At Orchard Park, we strive to provide the safest environment possible for all children attending the school. With that in mind, we feel that it is very important to be educated in order to successfully manage severe allergic reactions.

Anaphylaxis: is a term that describes sudden and severe, life threatening allergic reactions that occur as a result of exposure to a substance.

Anaphylaxis is different than a localized allergic reaction, which affects only 1 organ system.

With anaphylaxis, more than 1 organ system is involved. Without immediate, appropriate treatment, anaphylaxis can quickly (within minutes) lead to a drop in blood pressure, unconsciousness, coma and death.

The treatment is a dose of epinephrine, given with an EpiPen. It will, hopefully, slow down the reaction long enough to get the person to further medical attention and treatment.

What can cause anaphylaxis? Some causes are foods (nuts, peanuts, eggs, milk, shellfish,) food additives, medications, insect stings and latex.

Why Nuts/ Peanuts: Nuts and Peanuts have become two of North America's most allergic foods and are one of the leading causes of anaphylaxis, especially in the school setting.

Nut residue stays on items such as table tops, computers, library books and playground equipment, until cleaned off with soap and water. Even trace amounts of nuts can be enough to cause anaphylaxis. A tiny amount of residue ingested through the eyes, nose or mouth can prove fatal to an allergic person. It is important that a person allergic to nuts not come in contact with nuts or nut residue.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis: These symptoms can occur in any combination.

Tingling of mouth and throat.

Hives and itching of any body part.

Swelling of any body part (esp. eyes, lips, face or tongue)

Coughing, wheezing.

Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Fainting or loss of consciousness

These symptoms must be recognized and treated quickly. If not, the reaction can quickly lead to death. EpiPens and 911 are the only treatment!

What are we to do to "Reduce The Risk" of exposure to peanuts/nuts at school: Choose food items for school that do not contain peanuts/nuts. Teach children to wash hands before and after eating. Teach children not to share food. Put garbage in its place.

What is nut safe? Nut safe means that the food does not contain nuts, nut butter, nut oil or any form of nut at all. It must not contain traces of nuts/peanuts. If the product does not have an ingredient label (such as bulk bin products or store bought baked goods,) please do not bring them into school. Save those products for home.

Read ingredients carefully before sending food to school. Foods that are important to check carefully are: cakes, muffins, brownies, cookies, candy, chocolate, granola and cereal bars, potato chips, any food packed or made with oil, ice cream and popsicle's.

Canadian food manufacturers are required to list ingredients. Foreign manufacturers are not. Please, err on the side of caution.

Where to get ideas… If you have any questions or concerns or would like ideas for nut-safe snacks and lunches, visit our bulletin board outside the office.

If your child has allergies: Provide the school and teacher with complete details about the allergy.

Have your child were a Medic Alert bracelet at all times.

Provide an EpiPen for your child (the school cannot administer epinephrine unless it is specifically prescribed for that child).

Educate your child not to share food with other people.

We invite all parents, students, and teachers to do their part in helping keep all children at Orchard Public School as safe as possible.

Help us to "Reduce the Risk" of anaphylaxis by providing safe food for all students