The first thing I would like to make everyone aware of is the FAREwell to Food Allergies 5K Run/Walk taking place in Springfield, IL on November 2, 2013 at Washington Park. I have created this event in order to raise awareness and to support my local food allergy community.
To register for the event, please visit http://farewelltofoodallergies.eventbrite.com. Sign up today!
It is widely acknowledged that food allergies are a
significant and growing epidemic.
Studies show that the number of children living with a peanut allergy
has tripled between 1997 and 2008. This
awareness and understanding is in large part due to epidemiologists,
researchers who focus on the cause and distribution of diseases in human
populations. Epidemiologists have
concluded that nearly 40 percent of all children diagnosed with food allergies
have already experienced a severe or life-threatening reaction. Other studies have disclosed the financial
burden and damaging effects of a family’s quality of life due to food
allergies. A handful of organizations are advocates for
food allergy education, research, diagnoses and treatment, including implementing
stricter laws and public policy to create safer environments for individuals
with food allergies.
There is not a clear answer as to why the number of
individuals who have a food allergy continues to grow. Researchers estimate that up to 15 million
Americans have food allergies. Food
allergies are a potentially deadly disease that affect 1 out of 13 children in the United
States. That means almost 2 kids in
every classroom. Every 3 minutes a food
allergy reaction sends someone to the Emergency Room, resulting in more than
200,000 Emergency Room visits a year.
Reactions range from mild responses (such as itchy mouth) to potentially
fatal anaphylaxis.
Eight foods account for 90 percent of all food allergy
reactions in children: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and
shellfish. Cross-contamination or trace
amounts of the food can cause reactions.
The risk factors for children with food allergies vary. Food allergies affect children and adults of
all races and ethnicity. Food allergies
can begin at any age. The risk of having
a food allergy is higher if you have a parent who suffers from any type of
allergic disease (asthma, eczema, food allergies, or environmental/seasonal
allergies). Kids with food allergies are
3-4 times more likely to have asthma and other allergies compared to those who
do not.
Most do not outgrow a peanut, tree nut, fish, or a
shellfish allergy. Milk, egg, and soy
allergies usually begin in childhood and have the potential to be
outgrown. For most children, this
happens by the age of 16, according to studies at Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine. To date, there is
no cure for food allergies. Strict
avoidance as well as early recognition and management of allergic reactions to
foods are important safety measures.
All monies raised will be donated to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), one of
the biggest advocates for the food allergy community. FARE strives to improve the quality of life
for individuals affected by funding research initiatives, clinical trials, new
treatments, and education. Many food
allergy educators, dieticians, and parental support specialists have made it
possible for FARE to provide education and support to individuals dealing with
the overwhelming life changes that occur when a child is diagnosed with food
allergies. FARE seeks to identify and
answer the crucial questions that will enable researchers and doctors to solve
the puzzle of food allergies. Without
donations and fundraisers, research grants and clinical trials would not be
possible.
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