May is Food Allergy Awareness Month, and even though I spend every single day spreading allergy awareness, this is the time of the year when it's kicked up a notch. Niagara Falls was bathed in blue and green lights on May 11 for allergy awareness, and many people wore teal on May 12. Me? I'll be sitting at my computer writing supportive emails back to all of you who write me every day asking for advice, help and support. Whether you're a family with food allergies or not, you know someone with them. It could be a child in your kid's class, it could be someone you work with, or a neighbour. We've all got a role to play in helping spread allergy awareness, understanding and empathy.
Here are five ways you can help, even if you don't have food allergies yourself:
Help others understand that 5-6% of Canadian children (and 3-4% of Canadian adults) suffer from food allergies. Contact with an allergen can be fatal, and we rely on everyone to help us protect those with food allergies. Anaphylaxis Canada is a great resource for those with allergies, but also for educators and friends. Check out the amazing printable posters from FARE, and post them in classrooms and public spaces.
Do you know someone who makes a difference in spreading allergy awareness? Nominate them for a special certificate of appreciation! Anaphylaxis Canada wants to thank everyone who helps spread awareness and education about food allergies, and this is a great way to say thanks!
Do you wonder how you can possibly help make a difference in the lives of those with food allergies? HERE's how. Even just saying you're there for us is important. It's so disheartening to constantly hear negative comments about accommodating food allergies that just having a supportive friend can make all the difference. Join the Irritated by Allergies Facebook page to be kept in the loop about news, research and support for those with allergies!
More than 2.5 million Canadians have food allergies -- that's a whole lot of your friends, you know that? Reach out to your place of work and see if they would be interested in making a corporate donation, or make a donation yourself. Funding research and support programs is key to helping those with food allergies!
Nobody wants food allergies. Nobody limits their food or lifestyle just because it's a fad. It's a very stressful life for all those involved in food allergies, and knowing we have friends out there who aren't allergic, but totally support us makes the sun shine brighter every day.
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