STAYING SAFE

RESTAURANTS - ask about any food before you eat - asking takes only a second and can save a life - a restaurant card from Anaphylaxis Canada can help you explain.

FOOD - keep a snack with you, just in case you can't eat the food where you are.

LEARN - common alternate names for your allergen and pay attention to your triggers.

MEDICATION - if you don't have epinephrine with you - don't eat! Epinephrine can save your life. Keep it with you, let your friends know where to find it and teach them how to use an auto-injector.

COSMETICS - food allergens can be used in cosmetics, so be sure to read the labels just as you would for food. Call manufacturers to ask or take certain brands in to your allergist - cosmetics, bath and massage oils labeled "hypoallergenic" may contain food proteins, so be careful.

DATING - risky? Possibly. Be sure your date knows about your allergy and takes it seriously. You can have a reaction by kissing someone who's eaten your trigger (like eating a peanut butter sandwich then kissing). Let them know what a serious reaction might look like, show them your epinephrine and how to use it.

Avoidance is the key. In the case of food-induced reactions, people have to understand their triggers, learn alternate names for what they are allergic to and read all labels. In restaurants people who live the risk for anaphylaxis must ask about their allergen. Even when you're careful, reactions can still occur and people at risk have to always be prepared to manage them.

Why is MedicAlert® so important?

All people at risk for anaphylaxis should wear MedicAlert® identification. Dizziness or loss of consciousness could prevent self-administration of epinephrine and stops someone from communicating with hospital personnel.The MedicAlert® bracelet should state the allergy and that the person carries epinephrine and where they carry it (e.g. EpiPen® in fanny pack) so anyone will know to look for the device.

FRIENDS - can mean the difference between life and death. Everyone needs to know what's going on and what to do.

Quick thinking in an emergency can make a real difference!