Posted on May 8, 2015 at 9:40 AM by Andrew Hull
About 15 million people, including 1 in 13 children, are affected by food allergies. The Burlington County Health Department reminds you that food allergies are a serious medical condition and that you should consult your physician if you are experiencing symptoms.
In 1998, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) created Food Allergy Awareness Week, which will fall on May 10th to the 16th this year. The week will feature:
- 5/10: Thank you to the governors and mayors who formalized Awareness Week by proclamation
- 5/11: School Awareness Day-Make a presentation or hand a poster in school
- 5/12: #TealTakeover-Wear teal (The color for Food Allergy Awareness) and share pictures with the #TealTakeover
- 5/13: Anaphylaxis Awareness Day-Learn how to use an epinephrine auto-injector or train someone else
- 5/14: Shop to Support-Purchase products that donate a portion of proceeds to FARE
- 5/15: 15x15x15 Day-Donate $15 to FARE to help the 15 million Americans with food allergies
- 5/16: Shout Out Saturday-Give a shout out to someone who’s a Food Allergy Action Hero in your life
It’s also important to remember that eight foods account for roughly 90% of allergic reactions: peanuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, tree nuts and soy. Folks who don’t suffer from food allergies should be careful not to accidentally expose people to them if it is uncertain as to whether they allergic.