Health News Regarding Food Allergies

10/30/2008

A number of students at Naper School have potential life threatening allergies.  Some students are allergic to foods containing nuts, peanuts, dairy products, gluten/wheat, shellfish, fruit or eggs.  Still others are allergic to insect stings.  When people with life threatening allergies are exposed to the substance to which they are allergic, their reaction can include hives, rash and itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, coughing, and throat clearing.  Swelling of the face, hands, tongue and throat, dangerously low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and shock can occur, constituting a medical emergency.

Because our school wishes to minimize the exposure of students with life threatening allergies to their allergy triggers, we ask for the help of everyone in the school community.

In order to decrease potential exposure, it is recommended that all children should wash their hands before leaving for school.  This is particularly important after eating any obvious nut-containing foods, especially those that are sticky, such as peanut butter.  We ask that everyone observe the "no eating on the school bus" rule.  Children should also avoid eating nut containing products at the bus stop.  In addition, children should be taught not to share food with others.  We are also teaching our students to alert an adult anytime that they see another student is having a health concern.

Your cooperation in following these simple steps, will help keep our school population safe.

Questions regarding life threatening allergies and other health related issues may be directed to Ellen Wolff, RN school nurse.  She can be reached at 630-420-6936.

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