Bullying is something that youth and adolescents alike, who have allergies often have to deal with. It can be really challenging for some and awareness around this topic is becoming more critical.
I highly suggest you read the following article, written by American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI); Where There’s an Allergy, There’s a Bully and share with your networks.
I am very excited to be attending thanks to Allergen NCE. There is a little more information on their website now about the topics that will be discussed and the FINAL Program is also up!
Looking through the numerous sessions, titles and keynotes & speakers has been extremely inspiring, as my primary concerns and interest lie in why asthma is on the rise, and, how to manage asthma in the work place or school. It is one thing to have a home that is clear of mold and dust and is controlled, however I haven’t quite figured out how to deal with alternate environments which have multiple triggers that are beyond my control.
Over the next few days, I will be looking through the program and trying to figure out which sessions I will be attending! It’s like looking at a menu! Hopefully I will be seeing some of you there!
BTW, I can’t seem to find abstracts yet either…
If you are on Facebook, like my page and get daily links to stories in the news and articles. www.facebook.com/LivingwithAllergies
Does your child have asthma and or anaphylaxis? Are they between 7 and 15 years of age? Here’s an opportunity you most definitely won’t want them to miss out on! After 2 pilot studies the University of Alberta Social Support Research Program and Anaphylaxis Canada and several others, are launching a full scale 8 week online program, lead by Investigator; Dr. Miriam Stewart.
“Based on [the] comments, from parents after the pilot study, the answer is an overwhelming “Yes!” Yes, this study is a worthy investment of your limited time! Yes, your son/daughter will want to participate” – SOS website Kids Want to Attend
By week 8 your child will be wishing there were more sessions. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to talk, share, laugh and make new friends from across the country who they might actually share an awful lot in common with! Check out there site https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/sos/project-definition
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me! I was a mentor in both pilot interventions and am always excited to discuss. I know as a mentor, I learned a lot from the children and youth and had an amazing experience. Great people, a fun time and so much to take away with you after the fact! Even some role playing. =)
Have you ever had an anaphylactic reaction? The Youth Anaphylaxis Panel in conjunction with Anaphylaxis Canada have a special section on their website dedicated to opening up the floor for sharing. Perhaps someone will learn from reading your story, or become more cautious about the dangers of cross-contamination. There are many stories on their “Reaction Registry” http://www.whyriskit.ca/pages/en/resources/reaction-registry/browse-reaction-registry.php
Even if you don’t feel like sharing yours, it’s a great place to skim through a few stories of youth and young adults who have been through similar events as you. Their site also has great resources for youth, including podcasts and videos! From dating to dining out and travelling with food allergies.
It’s all about community and awareness.
The weather is beautiful. The sun is out, not too much wind here on the island lately and it is the perfect weather to do some physical activity outdoors. I’ve been going for morning bike rides this past week and it’s amazing how a beautiful bike ride can go negative when you get stuck behind someone on the bike path who is smoking a cigarette as they ride. I think there is a time and a place to smoke, and it is NOT on the bike path. Anyone else think like me?
Biking through a cloud of cigarette is not quite my “cup of tea”, especially first thing in the morning. Is there anything that can be done to create more awareness for people who smoke, about the impact their “puff” can have on someone who is asthmatic? Having to stop and wait it out for 5-10 minutes isn’t really all that enjoyable nor does it make any sense. Why should we have to stop and wait? Unfortunately enough for me, at 6:30 in the morning, I didn’t think to stop as I was headed to work and tried to keep my distance, still getting a significant amount of smoke since I was down-wind of the person.
As mentioned in my previous post, there is an online allergy and asthma outreach intervention that will be starting in the fall. I have been a mentor in both pilot studies and worked with the research team and highly recommend this opportunity to youth with anaphylaxis and.or asthma. Here is a short message from one of the organizers, about the study and her contact information, if you are interested (with the audience being youth). Please have a read into this amazing study!
