Palm Beach Schools Observe Food Allergy Awareness Week

By Natalia Arenas

Food allergies affect nearly 250,000 students in Florida and researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies with nearly 6 million being children. To increase awareness and education regarding this disease, Senator Joe Negron, District 32, has issued a Proclamation in recognition of Food Allergy Awareness Week, May 12–18.

Every three minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency department – that is more than 200,000 emergency department visits per year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that food allergies result in more than 300,000 ambulatory-care visits a year among children under the age of 18. Food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting.

There is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance of food allergens and early recognition and management of allergic reactions to food are important measures to prevent serious health consequences. Once you have been diagnosed with a food allergy, talk to your doctor about how allergic reactions should be treated.  Mild to moderate symptoms are often treated with antihistamines and oral or topical steroids.

Click here to watch an informational video about managing food allergies in the school setting.

For resources and more information visit the Food Allergy Research & Education website.

For more information contact Paula Triana at 561-383-2026 or email paula.triana@palmbeachschools.org.