In continuation of our “get to know the icons of our logo” series that we began back in our November post where we explained that our bee icon stands for allergy to insect bites and venom, this month we are talking about the strawberry. Read on to learn what this red icon stands for, and make sure to enter our Strawberry Challenge below for a chance to win an iPad Mini !
STRAWBERRY IN OUR LOGO: represents food allergies.
Facts
There are eight foods that account for 90% of all food allergy reactions in the U.S.
- cow’s milk
- eggs
- peanuts
- tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, and cashews)
- fish
- shellfish
- soy
- wheat
While 3.3 million Americans are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, 6.9 million are allergic to seafood.
Combined, food allergies cause 30,000 annual cases of anaphylaxis, 2,000 hospitalizations, and approximately 150 deaths.
Children with multiple food allergies have a three-fold increased risk of a severe reaction.
Children with food allergies and asthma tend to have more severe reactions.
Symptoms (not all food allergy reactions are the same)
For some, the reaction might be a mild case of stomach cramps, itchy mouth or hives.
For others it might go from shortness of breath, wheezing, swollen lips to as severe as going into anaphylactic shock – which can result in death if not treated in time.
Treatment
After being tested by an allergist, avoid the food allergen that is the protein that triggers your reaction.
How to avoid a serious reaction (anaphylaxis)
Know the S.A.F.E. Action Guide
S.eek immediate medical assistance = Call 911
Identify the A.llergen
F.ollow up with the allergist
Carry E.pinephrine autoinjectors for emergencies at all times
TAKE OUR STRAWBERRY CHALLENGE !
For a chance to win an iPad Mini
- Contest duration: February 6 – 14, 2014
- Grand prize: 1 iPad Mini
- Who wins: Participant whose guess comes the closest to our true count of seeds. In case of a tie, the earlier entry will win.
- Rules & Regulations: Winner will be announced on or before February 17, 2014 via blog post and/or Social Media announcement. Participants may request a copy of official contest rules at media@florida-allergy.com. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO WIN. Void where prohibited. Contest promoted by Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care, 11880 SW 40 Street., Suite 304-B, Miami, FL 33175. To enter, you must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (green card). Company employees and their immediate family members are not eligible. Immediate family includes only spouses, parents and children. One entry per participant allowed. No duplicates will be considered. By entering the contest, entrants agree to have their submitted name displayed on our website or social media channels and used by us for any purpose, at any time, without any fee or other form of compensation.