All about being a Pallergy (Pal-lergy)
Many of you who are about to read this insight are either Pallergies already, or have a Pallergy. We love that you are supporting someone with allergies or are being supported, and we wish you all the best in continuing to do so.
WHAT IS A PALLERGY?
A Pallergy is a pal of a person with an allergy or allergies, who supports, helps and looks out for them.
A Pallergy completes positive and beneficial actions for someone with allergies, and spends time with that person to support and help them navigate all types of situations - so they can reduce their risks and live a safer and happier allergy life.
WHO CAN BE A PALLERGY?
A Pallergy can be any of the below-
- Parent
- Grandparent
- Child
- Sibling
- Partner
- Relative
- Friend
- Classmate
- Teacher
- Work Colleague
A Pallergy can be anyone who supports someone who has allergies and assists in making the life of the person with it safer and happier. If we've left anyone out, get in touch with us and let us know.
WHAT DOES A PALLERGY DO?
The responsibilities of a Pallergy can vary based on the allergies and the individual. Below are just some of what they can do.
Some of what a Pallergy does-
- ALLERGY SCOUT: Either as a first or second line of defence, a Pallergy scouts for possible allergens ahead of the person with an allergy. This includes, for instance, checking for allergens in a location or checking a meal or ingredients for allergens ahead of time.
- ALLERGY DOUBLE: A person with an allergy may encounter awkward conversations or situations where they may be intimidated, may feel outnumbered (too many people to explain to), or lack confidence to carry on (introducing, defining or describing their allergy)- all by themselves. By having a Pallergy there with them (who steps in or is right beside them), they have someone who has their back, and ensures two people are there to back up the same topic.
- ALLERGY ASSIST: There may be times when the person with allergies goes through Allergy Anxiety before they even reach a place (about to go to an event, go to a restaurant, go for a medical appointment, etc) or decide to go somewhere (such as a party or a restaurant, medical appointment, etc). This is where a Pallergy can assist them with a specific task that can reassure them and give them the confidence to go (so they don't miss out). The allergy assist can be in the form of a specific reassuring task related to where the allergic person is going, such as checking the pollen count if they have pollen allergies, or carrying an extra emergency medication for them (in the case of a reaction) or removing the allergen. This can also be in combination with other Pallergy Super Skills, assisting a person who has allergies.
- ALLERGY AIDER (Aid-er): A Pallergy will know about the allergies the person has, have a copy of their action plan or emergency instructions and know what to do in the case where they have a reaction (for instance, what medication to administer). This may also include carrying their medication and treatments, and preparing ahead of time in knowing where their Allergy Contact Triangle (Hospital, GP and Home) is.
- ALLERGY LIFE'R (Life-er): The biggest part of sharing life with a person who has allergies is that a Pallergy will share many of the same experiences as the person they care for and spend time with. This may include eating the same allergy-friendly/allergen-free meals or having the same hypoallergenic pet or avoiding the same allergy-risk situations, etc. If you are a Pallergy, you are also living the allergy life.
A Pallergy can play a large and important role in the safety and happiness in the life of the person living with allergies.
The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.
