered, the patient should always be transported to the hospital for possible further treatment. When Your Child Has a Severe Reaction video
• Epinephrine auto-injectors are available by prescription and are manufactured under the following brand names: EpiPen®, Twinject®, and Adrenaclick™. EpiPen instructional video  Twinject instructional video  Adrenaclick instructional video 
• It's not possible to completely predict the severity of an allergic reaction. One must be prepared for the possibility of a severe reaction, even with a personal history of only mild reactions. Early recognition and management of a general reaction is very important.  EpiPen app for iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches

May 12

• Children can outgrow their food allergies, but it now seems to be happening at older ages than previously thought.   Food Allergy: A Family's Perspective video
• The only current preventative treatment for food allergies is strict avoidance of the food.
• Cross contamination is the accidental addition of an allergen to a safe food during food preparation, packaging, or serving.

May 13

• Individuals with food allergies should have a written emergency action plan from their physician, detailing a treatment protocol specific to their situation.  Action plan from FAAN   Action plan from Children's Physician's Network 
• Schools should prepare written prevention plans for food-allergic students, so that they can safely participate in all school activities.  Managing Food Allergies in the School Setting guidelines for parents
• All caregivers of children with food allergies should be trained in allergen avoidance as well as recognition and treatment of reactions.  Babysitting Online Training Course

May 14

• Because trace amounts of food can cause a reaction, the vigilance needed to maintain strict avoidance has a major impact on the individual's quality of life.   Life Embrace video
• Food allergy has a significant effect on the activities of families of food-allergic children.  Ten Things Children with Food Allergies Want You to Know presentation
• We hope for a cure. In the mean time, kids with food allergies learn valuable lessons.  Is There a Silver Lining video