A large portion of the population has some kind of allergy. Some people just get sneezy when the trees start to give off pollen in the spring, others get hives when they touch the adhesive on the back of stick on badges, and some have allergies so severe that they risk death if they eat a certain kind of food. For these types of allergies, the usual solutions like avoidance and Benadryl or Claratin supplements won't suffice. People with life threatening allergies will be prescribed a much stronger medication known as an Epi Pen. You can learn all about Epi Pens here.

The Epi in Epi Pen is short for epinephrine. Epinephrine is a drug that mimics the effects of the adrenaline your body produces, which means it gives your lungs and heart a powerful boost. Epinephrine can save your life if you have a bad allergic reaction in the back of a Mississauga airport taxi, but only if it can be administered quickly enough. That's where the pen part comes in. The epinephrine is loaded into a spring powered needle stored inside of a small cylinder like a pen.

If you are prescribed an Epi Pen, it means you are in danger of dying if you eat the wrong thing and can't be taken from the Oakville banquet halls to the hospital in time. It is vitally important that you carry your Epi Pen with you at all times. You can keep it in your pocket or in your purse as long as you remember to switch it over when you change. Some people find it helpful to store their Epi Pen in a belt pouch that never leaves their body. Make sure everyone knows you carry an Epi Pen and how to help you use it in an emergency.

Using an Epi Pen is very simple. Any stranger you meet at a party on 33 Delisle Avenue should be able to help you take it. Simply remove the Epi Pen from its storage case (if it has one), remove the top cap, and stab it into your outer thigh through your clothing. Wait ten seconds, then remove it. It's important to remember that Epi Pens only buy you time to get to the hospital, they do not cure allergic reactions, so always call 9-1-1 immediately after using an Epi Pen. Give the used Epi Pen to the paramedics.

In order for your Epi Pen to adequately provide backup while you're out at the spa in Mississauga, Ontario, it needs to be kept up to date. Check the expiry on your Epi Pen and replace when needed. Always replace an Epi Pen that has been used, as it is no longer any good to you.