Raise Your Hand for Anaphylaxis Awareness #spon

Last Updated on March 22, 2017 by Diane Hoffmaster

This discussion of anaphylaxis awareness has been sponsored but all opinions expressed are my own.

In my non blogging life, I work as a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician.  Some of the most commonly requested advice from my patients has to do with treating allergies.  I’m sure many of you are familiar with both seasonal and indoor allergies…the sniffling, the sneezing, the itchy and watery eyes, etc.  Food allergies are also starting to become more common, with many people having to eat a restricted diet due to food sensitivities.  However, there is a particular type of allergic response that is life threatening and that is called anaphylaxis.  Anaphylaxis is more than just your typical hay fever, upset stomach or rash.  Anaphylaxis involves a number of different reactions from swelling of the airways and difficulty breathing to nausea and vomiting.  It is a whole body severe allergic reaction that can kill a person if not treated quickly.

Anaphylaxis Awareness Campaign

“Modern Family” Star Julie Bowen has a son with severe, life threatening allergic reactions.  It is a terrifying thing for a parent to deal with.  She is calling on communities to Raise Their Hand for Anaphylaxis Awareness in a  nationwide competition.  A total of $60,000 will be awarded to school districts in educational grants recommended for anaphylaxis education.  Raise Your Hand for Anaphylaxis Awareness^{™ is} a community-driven competition designed to bring attention to the issue of life-threatening allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis. Sponsored by Mylan Specialty L.P., Raise Your Hand for Anaphylaxis Awareness is a unique competition created to raise awareness of and preparedness for severe or life-threatening allergies,.  The goal is to rallypeople to virtually “raise their hand” for their school district to be counted as one committed to anaphylaxis awareness. Mylan Specialty will award the four school districts with the most hands raised grants of $15,000 to support educational programs, including anaphylaxis-related activities.  How can you help?

1. Raise Your Hand Visit www.Anaphylaxis101.com to share your personal stories and pledge your support for your school district to win a $15,000 grant. All public school districts in the U.S. are eligible.
2. Spread the Word  Let others in your school community know about this competition and why you decided to raise your hand for anaphylaxis awareness by emailing, posting on Facebook and Tweeting.
3. Come Back Often  You can Raise Your Hand once a day beginning on May 21, 2013 until October 1, 2013. Winning school districts will be notified no later than December 30, 2013.

The Raise Your Hand for Anaphylaxis Awareness competition will be featured at a series of local events and community outreach efforts to reinforce the importance of recognizing the symptoms of anaphylaxis and empowering people to respond when they witness a life-threatening allergic reaction. Those at risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction should avoid allergens at all times and have two epinephrine auto-injectors readily available to use because accidental allergen exposure can occur without warning.  Make sure you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about getting an epi-pen to keep with you.  And for kids, ask for a second prescription so you can keep one at your child’s school as well!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”