Logging on AS kids spend more and mere time online, finding the right home computer for school work has become a key Issue for parents. HEWS photo Prepare for allergy trouble IT’S that time of year again. As children head back into the classroom, it’s impor- tant that administra- tors, educators, par- ents and children understand some of the facts regarding a severe allergic reac- tion, also known as anaphyiaxis. Given the growing num- ber of children who are severely allergic to peanuts, and other allergens such as tree nuts, dairy products, shellfish and eggs, the fol- ‘lowing facts and tips might help save a life. Parents, if you have an anaphylactic child entering the school system, make sure . you contact the principal, classroom teacher and public health nurse for your child’s school, in advance. Administrators and teach- ers will take time to meet with parents whose children must face special health needs, Make sure your child is wearing a bracelet. . If they have an anaphylac- tic reaction while away from home, emergency first responders will know right away what is happening, and how to treat them. - -Teachers, help inform non-allergic students about the realities of children living with severe allergies. Severely allergic children need support, ‘acceptance and respect from their fellow students. “Where — possible . and appropriate, parents of non- allergic children. should be informed about anaphylaxis so'they can explain the facts to their children. It’s important to’ know that: @ a confirmed one per cent of.all Canadian children has allergies ssevere enough to bring. on an anaphylactic reaction; : . @ anaphylaxis is a life-threat- ening severe allergic reaction which can develop within seconds of exposure to an allergen; Gi the immediate administra- tion of epinephrine is critical in reversing anaphylactic shock; anaphylactic children must carry an EpiPen or Anakii at all times, for immediate administration of epineph- rine in the case of anaphylac- tic reaction; @® the Allergy/Asthma Information Association rec- ommends that all anaphylac- tic children should wear MedicAlert identification at all times. Symptoms of Anaphylaxis MedicAlert _ : include: @ itching; @ hives or swelling of the lips or face; & running eyes and nose; & nausea, and or vomiting; @ difficulty breathing. Allergy Resources 8 Avaplhylaxis: A Handbook for School Boards is available by sending $10 to the Canadian School Board Association at 130 Slater Street, Suite 350, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 6£2, or phone (613) 235-3724 or fax (613) 238-8434. @ The = Allergy/Asthma Information Association can be reached at 1-800-611- 7011. Their B.C. and Yukon & clothes too! New Fall Arrivais e-mail address is ; their -Web site is or calf 1- 877-500-2242. @ Call the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation at I- 800-668-1507, or visit their Web site at . for Sept 2000 ~ 2001 we Part time/full time mw ECE cartified instructors % Flexible hours ke Ongoing enrollment 515 Windsor Rd. N. Van 985-8310 or 720-1296 QuALITyY SCHCOL Unironm SHOES The full Fall line is also in store 4483 'W. 10th Ave., Vancouver 228-8786 www.la-marelie.com _info@la-mareile.com _ Sales in West Van as well. Plozse cail us.