Alpha Gal info session coming to KAL

In a special addition to the regular Learning on Wednesday sessions offered throughout the season at Kimberling Area Library, mark your calendar for some important information on a Thursday evening instead: On Thursday, September 24, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., KAL will host a valuable session about Alpha Gal. 

This severe allergy to red meat as a result of a tick bite affects thousands of people across Missouri and Arkansas; it’s increasingly common to walk into a special event and see large numbers of place settings labeled as seating for those with special Alpha Gal dietary needs. The information presented at this session will help you get your questions answered, learn about treatments and more! 

For the newly diagnosed, the first question is often “Is this life-threatening?” Answering this will involve discussion of topics such as why allergy testing is necessary; making safe food choices; carefully reading ingredient labels; and finding support groups with people who understand and who can share their stories and suggestions. 

Will you ever be able to enjoy eating in a restaurant again? You’ll learn about area restaurants that offer safe choices, as well as treatments that actually work, allowing you to eat normally again! Information will also be presented about prevention, and methods that work to avoid getting this potentially life-altering condition. 

Even for those who have managed to avoid the condition, the information presented can be helpful for parents and other caregivers looking to facilitate the best health outcomes possible. 

Plan to join KAL staff and volunteers on Thursday evening, September 24, at the Kimberling Area Library Community Room, 45 Kimberling Blvd. in Kimberling City. For more information, call 417-739-2525. This session is FREE, open to the public, and pre-registration is not required.