Member for Roe Peter Rundle MLA has welcomed the Federal Government 250k initiative – a website specifically designed to help resource the 250 000 young Australian’s living with severe allergies.
Federal Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie, launched the www.250k.org.au website yesterday, which was funded under the National Allergy Strategy.
Mr Rundle said that living with severe allergies can be challenging, and research showed that many young Australian’s felt embarrassed discussing their allergies with their peers.
“Managing severe food allergies isn’t as easy as watching what you eat,” Mr Rundle said.
“Going out for dinner with friends, attending parties, going on school camps, travelling, even dating all present challenges for young adults managing their allergies.”
The website allows users to develop their own avatar to communicate with other teenagers and young adults living with severe allergies, sharing tips and real life experiences.
The website also details practical information for young people on how to manage their severe allergy, including recognizing signs and symptoms, using an EpiPen, eating out, drinking responsibility with an allergy, tips of travelling, dating with an allergy and how to manage parents.
“Parents obviously worry about their children, and the website provides some tips on teens can work with their parents to manage any anxiety surrounding their allergies,” Mr Rundle said.
www.250k.org.au was developed as part of the National Allergy Strategy, which works to improve the health and quality of life of Australians living with allergic disease.
Visit www.250k.org.au or www.nationalallergystrategy.org.au for more information.
