Acquiring the necessary knowledge and understanding of road rules is essential when driving a car, just as it is crucial to know how to manage allergies. Without this knowledge, the consequences can be disastrous. In order to stay safe and enjoy the full range of activities available to them, individuals must educate themselves and learn the necessary steps to take when eating out, food shopping, or leaving a child in care.
As a parent, it is important to equip yourself with knowledge and routines that will ensure the safety of your child at all times. Carrying EpiPens, reading labels, and asking the right questions in any situation will become second nature, much like putting on a seatbelt before driving.
It is also important to teach children about the rules of managing allergies from a young age, and the Food Allergy SMART Program does just that. This program offers simple, yet effective ways for children to stay safe and be Food Allergy SMART in any situation. By teaching kids about allergies and how to manage them, we can empower them to become advocates for themselves.
However, community understanding and awareness of allergies is also necessary for a safe and inclusive environment. Restaurant staff, educators, teachers, and friends can all play a role in ensuring the safety of those with allergies. The Food Allergy SMART Program visits schools and early learning services throughout Australia and New Zealand to promote allergy awareness and empower children with allergies.
Through positive role models such as Thai and Rabbie, we can help promote allergy awareness and offer support to those with allergies. Thai provides a positive example of how life with allergies can still be amazing, and offers parent and teacher talks to help educate and empower others.
If you would like to learn more about managing allergies, come and say hi at the children’s session on Saturday, October 21 at 11.30am or visit stand D32. It is important to focus on what individuals with allergies can do and eat, and with the right knowledge and support, anything is possible.
Come along and hear Jackie Nevard speak on the Learning Theatre Stage on Saturday 21 October at 11.30am.
