Boy invents wearable device for allergies

Gary was driven to create this solution after he had an unexpected allergic reaction. After experiencing a severe allergic reaction that was misidentified, the boy decided know more about the state of food allergies in the United States, and the products that exist to help in early detection of allergic reactions.

The A-Watch for Allergies, which detects early symptoms of an allergic reaction and notifies an adult by sounding an alarm as well as via a text message, has multiple sensors that can detect early symptoms of an allergic reaction such as itching, skin redness, increase in heart rate, and sweating. Using a GPS receiver, it can locate the child and the EpiPen. It also has a compartment for an allergy medication such as Benadryl so that it can be administered quickly.

The A-Watch for Allergies works by detecting the chemical reaction inherent to any allergic reaction. Gary explains that when the body eats a food to which it is allergic, the body releases a chemical called histamine. The A-Watch has sensors designed to detect this chemical release, and notify the wearer that he/she is experiencing an allergic reaction.

"Six million kids in the U.S. have food allergies. Children may not always understand or be able to explain that they are having an allergic reaction. This may delay treatment and lead to complications”, he explained.

The inventor has yet to have a working prototype, he does have a detailed mock-up of the electrical units and processes configured into the device.

The boy already won some awards: he was a 2016 inductee to the National Gallery for America’s Young Inventor, was a recipient of the 2016 Thomas Edison Innovation Award, and was awarded by Arrow Electronics the Innovation in Electronics award at the National Invention Convention and Entrepreneurship Expo in DC.

He also appeared on two TV shows, including “The Tonight Show,” where he shared his combination Nose and Earmuffs, and "The Rachael Ray Show," where he pitched the A-Watch for Allergies to the investor team from ABC’s “Shark Tank.”

Gary is now collaborating with his brother, who is also an inventor on another innovation, to develop the Lung Exerciser for Assisted Living Folks (LEAF). This device is designed to help people in assisted living communities improve their breathing with lung exercises. LEAF is a spirometer, a device used for measuring amounts of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs. It powers its controller and display utilizing a user’s breath, and provides clear biofeedback and encouraging messages to its users based on strength or weakness of air intake and output.

“I love to help people and make new things. I also want to inspire kids to invent because most kids think inventing is only for adults”, the boy expressed.

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/2vqw1X7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XxtpHKxO4w