As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting over the last 12 months. When I think about food allergy issues, I feel hopeful about the progress we've made. There is much more awareness and education about food allergies. We're making headway with schools, restaurants and food manufacturers who are on the front line. More companies are specializing in, or adding, allergy safe foods and products.
The number of children and adults being diagnosed with a food allergy continues to rise, though, so we need more effort into research for causes and a cure. I can only hope that soon we will face a new year in which food allergies are a problem of the past. Until then, the Food Allergy Assistant continues to advise, inform and educate.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Monday, 29 December 2008
Coupons for allergy friendly foods
Who doesn't love to save money? When it comes to buying allergy safe food for my family though, cost is lower on my list. First I want to make sure the food is safe. Next, I want to make sure it tastes good. Finally, I look at the price. Usually, though, if the first two criteria are met, I buy it. This explains why I spent $10 per pound for chocolate chips.
I was excited to find that we may soon be able to look forward to coupons for some of our favorite products. Check out BeFreeForMe.com . I just signed up to receive coupons and offers. I'll keep you posted if I find it helpful.
I was excited to find that we may soon be able to look forward to coupons for some of our favorite products. Check out BeFreeForMe.com . I just signed up to receive coupons and offers. I'll keep you posted if I find it helpful.
Friday, 26 December 2008
Monday Review
In 2009, I plan to start a "Monday Review" on this blog. I'm looking for food allergy friendly products or foods I can try out. Already over 40 people and companies have responded to my initial request, so look for reviews on everything from allergy friendly cookies to charms that make a neighborhood barbecue safer to placemats that help children with food allergies. If you know of a great product or food I should look at, send a comment.
Happy Holidays to all!
Happy Holidays to all!
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
My Food Allergy Christmas List
Dear Santa,
I know there are many terrible diseases that we don't yet understand. We wish for a cure for cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and the other threats many of us have faced in our families. Since we deal with food allergies every day in our family, I have just a short Christmas list for you.
I wish we could go into any restaurant and have food allergies be taken seriously. How wonderful it would be to know that the restaurant kitchen is as safe as my own and we have no worries of cross-contamination or hidden ingredients.
I wish food manufacturers would be transparent about the ingredients in their foods. This goes for manufacturers in other countries as well. List them clearly in an easy to recognize way. And enlarge the print too. Many grandparents of kids with food allergies complain they can't read the small words.
I wish every child in every state had the right to carry their life saving medications if their parents and doctors determine it is safe for them to do so.
I wish all healthcare workers were educated about food allergies- from diagnosis through treatment to daily living issues.
I wish food allergy education reached everyone so there were no more misunderstandings, hurt feelings or accidents.
I wish I didn't have to have a line in my child's school healthcare plan stating "there will be zero tolerance for bullying related to food allergy". This covers the kid who think it's funny to put a peanut butter covered finger in the face of a peanut allergic child. It also covers children who verbally threaten or make fun of kids with food allergies.
Of course my big wish is for an understanding of food allergies that leads to a cure. May the next generation not have to fear a glass of milk or a peanut butter sandwich.
Please enjoy the cookies. They are free of dairy, eggs and nuts, but they do contain wheat. There's a glass of water for you to drink and the carrots are for the reindeer.
Sincerely,
The Food Allergy Assistant
I know there are many terrible diseases that we don't yet understand. We wish for a cure for cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and the other threats many of us have faced in our families. Since we deal with food allergies every day in our family, I have just a short Christmas list for you.
I wish we could go into any restaurant and have food allergies be taken seriously. How wonderful it would be to know that the restaurant kitchen is as safe as my own and we have no worries of cross-contamination or hidden ingredients.
I wish food manufacturers would be transparent about the ingredients in their foods. This goes for manufacturers in other countries as well. List them clearly in an easy to recognize way. And enlarge the print too. Many grandparents of kids with food allergies complain they can't read the small words.
I wish every child in every state had the right to carry their life saving medications if their parents and doctors determine it is safe for them to do so.
I wish all healthcare workers were educated about food allergies- from diagnosis through treatment to daily living issues.
I wish food allergy education reached everyone so there were no more misunderstandings, hurt feelings or accidents.
I wish I didn't have to have a line in my child's school healthcare plan stating "there will be zero tolerance for bullying related to food allergy". This covers the kid who think it's funny to put a peanut butter covered finger in the face of a peanut allergic child. It also covers children who verbally threaten or make fun of kids with food allergies.
Of course my big wish is for an understanding of food allergies that leads to a cure. May the next generation not have to fear a glass of milk or a peanut butter sandwich.
Please enjoy the cookies. They are free of dairy, eggs and nuts, but they do contain wheat. There's a glass of water for you to drink and the carrots are for the reindeer.
