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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2008-07-23, Page 17Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Times–Advocate 17 Allergy awareness needed in communities By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — "This is a do or die situation," says Exeter's Jennifer Skonieczny, speaking of her six-year-old son Dean's severe aller- gy to eggs. Dean was officially diagnosed with his egg allergy when he was almost 22 months old. He is also allergic to milk, peanuts and chocolate, and was diagnosed with asthma at seven months old. Skonieczny is hoping to bring more allergy awareness to the community, explaining that it is an extremely serious issue. "We need to be more outspo- ken and cautious," says Skonieczny, who says she hopes people realize the health risks involved with allergies. Skonieczny says every day is tough regarding the decisions she makes for Dean. She says everything from the food she gives her son to the places she takes him could be life threatening. Skonieczny says there are certain foods she sticks to when feeding Dean, adding, "I have to read all of the labels to make sure the items are safe." Dean is able to have some certain treats like soy ice cream. Skonieczny says she is also cautious where she takes her son, explaining they were out recently playing when Dean tried to use the slide — he couldn't because there was "chocolate on the slide," says Dean. Occurances like this have happened more than once. A few months ago while out with his babysitter, some eggs had been thrown near his school on the sidewalk. Fortunately she noticed them, but if she hadn't Dean could have easily been in con- tact with the eggs. Skonieczny says Dean's allergies are not, "a choice I have. There is no choice for a normal life. I either do it or I risk losing him. If I don't learn, I can't guide him through life." Dean, who is going into Grade 1 at Exeter Public School says he feels safe at school, but he is careful. "We nee more ou and cauti S At lunchtime Dean says, "They give me my own table," explaining that the other students who have food which he is not allergic to are able to sit with him at the table. But Skonieczny says even then there is a risk. "If there is residue from mayonnaise, for example, still on the table, it's just an instance of accidental ingestion." All Dean has to do is touch the mayon- naise residue and put his finger in his mouth and he could have an allergic reaction. Skonieczny also says with Dean going into Grade 1 next year, there will be school lunch days, including sub days that she's con- cerned about. Dean, whose last reaction was years ago, wears a MedicAlert bracelet and an EpiPen in case of an allergic reaction. He also uses an inhaler and takes Reactine and Singular medication everyday. It is unknown how or why Dean has aller- gies; his younger brother Jared has none. "There are no allergies on my side but there are on my husband's side," says Skonieczny. Skonieczny says there is still the chance Dean could lose his allergies in time, but for now she is doing everything she can to ensure her son's safety. Skonieczny says she commends Ontario for passing Sabrina's Law in 2006 which requires school staff to know how to use the EpiPen. Skonieczny says she would like to see a Food Label Law passed, which requires all food package labels to clearly and thor- oughly list priority allergens among the ingredients. A write-in campaign is avail- able at www. allergicliving. coin For more information on allergies visit the Allergy/Asthma Information Association (AAIA) website at www. aaia. ca. The num- ber for the local branch in St. Marys is 1- 888-250-2298. There are also several other websites dedicated to providing information on spe- cific allergies. d to be tspoken ous" JENNIFER KONIECZNY Exi-Plast donation Doubling up — Frank Zawalsky (right) and Marianne Benson (centre) from Exi-Plast Custom Moulding Ltd. in Huron Park, recently presented a check for $520 to Leanne Robinson for the Crediton Community Centre Improvement Fund. Exi-Plast matched the money raised from the third annual Demo Day barbecue at Morrison Dam Conservation Area on July 5. (photo/submitted) Allergy awareness — Exeter's six-year-old Dean Skonieczny, above, was diagnosed with a severe egg allergy when he was almost 22 months old. Dean is also allergic to milk, peanuts and chocolate. He wears a MedicAlert bracelet and an EpiPen in his pouch around his waist. Dean loves playing on equip- ment like this slide at Exeter Public School. Recently, he couldn't play on a local slide because someone spilled chocolate on it. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) Two drug warrants executed in Middlesex MIDDLESEX — On July 8 at a residence on William Street in Lucan, Police seized a quantity of dried marihuana, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), oxycodone and marijuana plants. A large quantity of money and drug paraphernalia was also seized. A 24 -year-old man and a 53 -year-old female of Lucan Biddulph are charged with the production of a con- trolled substance and three counts of possession of a controlled substance. A second warrant was execut- ed July 9 at a residence on Townsend Line in North Middlesex. Police seized 340 marijuana plants and a quantity of dried marihuana. A 44 -year-old man and an 18 -year-old man of North Middlesex are charged with the production of a controlled substance and HAY YOU! Custom Large Square Baling 3'x3'x? Knives, liquid preservative applicator CALL ANYTIME DAN S HAPTO N 519-614-2749 possession of a controlled substance. 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