The energy around interpreting the LEAP study is finally calming down a bit. BUT, many of us are still left confused, some addressing guilt and many having debates while myself, I fear the average lay non-food allergic person will attempt to take action based on headlines. Danya, a Ph.D candidate at Cornell Unveristy, wrote this wonderful piece yesterday and I think it’s worth talking about, “Cure Thinking and Food Allergy Research.” Danya shares…
My biggest pet peeve is the way the popular media reports on research for “cures” for complex medical issues. As I’ve learned more about the history and sociology of science, which has taught me to think more carefully and critically about how scientists do their work, my dismay has only deepened.
Danya is studying two areas, “….how clinical research is driving the current growth in treatment options for allergy. The other investigates how people with allergies, particularly food allergies, connect with each other and communicate information about treatments to patient communities.” I am very curious about her work since she is approaching food allergies wearing academic glasses. You and I approach it wearing our best mama bear protective gear. Our job is to keep our family safe and due to our frightening experiences, sometimes our emotions take center stage. I personally believe that researchers and people like Danya might be one important wheel in our car that keeps us moving towards solutions.
Check out her article if you have a few moments. “Cure Thinking and Food Allergy Research.”
Food Allergy Gratitude: KOLO TV
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..