MILWAUKEE - As more than 2.2 million children with food allergies head back to school in coming weeks, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) encourages parents, in cooperation with school staff, to take measures to ensure safety.

To assist parents and school staff as they prepare for students with food allergies, the AAAAI offers a checklist of tips and a sample food allergy action plan. Both resources can be downloaded at no cost at www.aaaai.org.

Among the tips included in the checklist:

* Inform the school cafeteria, teachers and other staff of what foods to avoid. Pack bag lunches. Have your child avoid classroom snacks and sharing food with friends.

* Send safe snacks to school anytime the classroom is having a party (birthday, holidays, etc.).

* Advocate for "no eating" policies on buses and in other settings where kids aren't supervised.

The AAAAI checklist also offers guidance for students with asthma and other allergic diseases.

An allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat food allergies. Once an allergy trigger is identified, an allergist/immunologist can provide detailed information on avoidance.

The AAAAI offers food allergy fact sheets, educational brochures and other resources for patients and school staff online at www.aaaai.org. The Web site also features a physician referral directory to help patients locate an allergist/immunologist in their area.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI is the United States' largest professional membership organization dedicated to the allergy/immunology specialty. The AAAAI has nearly 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.

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