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RevolutionHealth.com Launches Food Allergy Initiative to Educate Public on Dangers to Children: RevolutionHealth.com's Newly-Launched Food Allergy

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WASHINGTON (BusinessWire EON) September 25, 2007 -- Food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis (a sudden, severe, potentially fatal, systemic allergic reaction) outside the hospital setting, accounting for an estimated 30,000 emergency room visits, 2,000 hospitalizations and 200 deaths nationwide each year. A recent poll found that more than half of Americans who suffer from serious food allergies have suffered an allergic reaction because they lacked information or received inaccurate information about the foods they ate.

"It's critical for parents to learn how to identify all the potential hidden sources of food allergens and teach their kids how to avoid them," said Dr. Val Jones, senior medical director of Revolution Health. "Scientists are working on finding new ways to train the immune system to be less sensitive to certain allergy triggers. Immunology research may hold the key to reducing life-threatening allergic responses to food proteins."

The challenges presented by food allergies can be more pronounced for children both because of the severity of their responses and because they are not always able to communicate about their food allergies. Experts estimate that one in 15 children suffers from food allergies, and the number of children with potentially fatal peanut allergies doubled between 1997 and 2002.

Preventing contact with allergens extends well-beyond the kitchen. Common allergens can be hidden in prepared foods or found in household products like shampoo or medicine. Those with serious allergies can have reactions after touching surfaces exposed to allergens. Even kissing may be hazardous: a study in 2006 found that peanut allergen remained in saliva after someone had brushed their teeth.

RevolutionHealth.com's Food Allergy Center features the latest information and resources for those concerned with food allergies:

-- Food Guides - These indispensable charts help parents navigate grocery store aisles and find their way around family recipes. RevolutionHealth.com's printable, downloadable Food Guides list foods to avoid, hidden dangers in the ingredients list and substitutes for common allergens.

-- Allergy Testing - Determining the exact substances that trigger an allergic reaction is critical to controlling that allergy. Today's testing methods go well beyond traditional skin or "scratch" tests to include blood tests, elimination diets and other techniques. The Center gives pros and cons on each testing method to help people determine the best option for themselves or their children.

-- Food Allergies Treatment - The debate between epinephrine injections and over-the-counter medicine like Benadryl is clearly delineated at the Food Allergy Center. This information helps parents make smart choices for their situations.

-- Resources - Letters for school nurses, camp counselors or even a child's friend's parent can help explain a potentially life-threatening situation and alleviate concerns when their child is outside the home. Other resources include recipes for those with celiac disease and comparisons of common allergy treatments.

In addition, Revolution Health will host a conference call with renowned allergist Dr. Wesley Burks of Duke University Medical Center on October 8. Dr. Burks will respond to questions submitted at RevolutionHealth.com's Food Allergy Center. Responses will be posted on the site starting on October 15.

Other expert partners in the Food Allergy Center include Dr. Clifford Bassett, Medical Director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York and nonprofit organizations such as FAAN, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. These experts are joined by an active online community where parents can share their experiences and concerns.

"With the proper information, resources and support in hand, people can manage food allergies and enjoy eating out, snacking and holidays - all of the things that people without food allergies enjoy," said Dr. Bassett. "It takes commitment, but millions of people are managing food allergies every day."

About Revolution Health

Revolution Health Group LLC was created by AOL Co-Founder Steve Case to create products and services that empower people by putting them at the center of the health system. The cornerstone of the company is RevolutionHealth.com, a free consumer health and medical web site that marries expert content and online tools with the power of social networking. Revolution Health also offers premium services that enable companies to provide health content and customized online tools to their employees, an insurance marketplace and CarePages (www.carepages.com), the leading service that enables communication among family and friends when someone is receiving care. For more information go to http://www.RevolutionHealth.com

Food Allergy Sidebar Story

FOOD ALLERGIES BY THE NUMBERS

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2007 - Despite growing awareness of food allergies, many continue to misunderstand their scope and impact. The experts at RevolutionHealth.com have compiled a round-up of the widespread impact of food allergies:

30,000 Emergency Room Visits

In 2001, Archives of Internal Medicine reported that food allergies accounted for more than 30,000 emergency room visits.

200 Deaths a Year

More than 200 deaths a year are due to food allergies, a common and preventable condition.

12 Million Adults

Millions of Americans suffer from food allergies, causing reactions including rashes and hives; itchy throat, lips or tongue; abdominal pain; and difficulty breathing.

One in 15 School-Aged Children

Kids suffering from food allergies face particular challenges, since they can't always express their food restrictions or have limited control over what they ingest. One solution is to send letters to the school nurse and to friends' parents to alert them to food allergies. (include hyperlink to letters).

8 = 90

Just eight common culprits are responsible for nearly 90% of food allergies. Milk, wheat, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (including peanuts), fish and shellfish cause the vast majority of allergic reactions. (include hyperlink to guides)

For more information about the latest research and treatments for food allergies, as well as practical tools to manage this condition, log onto www.RevolutionHealth.com/URL.

About Revolution Health

Revolution Health Group LLC was created by AOL Co-Founder Steve Case to create products and services that empower people by putting them at the center of the health system. The cornerstone of the company is RevolutionHealth.com, a free consumer health and medical web site that marries expert content and online tools with the power of social networking. Revolution Health also offers premium services that enable companies to provide health content and customized online tools to their employees, an insurance marketplace and CarePages (www.carepages.com), the leading service that enables communication among family and friends when someone is receiving care. For more information go to http://www.RevolutionHealth.com

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