(NAPSA)—Here’s food for thought: Food allergies affect approximately 15 million Ameri- cans. Despite this, according to a recent survey, half of all Ameri- cans say they lack proper knowledge about the condition. The Danger Many people dangerously believe there’s little or no difference between food allergies and food intolerances and that someone with a food allergy can eat small amounts of a food without having a reaction—when, often, the reac- tion can belife threatening. Fortunately, there are people working on a solution to this problem. An Answer The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) and American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAT) are launching a public service campaign to raise awarenessof accurate food allergy diagnosis and effective management. The campaign encourages Americans with food allergy questions and concerns to see a board-certified allergist and visit www.livingwith foodallergies.org. There, they can quickly access science-based information from trusted sources and find a board-certified allergist nearby. Thesite also provides links to support groups, resources for developing food allergy and anaphylaxis management plans, and other ideas valuable to anyone who has or may havea food allergy. Further Findings The survey also discovered: *More than half of respondents (68 percent) think the average American would not know what to do if someone heor she is with has an allergic reaction to a food; A food allergy can be a serious and often misunderstood condi- tion. A new campaign and website may help. 82 percent agree that much more education needs to be done about food allergies and keeping those with allergies safe; 31 percent incorrectly believe the only difference between a food allergy and a food intoleranceis the level of severity; and One in four reported they would search the Internet or visit a health-related website first for more information. “Too often in my practice, I see patients who don’t have the correct information about food allergies,” explained allergist Todd Mahr, M.D., ACAAI Fellow. “Many people aren’t taking all the steps we recommend to keep themselves or their loved ones safe. Others are living a life that doesn’t have to be as difficult as it is because they have been misdiagnosed with or think they have food allergies.” About the Research Research was conducted by leading international research firm Toluna, on behalf of FAACT and ACAAI. Learn More For further information, visit livingwithfoodallergies.org.
