Recognizing the signs of Anaphylaxis an Allergic, Life-threatening Reaction

The Fanwood Scotch Plains YMCA is hosting a program on recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis,  a sudden, severe, allergic, life-threatening reaction.   All community members are invited to attend this free program on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 6:30 pm.

 Many of the deaths in the U.S. each year due to anaphylaxis could be prevented if more people knew the symptoms and the immediate treatment needed to survive.  To increase awareness of anaphylaxis, Mountainside, NJ allergist Joel Mendelson, MD and Metuchen resident Allison Inserro, an advocate for children with severe food allergies,  have joined the national Anaphylaxis Community Experts (ACEs) educational program to present community awareness programs to schools, hospital grand rounds, PTA meetings, medical offices, Scouting organizations, EMS, fire and police departments, and more.  This program is the second in a series that will be presented in Middlesex and Union counties.  It will be held at the Fanwood Scotch Plains YMCA, located at 1340 Martine Ave Scotch Plains, NJ 07076-2524.  Registration is required, please email Shannon Frank at sfrank@fanwoodscotchplainsymca. org.  Please give you name, email, phone number and any affiliation.

 “The first line of treatment is early administration of epinephrine. Most fatalities from anaphylaxis occur outside the home, especially when treatment is delayed,” said Dr. Mendelson, who is the Director of Allergy and Immunology at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. “Our goal is to show parents, teachers, school nurses, emergency responders and others how to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis symptoms the moment they begin. Our goal is to save lives.”