It was Thanksgiving in Maine, and 11-year-old Oakley Debbs was on vacation with his family. Oakley, a top student from West Palm Beach, Florida, was also a star athlete, even though he had asthma and food allergies.
For the holiday, his family had ordered a Thanksgiving basket full of treats. Oakley chose to have a piece of cake from the basket.
Tragically, something went wrong after he ate the cake, leading to a heartbreaking event. His family and friends are now working to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
Despite his asthma and nut allergies, Oakley loved playing tennis, football, soccer, and even running marathons. His family remembers him as a “brave and strong warrior” who fought hard against his conditions.
On November 24, Oakley Debbs, an 11-year-old, had a piece of pound cake that was left on the kitchen table where his family was staying in Maine. His mom, Merrill Debbs, said Oakley always checked labels to avoid nuts and didn’t see any warnings.
“He thought it was just a piece of cake,” his dad, Robert Debbs, explained. “But after he ate it, he mentioned it might have nuts.” Merrill agreed the cake had a nutty taste, which turned out to be walnut.
Merrill gave Oakley Benadryl, as they usually did for allergic reactions, and he said he felt fine. At that point, he only had a small hive on his lip.
But soon after, Oakley complained of chest pain and started vomiting. His parents called 911, but by the time the ambulance arrived ten minutes later, Oakley was blue. His airway had closed, and his heart had stopped.
I’m writing on behalf of Robert J. Debbs, Merrill Debbs, and Oakley’s twin sister, Olivia. It is with a heavy heart that I…
Posted by Tyler Debbs Squire on Saturday, November 26, 2016
The family struggled to accept Oakley’s tragic death and understand why he couldn’t be saved.
“I don’t think my beautiful, amazing son should have passed away,” Merrill said.
In response, the family started the Red Sneaker Foundation to teach people about anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. They chose red sneakers as a symbol because Oakley loved them, hoping to increase awareness about food allergies.
Posted by Red Sneakers For Oakley on Thursday, December 1, 2016
Experts recommend using epinephrine for even mild allergic reactions. Merrill said, “Oakley was a rock star, a good kid. I always knew he’d make a difference—just not after he passed away. That’s a big part of why we’re doing this.”
Please share this story to help raise awareness about food allergies and prevent future tragedies.
Resting on your left side has a positive effect on your brain, digestive system and glymphatic function
The position we choose to sleep can have a profound impact on our overall health, and resting on the left side is particularly beneficial. Although many overlook the importance of sleeping posture, studies suggest that sleeping on the left side offers notable benefits, particularly for brain health, digestive function, and the glymphatic system.
First and foremost, sleeping on the left side is beneficial for brain health. This posture improves the brain’s ability to eliminate waste products through the glymphatic system, which is essential for eliminating toxins and metabolic byproducts. Efficient waste disposal during sleep can reduce the risk of developing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In addition, this sleeping position is beneficial for digestive health. Since the stomach and pancreas are located on the left side of the body, sleeping on this side supports the natural flow of digestive juices and enzymes. This can improve digestion and help prevent problems such as acid reflux and heartburn. In addition, sleeping on the left side can relieve the symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In addition to brain and digestive health, sleeping on your left side can also improve circulation and reduce snoring. By relieving pressure on the major blood vessels, this position promotes better blood flow throughout the body, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Additionally, keeping the airway open while sleeping on your left side can reduce the likelihood of snoring, resulting in more restful sleep for both the sleeper and their partner
While the benefits of sleeping on your left side are obvious, choosing a sleeping position should take individual comfort and preferences into account. If sleeping on your left side is uncomfortable or inconvenient for some, that’s perfectly acceptable. The key is to find a sleeping position that ensures good, uninterrupted rest.
In summary, sleeping on your left side may provide numerous health benefits, including improved brain function, improved digestion, and better circulation. By aiding waste disposal, supporting digestion, and promoting cardiovascular health, this sleeping position could lead to a more refreshing and healthy sleep experience. Next time you settle into bed, try sleeping on your left side, it could be a step toward a healthier, more restful night’s sleep.
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