June 7, 2010 – Niagara West - Glanbrook Member of Parliament Dean Allison gave notice for a motion in the House of Commons today: That in the opinion of the House, anaphylaxis is a serious concern for an increasing number of Canadians and the government should take the appropriate measures necessary to ensure these Canadians are able to maintain a high quality of life.
Anaphylaxis is a medical condition describing people with severe, life threatening allergies. Reactions are rapid in onset and may cause death without immediate treatment. Food is the most common cause of anaphylaxis, but insect stings, medicine, latex or exercise can cause reactions. In Canada, the most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, fish, sesame and wheat. Anaphylaxis has no cure, though important research and efforts to find a cure are underway. Avoidance is the required preventative measure.
The MP’s motion is welcomed by hundreds of family members of the local group Niagara Anaphylaxis Support and Knowledge (NASK). They seek to motivate support across Canada for the Niagara MP’s efforts to raise greater awareness on Parliament Hill and prompt responsible action with Government officials. NASK President Cindy Paskey explains, “As more and more Canadian families face the challenges of raising a child with one or multiple severe allergies, a coordinated, thoughtful set of government initiatives will help to raise public understanding of anaphylaxis, and provide greater safety of its children and citizens. We ask government to take steps to help to reduce the risk of unnecessary and preventable anaphylactic attacks. Everyone benefits. Medical emergencies are avoided. Lives are saved.”
Ms. Paskey adds, “Of necessity, there is a great deal of personal responsibility when living with anaphylaxis. Avoiding your allergens is the only way to stay alive. With the support of MPs and government officials, we can raise greater public understanding, promote responsible safety measures, educate people on the signs of a reaction and how to help a person in need - similar to CPR education. This coordinated government approach will lead to reducing risk and to safer environments for those living with life-threatening allergies and to those providing care and services. Canadians and our governments have successfully tackled a wide range of health concerns that has made Canada a safer, healthier, happier place to live. Anaphylaxis deserves the same attention.”
The NASK group is very optimistic about the prospects of their awareness drive given recent attention in Ottawa on anaphylaxis. Just weeks ago, the House of Commons passed a unanimous motion to recognize May as Food Allergy Awareness Month. The Canadian Transportation Agency is about to make a ruling regarding airlines’ safety protocols respecting allergies. Also, Health Canada is reviewing new food labeling regulations that highlight the importance of listing ingredients and allergy information.
Mindi Ferkul, NASK member says, “We are very thankful to Dean Allison and his commitment to this awareness drive. We will reach out to MPs and have other Canadians concerned about the government’s response to this issue reaching out to their local MPs. Through this effort with Parliamentarians, we trust we will see action from the government, from the Health Minister and Transport Minister. The Government should demonstrate positive leadership on this issue.”
For more information, visit http://nask.ca/events.html and contact:
Cindy Paskey, NASK President -- 905 934-0681 / nask.niagara@gmail.com
Mindi Ferkul, NASK -- 905 938-9100 / mindif@cogeco.ca
Debbie Bruce, NASK -- 905 828 1954 / debbiebruce-allergies@rogers.com
Don Tulloch, Legislative Assistant, M.P. Dean Allison -- 613 995-2772 / allisd0@parl.gc.ca
POSITIVE change in raising anaphylaxis education and awareness at the Federal level is our goal (like the diabetes or stroke campaigns, recognizing signs and symptoms, more education and training, more consistency in risk-reduction and preventative measures at a NATIONAL level - positive, helpful changes for those that live with severe allergies every day). However, YOUR MP NEEDS TO KNOW if it affects your life and therefore impacts and matters to you. MPs are there to HELP and are more than WILLING to help their constituents. It's all there for us to utilize, and I've learned that it's easy! Bonus, the NASK website conveniently provides your MP contact info and template letters, easy as 1-2-3! Please write your MP using the template and let NASK know you've taken action! Email nask.niagara@gmail.com Together, our collective voices will be heard. Mindi Ferkul, NASK Member More info: http://www.nask.ca/events.html
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