Martin's Point Health Care Food Allergy Support Group Continues to Meet Monthly

Only group of its kind in Maine; Guest Speaker on February 12 Dr. Musmand from Allergy and Asthma Assoc. of Maine

The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Information/Support Group continues to meet in Brunswick on the second Monday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Martin's Point Health Care at Cook's Corner. The group, which is open to the public, is the only
group of its type in Maine.

On February 12, the meeting will host Dr. Jonathan Musmand to field questions on food allergies and preventing anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction that sometimes occurs following exposure to allergy provoking substances.

The presentation is designed for parents with concerns for their children as well as adults with food allergies who are at risk of suffering life-threatening breathing problems as a result of a severe allergic reaction.

The Martin's Point Health Care facility in Brunswick is located at 6 Farley Road near Cook's Corner. For additional information, call the Martin=s Point Health Education Center at 828-2497, x1211.

Anaphylactic shock can occur within minutes of exposure to a food allergen. Symptoms, which can come on suddenly and can last a few minutes to several hours, include feeling faint, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, nausea, hives and swelling of the lip, tongue or throat.

Someone who suffers a severe allergic reaction needs emergency medical attention, said Jan Wnek, M.D., medical director at Martin's Point Health Care.

"When vital organs cannot function properly, your body goes into shock," Wnek said. "This is a life-threatening situation that must be dealt with quickly. But with education and understanding, severe allergic reactions can be avoided or at the least, dealt with properly once they occur."

People who have had anaphylaxis in the past are often prescribed a self-treat kit that contains oral Benadryl and injectable Epinephrine to help reverse the allergic reaction until emergency care can be provided. In the case of patients who experience severe reactions, persons should use their kit immediately and call 911, or have someone take them directly to an emergency room, Wnek added.

Established in 1981, Martin's Point Health Care employs 290 healthcare professionals who serve 47,000 patients at clinics in Portland, Windham, Brunswick and in Portsmouth, N.H. Headquartered in Portland at 331 Veranda Street, Martin's Point accepts all major health plans and insurance, including but not limited to HealthSource, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Maine Partners, Champus, Tricare, Aetna, Cigna and NYLCare Plans.

For more information about Martin's Point Health Care, visit the Martin's Point website at www.martinspoint.org or call the health education center at 828-2497 or 1-800-260-6681.

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