Get ready for #BackToSchool with our upcoming webinars and events in August and September. Register your child for our next session of Allergy Pals/Allies. Learn about our small group webinars on managing food allergy and anaphylaxis, and about our support groups across Canada. Plus, watch our encore session on pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS).
This August and September we’re featuring several webinars to help you and your family be confident and prepared for the back-to-school season and beyond. Read more and register for the sessions below. For each session, you can submit your questions in advance when you register.
Treatment of anaphylaxis – removing barriers to using epinephrine
August 28 @ 12:30-1:30pm EDT
What makes people hesitate in using epinephrine, a life-saving medication, to treat anaphylaxis? We will delve into the reasons behind this hesitation and uncover the factors that prevent timely and crucial action when it matters most. Register now.
What the webinar is about: The barriers to using epinephrine, with perspectives from a panel including an adult with food allergy, a leading allergist, and a clinical psychologist with expertise on needle phobia.
Our panel will discuss real-life challenges in using epinephrine auto-injectors, including carrying and using needles, and strategies people can use to overcome these barriers. Additionally, the common myths and misconceptions surrounding epinephrine and auto-injectors will also be addressed.
Who is presenting: This webinar will be moderated by Jennifer Gerdts, Executive Director, Food Allergy Canada and will feature the following speakers:
Dr. Harold Kim, an allergist, Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Ontario and Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University.
Dr. Katie Birnie, a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary.
Michael Sawers, an adult with food allergy who has navigated having anaphylaxis and administering epinephrine.
Psychosocial aspects of managing food allergy
September 6 @ 12-1pm EDT
Join us for an engaging webinar where we explore the psychological and social challenges of living with food allergy. Learn how to confidently manage food allergy, including anxiety and social challenges you or your child may face. Register now.
What the webinar is about: The emotional and social impacts of living with food allergy, including managing anxiety and overcoming social challenges. Discover practical strategies to boost your confidence in managing food allergy including effectively handling food allergy-related concerns and anxiety.
Who is presenting: Linda Jones Herbert, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology & Behavioral Health at Children’s National Hospital and an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC.
Food intolerance vs. food allergy – what’s the difference?
September 30 @ 12-1pm EDT
Food allergy and food intolerances are often confused because their symptoms can be similar. With so much confusion surrounding these conditions, be sure to get clear answers from our session! Register now.
What the webinar is about: Food allergy vs food intolerance, and how to distinguish between them. You’ll learn how these conditions are diagnosed, the most common food intolerances, the signs and symptoms of each condition, the potential to outgrow them, when they can develop, and how to treat reactions.
Who is presenting: Dr. Wade Watson, a Professor of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Head of the Division of Allergy, IWK Health Centre, and Chair of the Specialty Committee, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Register now: Allergy Pals/Allies fall session
Our free 8-week online mentorship program begins on September 21, 2024! Sign up your 7-15-year-old now, so they don’t miss out on an incredible experience connecting with other children with food allergy.
These online sessions are fun, engaging and have received outstanding feedback from previous participants.
Register your child today to confirm their spot!
Small group webinar on managing food allergy and anaphylaxis: Next session is August 14
Attend a free 90-minute interactive webinar led by a trained parent mentor to get your questions answered while connecting with others. You’ll learn fundamental information about daily management and living confidently with food allergy.
These sessions are geared towards parents of children who have been recently diagnosed with food allergy. It’s also a great session for others who are interested in this topic or would like a refresher. Following the session, you’ll be able to answer:
- What is food allergy
- How to prevent a reaction
- What is anaphylaxis, including signs and symptoms
- What to do in case of a reaction
Sessions are limited to 6 attendees, so register now to save your spot. Our next session is Wednesday, August 14th.
Connect with a support group
Have you considered a support group? It provides a positive and caring environment for you to get help in dealing with the day-to-day stress of managing food allergy and risk of anaphylaxis.
It’s also a great way to keep updated on any new developments in the food allergy community and exchange tips for navigating throughout the year.
Find a support group near you and connect now! If there isn’t one in your community, we’ll help you get one started.
Encore series
In this series, we feature past online events and webinars. This month, we’re sharing a webinar on understanding oral allergy syndrome/pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). PFAS is considered a type of food allergy and as late summer and early fall is ragweed season, many people may be experiencing symptoms.
Find more information on PFAS, including a visual chart on pollen season and the foods that may trigger symptoms. Learn more.
Webinar: Understanding pollen food allergy syndrome
Watch our webinar with Dr. Anne Ellis to learn the basics of PFAS, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, reactions and their severity, and how to manage it.
You can watch all our past webinars and videos at foodallergycanada.ca/webinars and check our events calendar for this year’s upcoming webinars and events!
Tags: Allergy Pals, Newly diagnosed, Support groups, webinars