FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care announced their support for Food Allergy Awareness Week.
MIAMI, FL – May 12, 2015 –
The Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care announced their support for Food Allergy Awareness Week, which will be observed May 1016, 2015. The campaign was created by Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, now FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), a nonprofit dedicated to Food Allergies, in 1998. With rising cases of food allergies, education is important to dispel confusion that can lead to preventing a dangerous situation or identifying when an emergency is taking place. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care is focused on educating parents about allergies as part of this season’s efforts.
Education needs to start at home. Children should be prepared for when they begin school where they may share meals with children who may have food allergy. One in 13 children has a food allergy, an average of two per classroom. Children should be made aware that food allergies are to be taken seriously and be encouraged to avoid sharing food at all costs. They should make it a habit to wash their hands after eating and know that, if their friends feel sick, it is OK to communicate it immediately and call 911.
When hosting guests with food allergies at home, all the recommended steps should be taken to avoid any uncomfortable or dangerous situation. Efforts should be made to avoid cross contamination and to truly understand the consequences in the event a guest gets in contact with the allergen. All precautions related to food allergy must be taken, such as using different cooking tools and appliances when preparing foods and separating the plate and handling it individually.
Food allergies and food sensitivities are two different things that are often confused. Allergy is an abnormal immune response to the protein contained in the specific food that can lead to itching of the skin or the throat, swollen lips, trouble breathing and in severe cases anaphylaxis. Symptoms can occur within minutes to an hour or so of smelling, touching or ingesting the wrong food. The eight most common food that cause allergies are peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts & almonds), fish, shellfish (shrimp & crab), eggs, milk, wheat and soy. Food sensitivities are simply unpleasant experiences that include lactose intolerance and celiac disease which are digestive problems that aren’t caused by an immune system response and are not life-threatening.
“Food allergy awareness is as important for parents of children with food allergies as well as for parents whose children are not affected by the life-threatening condition. The best approach is to support an inclusive environment which cannot be created without knowledge and information,” says Adriana M. Bonansea-Frances, MD, PhD.
With 17 locations in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care can help you get your symptoms under control. For an office near you, visit www.florida-allergy.com or call 1-877-425-5374.
About Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care
Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care has been in business since 1974 and has Board Certified physicians in allergy with extensive experience in treating both adults and children. FCAAC has 17 centers throughout South Florida, serving communities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Centers specialize in the testing and treatment of adults and children who suffer from allergies, asthma and other disorders of the immune system. Among the most common allergies treated are allergic skin diseases, food, drug, insect, and pet allergies. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Research conducts clinical trials on new and existing allergy medications. The goal of the FCAAC team is to provide professional and quality care resulting in total patient satisfaction.
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Media Contact:
Eloise E. Rodriguez
Bristol Public Relations
Cell. 786.326.2221
