Southeastern Massachusetts Food Group to Meet in Foxborough

Taunton allergist Deborah Accetta Pedersen, MD, will explain the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and how to prevent and treat one if it occurs at a meeting of the Southeastern Massachusetts Food Allergy Group on Thursday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at  Pediatric Specialists, 132 Central St., Suite 116, Foxboro (enter at rear of building). 

There will be time for questions and discussion. There is no charge to attend, and pre-registration is not required.  

“Most people know someone who is allergic to a bee sting, penicillin, or some type of food. What many people don’t know is that these allergic reactions can be fatal,” says Patricia Bates, a registered dietician and co-leader of the support group.

She and Dr. Pedersen are a team in a national “Anaphylaxis Community Experts” education program. The title of their program is “You Can’t Be Too Careful: An Overview of Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis.”

Dr. Pedersen recently completed her medical education and returned to Massachusetts as a board-certified allergist. She has joined the Taunton medical practice of her father, Dr. Donald Accetta, who serves as the medical advisor to the support group.

Dr. Pedersen will explain how to prevent, recognize, and treat anaphylaxis (the medical term for severe allergic reactions), and how to decide when to use epinephrine, the life-saving medication that comes in automatic injectors. 

In addition to foods allergy reactions, the same symptoms and treatments apply to allergies to bee stings, medications, and latex.

“Food allergies are increasingly common, especially among children, and thus pose a special risk. This program will be of interest to parents, teachers and other school staff, school nurses and other health professionals,” said Sharon Schumack, Director of Education for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter, which is sponsoring the meeting.  “We also welcome child care and recreation workers, grandparents, and everyone who has an interest in learning more about food allergies.” 

The meeting is sponsored by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter, which organizes educational support group programs throughout the region, publishes a newsletter, and runs a telephone resource and referral line for people coping with allergies and asthma. For more information or a free copy of “Eating Out with Food Allergies,” call (781)444-7778 or see www.asthmaandallergies.org.