Use the summer allergies news release as:
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Material you can distribute to local media (sample cover email below)
Content to upload to your website and/or newsletter
Informational flyer for patients/public
Cover E-mail to Media Outlets
Subject: Dear Mom, I love Camp – Even with Allergies!
Dear [INSERT REPORTER’S NAME],
Summer camp is a rite of passage – an activity many kids hope to do someday. Kids with allergies may
think summer camp won’t happen for them because there are too many hidden dangers lurking which
might cause an allergic reaction and ruin the experience – or worse yet send them to the hospital.
Below my signature are some tips for parents who’d like to send their child with allergies or asthma to
summer camp, and still keep them safe. A little preparation and advance planning can go a long way to
giving a kid the kind of summer experience they long for, and preventing allergic reactions or asthma
attacks.
As a local allergist who specializes in treating allergy and asthma, I would be happy to speak with you
about how allergy sufferers can enjoy the summer breezes and avoid the triggers that may leave them
sniffling, coughing and sneezing. Additional tips can be found in the news release below.
I’m available by phone [INSERT PHONE NUMBER] or email [INSERT EMAIL].
Thank you for your time,
[INSERT NAME]
[INSERT PRACTICE]
Dear Mom, I love Camp – Even with Allergies!
When kids with allergies and asthma are prepared, summer camp is safe and fun
[INSERT YOUR CITY, STATE] [INSERT DATE] – For every woman sitting in an office in mid-July wishing
she was away at summer camp, there’s a kid with allergies or asthma, nervous that their symptoms
might get in the way of enjoying a week or two away from home. They worry that canoeing, swimming,
horseback riding and toasting s’mores might be interrupted by an allergic reaction or an asthma attack.
But with extra precautions and additional planning, day camp, and even sleepaway camp, can be a safe,
healthy reality for kids with allergies and asthma, as well as kids with food allergies.
“Going to summer camp is a wonderful experience – something every kid who has asthma or allergies
should be able to experience without worrying they might be in harm’s way,” said allergist [INSERT
NAME, INSERT PRACTICE]. “The key to enjoyment is advance planning, and making sure systems are in
place to deal with an allergic response to an activity or a food trigger.”
Following are tips for sending your child off to summer camp, and ensuring you all breathe easy while he
or she is away.
Even in summer, do your homework – There are plenty of sleepaway camps just for kids with allergies
and asthma – particularly kids who have food allergies. The camps are designed to keep campers who
have food allergies safe – and help build their sense of independence while reinforcing self-esteem
regarding their ability to spend time away from home. These camps remove certain allergens from their
sites, have set procedures for life-threatening emergencies, and have medical personnel on location
who are trained in administering epinephrine.
Belting out camp songs is more fun without asthma symptoms – When planning for sleepaway camp or
day camp, knowing your child’s triggers for asthma is vital. Schedule a meeting with the person
responsible for medical care and your child’s counselor well before the first day of camp to make them
aware of your child’s medical needs. Have your child attend the meeting as well, so they are empowered
to keep track of symptoms and triggers. Camps geared towards those with asthma and allergies know
that smoke, for example, can be an asthma trigger, and that it’s best for kids with asthma to sing around
something other than a campfire.
Summer fun closer to home – Even if it’s not a specialty sleepaway camp, most day camps have
provisions in place to keep kids with allergies and asthma safe. They welcome discussions about what
your child can and cannot eat, and what they need to have on hand in case of a severe allergic reaction,
or an asthma attack. Make sure the camp you choose has dealt with allergies and asthma before, knows
where the nearest hospital is and how to get there, and is aware of the specific needs of your child.
Whatever kind of camp you choose for your child, putting some precautions in place well before camp
starts can help you can ensure a healthy, happy summer. Meet with your child’s allergist before your
child goes to camp to make sure you’ve thought of all contingencies, and that a personalized plan has
been created that you can share with camp personnel.
For more information about treatment of severe allergic reactions, as well as asthma, and to locate an
allergist in your area, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
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