News from the world of allergy

Twin Study: McGill University is doing a study on twins and food allergy. If you are a twin or if you have twins affected by food allergies, please consider taking part in this important research and learn more about how you can be part of the study.

 Siblings: A new study in the June 13 issue of Allergy suggests that the risk of anaphylaxis is higher for siblings of children with severe food allergies. If you have a child with food allergies and a younger child, talk with your child’s allergist about how best to introduce peanuts or other new foods.

EpiPens and Extreme Temperatures: Recently, researchers looked at the effects of heat and cold on the effectiveness of EpiPens and reported their findings. This summer, please follow the temperature guidelines listed on your EpiPen packaging. For more on how to care for your EpiPen, check out our All About Auto-injectors page.

Low income children and food allergy management: A study by Northwestern University  showed that low-income families with food allergic children were less likely to receive specialty care, such as an allergist who could diagnose and counsel on prevention and on the use of epinephrine. As a result, the children in the study had more frequent hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The researchers analyzed data from more than 1,600 families, concluding that lower economic status too often limits access to appropriate care in managing food allergies.

14-year-old creates food allergy documentary: A boy from Chicago has created a compelling and informative documentary about life with food allergies. Made when he was 12, the film was funded through Kickstarter and has created quite a buzz! Learn more about the film at that-bites.org

Food allergies and anxiety: If you are a parent of a child with food allergies, you know that anxiety can be a challenge. Recently, our friends at Allergic Living looked at several studies and talked to the experts about managing anxiety in the family.

Food Allergy Canada also took on the subject recently, interviewing a psychologist and a dietitian from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Please take a look – and share this information with your family, your allergist and anyone else who could benefit from learning more about this topic.

The MedicAlert® No Child Without® Program: Through the No Child Without program, MedicAlert Foundation Canada offers MedicAlert service coverage and lifesaving ID to students (from age 4 to their 14^th birthday) in select, participating schools. With the financial support of generous donors including the Government of Canada and the Lions Clubs of Canada, these students receive MedicAlert protection for free. Learn more.

More News: For more news from the allergy community as it happens, visit our blog or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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