New Movie Nancy Drew Could Scare Kids Who Have Food Allergies
The increase in the incidence of food allergy is reflected in a growing number of references to it in movies and on TV. While these references help to increase public awareness of the condition, this benefit can be offset by a lack of accuracy or sensitivity.
Unfortunately, this is the case with the new children’s movie Nancy Drew. In one scene, Nancy is shown hosting a birthday party at her home. After one of the girls attending the party passes out, it’s discovered that she has a severe peanut allergy and has been kissing a boy who had just eaten peanuts. Realizing that this has caused anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, Nancy quickly asks for a knife and ballpoint pen, which she uses off-screen to perform what is presumably a lifesaving tracheotomy. Then an ambulance is shown taking the girl away.
The dramatic but drastic measures Nancy takes to save the girl’s life are very rarely necessary. In reality, says FAAN’s Medical Director, Dr. Hugh Sampson of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, a quick shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) – which is available by prescription in a self-injectable device (EpiPen®, Twinject®) – can usually reduce any swelling that may be obstructing the airways, thus preventing death from asphyxiation.
FAAN has contacted both Warner Bros. and the motion picture industry as a whole, to ask that they show more sensitivity and accuracy when portraying food allergies in future films.
You can let Warner Bros. know how you feel by writing to:
Warner Bros.
Theatrical Corporate Communications
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522 |
