Roughly 15 million Americans have food allergies, and that number is on the rise. With roughly 318 million people living in America, that leaves a lot of people who may not understand what a food allergy is, how to help someone who deals with allergies, and how to Be a PAL.

Do you or a family member have a food allergy? Let us help!

It’s important for both the allergy-sufferer and non-allergic family member or friend to know exactly what to do (and not to do) when around someone who suffers from a food allergy.

3 Simple Steps to Be a PAL

Roughly 1 in 13 kids in America has a food allergy. Your child’s friend, your neighbor, or even your own child may be the “1” in this statistic! It’s important to know, and to educate your kids, on ways to increase safety.

Wash Your Hands Often

After eating, immediately wash your hands to ensure that any food particle that could cause a negative reaction is removed.

Don’t Share Food

Those who suffer from allergies have to eat certain food to ensure a negative reaction doesn’t happen. If you share food, there may be an ingredient in the food that may cause harm.

Get Help Immediately

If a child or friend is feeling sick after eating, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. It’s important to call 911 to receive proper treatment or give them the medicine they need. Ignoring how a child feels could transform into a life or death situation.

Types of Food Allergies

A food allergy is an overreaction of your immune system to an ingredient in food. Most allergic reactions are caused by eight foods: cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. However, many more exist.

If you have a food allergy or intolerance, call us today at 270-228-2811 to schedule an appointment!