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World Taste and Smell Day

September 14^th marks World Taste and Smell Day. It was established by The Taste and Smell association to enhancing the appreciation of our senses of our smell and taste and to raise awareness of their profound impact on overall well being. Taste and Smell disorders have received particular attention since the pandemic, almost 50% of people who were diagnosed with COVID-19 suffered with a lasting loss of sense of smell, the numbers spiked in November 2020. It is estimated that 5% of the world’s population suffer from these kinds of conditions.

Living without your senses of Taste and Smell.

These two senses are both complex tools that evoke memories and trigger emotional responses. It is said that smell is responsible for 80% of your ability to taste, they come hand in hand. The loss of taste, known as ageusia is rare and much less of an impact on ones daily life. Most people who suspect their loss of taste actually are suffering from loss of smell. It is known as anosmia and the physical and psychological impact can be devastating.

In day-to-day life it can be hard to notice how much we rely on our senses. Lacking in even one can hugely affect our professional lives, safety and social interaction.  Not being able to identify hazards, such as smoke and gas, puts us at great risk everyday.

Losing the sense of smell or taste can be caused by several reasons. It can be a result of a frontal head injury or something as simple as an infection. Smell and taste can begin to deteriorate as early as age 75; others are simply born without it.

What are we doing?

At FlavorActiV we take the opportunity on days like today to help raise awareness about the often-neglected senses and highlight our work with Fifth Sense. Fifth Sense work to develop resources and information, raise awareness and lead research into the loss of smell and taste. They provide support and workshops for people and families affected by such illnesses as anosmia.

We have been working together since 2014 and are very grateful to be able to use our sensory skills, knowledge and resources to help people become more aware of their tasting abilities; learn various aromas or flavours they are still able to identify or even re-train their senses.

What can you do?

There are many ways you can actively support these causes and advocate for these types of sensory dysfunction.  Whether it’s providing support to others, raising awareness in your local community or raising money to support research.

To read more about how you can get involved or for more support visit Fifth Sense website.

SEPTEMBER 2024