Central Maine - June 6th

Allergies—The Irritating Signs of Summer

"Some allergies can be deadly
In addition to environmental allergies, Dyer said that food allergies are on the rise. Nuts are one of the major offenders that can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. The non-profit organization Red Sneakers for Oakley was formed in 2016 to raise awareness of the seriousness of food allergies among children. The organization was established by Merrill and Robert Debbs whose 11-year old son Oakley died in Kennebunkport from an anaphylactic reaction to nuts. Oakley’s reaction was reportedly treated with Benadryl rather than epinephrine because his parents were unaware that his nut allergy could cause an anaphylactic reaction. Oakley always wore red sneakers when he played sports and his parents now encourage people across the world to wear red sneakers to raise awareness of the seriousness of food allergies. For more information, see redsneakers.org/about-us."