Allergy Awareness Week

So, it is Allergy Awareness Week and it couldn't come at a better time.

With that being noted here are some resources I would like to share with you and make available for those suffering with life threatening allergies.

Compliments of anaphylaxis.ca here are a list of some interesting facts:

• There is no cure; avoidance of an allergenic food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction.
• About 1.3 million Canadians (4%) have food allergy according to Health Canada.
• One in two Canadians know someone with a serious food allergy.
• The incidence is highest amongst young children (under 3) with close to 6% affected by food allergy.
• About 300,000 Canadian children under 18 years have food allergies.
• Peanut allergy in Canada affects about 2 in 100 children.
• More than 40% of Canadians read food labels looking for allergen information.
• The Ontario government passed Sabrina's Law in 2005, requiring all publicly funded schools in the province to have an anaphylaxis action plan.

The major allergens are:  Peanut and peanut products, soy and soy products, eggs, sesame seeds, milk, seafood, tree nuts, sulphites, wheat and  mustard (Mustard is now a priority allergen in Canada, and labelling requirements for mustard will come into force on August 04, 2012). Many of these products are hidden in common foods.

There are oodles of information on food allergies available all over the Internet. I strongly urge you to get familiar with food allergies as they are becoming increasingly common in Canada and around the world. A simple "google" search on food allergies in Canada, or any country you are in will give you some relevant information for your area and resources. If you, or someone you know is currently suffering from a food allergy and you have stumbled across this page, PLEASE call your local emergency department or 9-1-1. Getting immediate help can save a life.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/allerg/fa-aa/index-eng.php

http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/educators/educator_resources.html

http://www.allergysafecommunities.ca/pages/default.asp

Metro at Kennedy Commons in Scarborough, Ontario

This is at a Metro located at Kennedy Commons in Scarborough. This is at the end of the isle on wheels. While I was taking a few photos of the setup the cart seen in this image actually hit it and about 13 or so of the walnuts went tumbling to the ground. What become of those nuts I do not know, however I am certain that these being in a closed bin would be a much better set up.

Another Loblaws Incident

This is at a Loblaws in Richmond Hill. Note the roll of bags that are in the bin of tree nuts. This is very concerning to me. This is why I am asking for the bins to be closed or for the nuts to be pre-packaged. To prevent this form of cross contamination. To prevent this from being in contact with those with life threatening allergic reactions. This is unhealthy and unsanitary.

Nightmare at Loblaws

This is a Loblaws in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Look at all those nuts, look at how spread out they are and how easy it would be for a random person to place your next possible food item on them!!

What is anaphylaxis?

What is Anaphylaxis? How does it occur?

Anaphylaxis is the most severe systemic allergic reaction. It is the result from an exposure to an allergen.
It can be triggered by certain foods, insect stings,medicine, latex, exercise and sometimes unknown causes. Common triggers are most likely to cause anaphylaxis. Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish, eggs, milk, wheat and shellfish can cause severe anaphylaxis. Insect stings and bites such as those from bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and ants. Latex can also cause anaphylaxis, it can be found in car tires, rubber bands, elastic, carpet backing, hospital and dental equipment, gloves, balloons and condoms. Medication such as penicillin, sulfa antibiotics, muscle relaxants and certain post surgery floods can also cause a reaction.
Sometimes the cause of an allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis is unknown. This type of reaction is diagnosed as idiopathic anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can happen fast and they require immediate medical attention. If you or someone you know is suffering from anaphylaxis, get emergency help right away. Anaphylaxis is unpredictable and can lead to death.


http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000844.htm