05/11/2008 Print Version
Millions of people in the United States have food allergies,
and children under three are especially susceptible to their effects. Unfortunately, these allergies and
anaphylaxis, the deadly reaction caused by them, result in more than 150 deaths
and 30,000 hospital visits each year.
Many times, it only takes a small amount of a food
allergen to trigger a reaction. Some of
the possible effects are hives, itchy eyes, runny nose, difficulty breathing,
shock and even death. Allergies can be
better kept under control, however, by taking careful precautions such as
reading ingredient labels, learning how foods are prepared when eating out and
creating an allergy management plan in the event of an occurrence.
Food Allergy Awareness Week is a great
opportunity to learn about the actions we can take to protect ourselves, our
loved ones and friends. I encourage
Californians who experience these allergies or think they might have them to
seek assistance from a medical professional and take necessary precautions so
that they may stay strong and healthy.
NOW,
THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 11-17,
2008, as "Food Allergy Awareness Week."
IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8th day
of May 2008.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California
ATTEST:
DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State
