Peanut Allergies

Peanut Allergies By: Mitch Vercellino Author: viZZZual.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/vizzzual-dot-com/2258190742/

Preview Throughout this PowerPoint the following issues will be discussed: • What are Peanut Allergies • What to do when a allergic reaction occurs • The impact of Peanut Allergies in the schools • What can be done to prevent reactions • Are there any laws on Peanut Allergies?

What are Peanut Allergies? • Appears mostly in children. • Peanut allergies are becoming more common every year (Food allergies have increased 55% in the last 5 years) • Common Symptoms: Skin reactions, digestive problems, tightening of chest, running or stuffy nose, dizziness, loss of conscience, itchiness and swelling of the mouth and throat. • Exposure to peanuts can occur through direct contact, cross contact and inhalation of a peanut.

Are Peanut Allergies Serious? • YES! For Kids safety and well-being! • Peanut allergies affect everyone in the school. • “40%-50% of those persons with diagnosed food allergy are judged to have a high risk of anaphylaxis” (Driscoll) • Every food allergy has the potential to develop into a life-threatening reaction. • “Peanut and tree nuts account for 92% of severe and fatal reactions” (Driscoll).

When Allergies Attack! • Staff need to be prepared when a students has an allergic reaction. • When a reaction happens the victim needs to be injected with adrenaline. • If a student has an anaphylactic reaction then the student needs immediate medical attention. SCHOOL’S SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING

Impact on Schools (Part 1) • School districts are going to have to deal with students allergies. • Schools will have to know the best way to avoid reactions and what to do when reactions occur. “1 in 5 children with food allergies will have a reaction while in school” (Driscoll 2)

Impact on Schools (Part 2) • Parents have to be aware of what their children are taking for lunch. • Schools have to be conscience of what they’re serving in the cafeteria. • Below is a link to an article in Newsweek about allergies in the Lunchroom: http://www.newsweek.com/id/62296 Author: Bruce Tuten http://www.flickr.com/photos/savannahgrandfather/3110488970/

What Can Schools Do? • Schools need to place policies to protect the needs of students. (Ex. would be a Peanut free zone) • Parents need to discuss their kids individual problems with the school nurses. • Schools should be equipped with emergencies supplies. • All staff members need to go through a First Aid program. • Make sure the schools are clean. Example: washing down the tables in the lunchroom.

What Else Can Be Done? • Discourage children from sharing food. • Give children a medical alert bracelet/necklace. • Write out an action plan. • Make sure the child has their medicine. • Notify KEY people that your child has a peanut allergy. • Avoid foods: peanut butter, salad dressing, anything with peanut oil, ice cream, chocolate candies and even cultural foods such as Chinese and Mexican. (Clinic 6) Author: John Adkins II http://www.flickr.com/photos/foto71/3691527422/

The Future… • Peanut allergies victims do not have a long effective cure yet. • Doctors feel they are close to finding a cure and getting a complete grip on peanut allergies. • As of right now, many schools in Michigan have actually gone as far as banning any foods with peanut oils in them. This is called being Nut Restricted. • Other schools just have peanut free zones and classrooms. This is called being Nut Aware. Author: EuroMagic http://www.flickr.com/photos/euromagic/2351628831/

Legislation Laws: • There are no National or State laws enforcing rules about Peanut Allergies. • School Districts have to be aware of their students issues and accommodate accordingly. • Parents have to be active also. They should always communicate with the schools and be a voice in their child’s life.

Works Cited • Driscoll, David P. Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools. Massachusetts Department of Education, 2002. • Kalb, Claudia. “Fear and Allergies in the Lunchroom.” Newsweek: 5 November 2007. http://www.newsweek.com/id/62296 • Mayo Clinic. Peanut Allergy. Mayo Clinic Health Manager, 2009.

Peanut Allergies