Be aware. Show you care.
Food Allergy Week is an initiative of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA), a registered charity and Australia’s only national support organisation dedicated to promoting community understanding about food allergies to help protect those at risk. It is dedicated to helping individuals and carers alike in managing allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis.
The week is about educating the public and creating awareness about food allergies and how to manage them. With one in 10 children developing an allergy before their first birthday, Australia has one of the highest rates of food allergies in the world and it’s growing at a rapid rate. It is estimated that there are 800,000 Australians with a diagnosed food allergy, and many more remain undiagnosed.
For many, managing severe allergies doesn’t stop when you grow up. Individuals in their teens and 20’s are at the greatest risk of an allergic reaction. There are more than 170 foods known to be triggers — dairy, eggs, wheat, yeast, nuts, sulphites, bananas, kiwi fruit, mustard and celery, just to name a few!
Signs and symptoms to watch out for
Do you know the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction? It’s surprising how many don’t! Many of us have been guilty of a self-diagnosis using ‘Dr Google’. If you suspect you have a food allergy, it’s important to consult your general practitioner. If you have a family member or friend with a known food allergy, make sure you know when and how to administer their adrenaline (epinephrine sometimes known as an epi pen) injector.
Why proper diagnosis is important
A&AA say it is important that the diagnosis of a food allergy is made by a medical practitioner with experience in food allergies and to never self-diagnose or rely on anecdotal information for a diagnosis.
A person who is suspected of having a food allergy should obtain a referral to see an allergy specialist for correct diagnosis, advice on preventative management and emergency treatment. A referral to a dietitian may also be required, particularly with multiple food allergies.
Help is at hand
Reaching out for help early in a food allergy journey can help to make that journey smoother. Help and support is available thanks to A&AA. They are there to listen and to give evidence-based information and advice. They have a telephone help line (1300 728 000) with trained health educators available to talk people through their food allergy management questions and point them in the right direction for treatment. They know it is difficult, but it is so much easier if you have help from people who understand.
Free A&AA subscription
Being diagnosed with severe allergy can be overwhelming but it’s comforting to know you’re not alone. You can also subscribe to A&AA via the website at no cost, and gain access to a range of resources, discounts and a network of people who are in the same situation as you.
Reason to celebrate
Having a severe allergy doesn’t mean you have to stop living your life (or eating donuts). With awareness, education and training, those who live with allergies and their families can lead normal, healthy lives.
Visit the Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia website for more information.
The simple pleasure of an OMG! donut
One of the greatest joys we at OMG! Decadent Donuts have, is to witness the look of pure joy when a child or adult who has previously been unable to enjoy the simple pleasure of eating a donut, bites in to one of our donuts for the very first time, knowing they can do so safely.
Highly certified
OMG! Decadent Donuts are one of the most highly certified foods in Australia. Each batch of donut mix is independently tested in a food laboratory to ensure cross contamination has not occurred. The donuts are free from gluten, dairy, wheat, eggs, yeast, nuts and sulphites. There are no GMOs and no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
