Student awareness of anaphylaxis vital

A recent media release from the Office of the Victorian Premier (29-10-2007), titled New laws to protect children from deathly allergies said that “Royal Children’s Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis tripled from 23 in 2001 to 71 in 2006.

“While we don’t know why anaphylaxis is on the increase we can protect children at risk through better training and planning in our schools and children services,” Victorian Premier, John Brumby said.

A new Australian children’s book, Jersey- Nuts about School, written for 3-8 yr olds, is an entertaining and educational storybook providing information for fellow students about anaphylaxis. It raises awareness of the effects, strategies to avoid contact, importance of choosing healthy no-nut lunch alternatives, signs and symptoms of someone having an anaphylactic reaction, and getting urgent help. There are corresponding resources available to highlight further awareness of anaphylaxis through classroom worksheets for K-2 students as well as computer activities for Stage 2 and Stage 3 children.

As the diagnosis of anaphylaxis is rapidly increasing, more and more children are attending schools and children’s services with anaphylaxis. Unlike many other conditions, anaphylaxis can be triggered by the effects of other people’s food choices. Therefore it is imperative that more information is available to teachers, caregivers and fellow students to understand the important role everyone has to play in helping to prevent these life threatening anaphylactic reactions.

Jersey – Nuts about School presents these messages in a positive and entertaining way, with bright, colourful and engaging pictures that open up opportunities for further discussion and learning.

The Author is an Early Childhood teacher with 10 years experience in Schools, Preschools and Health Education.

The Illustrator is an Art Therapist who has illustrated 2 other published books.