The Dermody Family: EpiPen

Journals/Blogs

President Kimball said, "People often use the excuse that their lives are uneventful and nobody would be interested in what they have done. But I promise you that if you will keep your journals and records, they will indeed be a source of great inspiration to your families, to your children, your grandchildren, and others, on through the generations. Each of us is important to those who are near and dear to us—and as our posterity read of our life's experiences, they, too, will come to know and love us. And in that glorious day when our families are together in the eternities, we will already be acquainted."

Build Wisely

A HOME IS MUCH MORE THAN A HOUSE BUILT OF LUMBER, BRICK, OR STONE. A HOME IS MADE OF LOVE, SACRIFICE, AND RESPECT. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HOMES WE BUILD. WE MUST BUILD WISELY, FOR ETERNITY IS NOT A SHORT VOYAGE. THERE WILL BE CALM AND WIND, SUNLIGHT AND SHADOW, JOY AND SORROW. BUT IF WE REALLY TRY, OUR HOME CAN BE A BIT OF HEAVEN HERE ON EARTH. THE THOUGHTS WE THINK, THE DEEDS WE DO, THE LIVES WE LIVE NOT ONLY INFLUENCE THE SUCCESS OF OUR EARTHLY JOURNEY, THEY ALSO MARK THE WAY TO OUR ETERNAL GOALS.

--THOMAS S.MONSON

Friday, March 6, 2009

EpiPen

My 8 year old Erin has a severe allergy to shellfish, and we are, just this past week, trying to teach her how to use an EpiPen Jr, which is used for kids weighing between 33-66 pounds. Oh my! I should have known what her reaction would be! Erin said, and I quote, "I WOULD RATHER DIE THAN USE THAT EPIPEN!" Can you say DRAMA QUEEN!? I am afraid that she gets her fear of needles from her father. Nevertheless, she NEEDS to know how and when to use one.
EpiPens are injectors of epinephrine, which is basically adrenaline. It is used when someone with an allergy has an acute allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. EpiPens reverse the dangerous reaction in time to get to an ER. EPIPENS CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE! We have EpiPens for Erin at home and school. I always have one with me or rather with Erin wherever she goes. I was shocked to learn that some people with severe allergies choose NOT to have EpiPens on hand ready to use for themselves or their children. I can't rap my mind around that one, but everyone has to make their own choices.
My purpose in this post today is to educate others on how to use EpiPens, particularly if you are going to be spending time with my Erin or anyone else who may need YOU to KNOW how to use one. Remember, my Erin has a fear of needles and at this point doesn't feel comfortable giving herself the injection. Erin will have to carry these pens with her for the rest of her life so hopefully one day she will conquer her fear, but until then, I will do what is needed because when it comes right down to it she really doesn't want to die. Using an EpiPen is simple and can be completed from start to finish in under 30 secs.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO VIEW THE FOLLOWING YOUTUBE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!!!! There is plenty of information on what the symptoms are that would require the use of an EpiPen, and it teaches you what to do from start to finish. Can you spare 3 minutes and 23 more seconds of your time to learn how to save a life today?