[xtypo_dropcap]W[/xtypo_dropcap]ith food allergies becoming a growing problem among young Canadians, a new video series has been launched to help teenagers effectively manage their food allergies, which in severe cases can be life-threatening.
Toronto-based Anaphylaxis Canada says young people face unique challenges in managing potentially life-threatening allergies in various social situations, from attending school to dating, socializing, and working, as well as a tendency toward risky behaviour.
Occasionally the seriousness of some food allergies are not properly understood by the sufferer’s peers, and allergies are occasionally negatively portrayed in media, says the organization.
Created by and for teens, the Anaphylaxis Canada Teen Video Series depicts five real-life scenarios and offers tips on how to stay safe and cope with such challenges.
As avoidance of allergens is the only sure means of preventing a potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reaction, communicating strategies that help teens self-protect is critical, as is the knowledge and understanding of friends and fellow students.
“Communicating directly to teens and encouraging them to take responsibility for their allergies can help reduce instances of allergic reactions and help prepare them for adulthood,” Kyle Dine, program coordinator at Anaphylaxis Canada, said in a release.
Recent research indicates that more than 2 million Canadians, including a high number of young people, are affected by a food allergy, and one in two people know someone with a serious allergy, according to the organization.
“Incidences of food allergies has doubled in the last 10 years, and that’s not just reporting bias, or media awareness, or schools being more cautious,” Dr. Charlotte Miller, a pediatric allergist with The Toronto Allergy Group and the Hospital for sick children, said in a 2009 article in Canadian Family.
The most common triggers for anaphylaxis include foods such as peanuts and shellfish, insect stings, drugs, latex and exercise, according to Anaphylaxis Canada. Peanut allergy is responsible for more deaths than any other type of allergy.
Avoidance of allergens is of primary importance and the only sure way to prevent a potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reaction, says Anaphylaxis Canada. Helping affected teenagers develop strategies of self protection is critical, as is the knowledge and understanding of peers.
A 2009 U.S. study found that a high number of college and university students are taking unnecessary risks when it comes to managing their allergies.
Seventy-five percent of those surveyed with severe allergies said they do not maintain an epinephrine injector (commonly known as EpiPen or TwinJect) and 60 percent do not avoid the foods they are allergic to.
Anaphylaxis Canada’s Teen Video Series is the latest initiative in its “Why Risk It?” allergy awareness program targeted at pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults. More information can be found at: www.whyriskit.ca.
Toronto-based Anaphylaxis Canada says young people face unique challenges in managing potentially life-threatening allergies in various social situations, from attending school to dating, socializing, and working, as well as a tendency toward risky behaviour.
Occasionally the seriousness of some food allergies are not properly understood by the sufferer’s peers, and allergies are occasionally negatively portrayed in media, says the organization.
Created by and for teens, the Anaphylaxis Canada Teen Video Series depicts five real-life scenarios and offers tips on how to stay safe and cope with such challenges.
As avoidance of allergens is the only sure means of preventing a potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reaction, communicating strategies that help teens self-protect is critical, as is the knowledge and understanding of friends and fellow students.
“Communicating directly to teens and encouraging them to take responsibility for their allergies can help reduce instances of allergic reactions and help prepare them for adulthood,” Kyle Dine, program coordinator at Anaphylaxis Canada, said in a release.
Recent research indicates that more than 2 million Canadians, including a high number of young people, are affected by a food allergy, and one in two people know someone with a serious allergy, according to the organization.
“Incidences of food allergies has doubled in the last 10 years, and that’s not just reporting bias, or media awareness, or schools being more cautious,” Dr. Charlotte Miller, a pediatric allergist with The Toronto Allergy Group and the Hospital for sick children, said in a 2009 article in Canadian Family.
The most common triggers for anaphylaxis include foods such as peanuts and shellfish, insect stings, drugs, latex and exercise, according to Anaphylaxis Canada. Peanut allergy is responsible for more deaths than any other type of allergy.
Avoidance of allergens is of primary importance and the only sure way to prevent a potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reaction, says Anaphylaxis Canada. Helping affected teenagers develop strategies of self protection is critical, as is the knowledge and understanding of peers.
A 2009 U.S. study found that a high number of college and university students are taking unnecessary risks when it comes to managing their allergies.
Seventy-five percent of those surveyed with severe allergies said they do not maintain an epinephrine injector (commonly known as EpiPen or TwinJect) and 60 percent do not avoid the foods they are allergic to.
Anaphylaxis Canada’s Teen Video Series is the latest initiative in its “Why Risk It?” allergy awareness program targeted at pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults. More information can be found at: www.whyriskit.ca.
