According to Statistics Canada, 8.5 percent of Canadians over 12 years of age have been diagnosed with asthma and asthma affects 13 percent of children.  Every year, asthma kills approximately 500 adults and 20 children in Canada, and accounts for 146,000 emergency room visits (Canadian Lung Association).  

Food and drug allergies are among the most severe and a growing public health concern affecting approximately 2.5 million Canadians, based on self-reporting (Anaphylaxis Canada).  

Separate or together, asthma and allergies can be quite severe, which is why being prepared in case of an emergency is so crucial. 

Kyle Dine, Canadian children's songwriter and food allergies advocate and educator, knows first-hand what it's like to grow up with food allergies and ensure his own safety.

A Staple That Communicates When You Can't

Kyle Dine, a musician and allergy educator who performs at school assemblies across North America about food allergies, knows this first-hand.  Kyle has worn a MedicAlert® ID bracelet since his youth for his asthma and allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, seafood, mustard and penicillin.

“When I was younger it helped me communicate my complicated list of allergies to grown-ups,” he explains.  “Whether it was a bracelet or dog tag necklace, it was a staple on me at school and any situation involving new people.”

Today, Kyle continues to “wear his insurance” for other but equally important reasons: 

Safeguarding Against Life-Threatening Risks

“Now that I’m an allergic adult, I’m quite capable of letting people know about my food restrictions, yet I still wear my MedicAlert every day. I experienced a life-threatening reaction a few years ago where my symptoms made it extremely difficult to breathe, let alone speak. Luckily I was with my family, but I am quite aware that this situation could arise in the future in the company of those who are not as aware.

For me, I not only wear my MedicAlert to help communicate for me in an emergency, but to serve as a tool to spread awareness to others, and to remind myself to stay vigilant and confident while managing a life-threatening condition.”