Health Quick Tip: Help Your Child Cope With Food Allergies

Some children have problems with certain foods, ranging from mild intolerances to life-threatening ana-phylactic shock. Indeed, any food can trigger an allergic reaction, with the most common being cow's milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish and shellfish, soy and wheat products. And while not all reactions are life-threatening, it is important to note that children often need to be exposed to the allergen more than once before a serious reaction appears. Certain allergens, for example, peanut, are more commonly associated with severe reactions, but any food can cause anaphylaxis. If there are any concerns, consultation with a doctor, qualified in allergic reactions, is recommended.
Most parents know that if their child has been diagnosed by an allergist to be at risk for a severe reaction, injectable adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, must be administered rapidly, no matter how mild the early symptoms appear. Many admit however that they need more help when it comes to the best, and most effective plan-of-action.
As part of a nationwide initiative to answer pressing questions on anaphylaxis, a special pharmacist-directed, Health-Watch for Children Day is planned at 800 Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix locations, on Thursday, Sept. 19. Pharma-cists at these locations will conduct a one-on-one educational session with allergic individuals, parents, or caregivers of children with food, and other potentially life-threatening allergies. The sessions will include a demonstration on how to administer the medication with an auto-injector; how to recognize early symptoms; and what to do should an anaphylactic reaction occur.
Anaphylaxis Canada, and Association Quebecois des Allergies Alimentaires have endorsed the Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix initiative on this important health focus, and suggest that the Sept. 19 information day will go a long way to provide information and clarification. Contact your local Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix for an appointment.