Sincerely,
The Food Allergy Assistant
Monday, 22 December 2008
Food Allergies Going to the Dogs
I can't help noticing an increase in stories about dogs being allergic to dog food. Recently I read that 1 in 10 dogs is allergic to a food. It seems that the offending foods for dogs are very similar to the top eight food allergies for people. There must be some link. Food allergic dogs, like people, can experience itchy skin leading to excessive scratching.
I can't help wondering if this is how food allergies in people began. Perhaps a generation ago we didn't hear much about food allergies because no one realized that itchy, rashy skin may have been a food allergy. Maybe over the years, responses have gotten more severe and now we deal with skin issues, gasto-intestinal issues and respiratory distress. Will we soon be carrying epinepherine for our pets? I'd like to see some research on food allergy in dogs and its possible link to the rising number of people with food allergy.
If you want to read more on this topic, check here and here.
This seems like a good time to remind you to be careful of your pets around children and adults with food allergies. Many pet foods, treats, bones, snacks and toys contain peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, wheat, eggs and other top allergens. A food allergic person may have an allergic reaction if licked by a dog. Know the ingredients in your pet products and alert at-risk people if they have contact with your pet.
I can't help wondering if this is how food allergies in people began. Perhaps a generation ago we didn't hear much about food allergies because no one realized that itchy, rashy skin may have been a food allergy. Maybe over the years, responses have gotten more severe and now we deal with skin issues, gasto-intestinal issues and respiratory distress. Will we soon be carrying epinepherine for our pets? I'd like to see some research on food allergy in dogs and its possible link to the rising number of people with food allergy.
If you want to read more on this topic, check here and here.
This seems like a good time to remind you to be careful of your pets around children and adults with food allergies. Many pet foods, treats, bones, snacks and toys contain peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, wheat, eggs and other top allergens. A food allergic person may have an allergic reaction if licked by a dog. Know the ingredients in your pet products and alert at-risk people if they have contact with your pet.
Friday, 19 December 2008
Food Allergy Related Deaths
Meredith Broussard, an adult with food allergies, wants everyone to stop "stretching the truth about food allergy deaths" because it "creates unnecessary anxiety and fear for everyone". She's talking about that "150-200 food allergy deaths per year" statistic that FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) has put out for the media to use. Meredith believes the number of food allergy deaths per year is closer to 11 and that FAAN's "wildly exaggerated estimate" should not be used.
I say, "Who cares?". One death due to food allergy per year is too many. We have defensive practices in place such as 504 and healthcare plans, protecting students' rights to carry their medication and education and awareness of schools and the public to minimize allergic reaction risks. We know that children and adults can die from a food allergy reaction. Nearly every FAAN newsletter lists one or two tragic deaths due to a food allergy reaction. It's heartbreaking to read those sad cases.
I don't want this debate to give anyone a false sense of security. Food allergies are deadly. Until we get to the bottom of the food allergy mystery, we must continue to work together to keep everyone safe.
Here's Meredith's full article.
I say, "Who cares?". One death due to food allergy per year is too many. We have defensive practices in place such as 504 and healthcare plans, protecting students' rights to carry their medication and education and awareness of schools and the public to minimize allergic reaction risks. We know that children and adults can die from a food allergy reaction. Nearly every FAAN newsletter lists one or two tragic deaths due to a food allergy reaction. It's heartbreaking to read those sad cases.
I don't want this debate to give anyone a false sense of security. Food allergies are deadly. Until we get to the bottom of the food allergy mystery, we must continue to work together to keep everyone safe.
Here's Meredith's full article.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
FAAN Grandparent Award
For those super-understanding and accommodating grandparents who have gone above and beyond to make a difference for food allergies, there is now a prestigious award: *FAAN Grandparent Award. Too often we hear about grandparents who "don't get it" so I love the idea of showcasing those who do. If you know someone who is deserving of this award, link here for a nomination form.
*FAAN is Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
*FAAN is Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
Monday, 15 December 2008
Scary Stuff
Everyone should check out this article in the Nov. 21, 2008 issue of the Chicago Tribune. The Tribune article spotlights an investigation they did on food manufacturers who mis-label their products and the failure of regulators to police these manufacturers. Incorrect ingredient labels are dangerous to everyone- food allergic, diabetic, those watching cholesterol, salt intake or weight. We trust those labels to be true.
Guess what? 47% of products recalled for hidden allergens in the past 10 years were never even announced to the public. When a label clearly says "does not contain wheat", we need to be able to trust that information.
After reading this article, it is obvious we have a long way to go. Our food manufacturers must be required to know what is in their product, report that on a label and immediately recall an item if the label is not accurate. Right now, if a recall is even issued, it takes on average, 32 days, to get the recall information to the public. Not good enough. Not even close.
Guess what? 47% of products recalled for hidden allergens in the past 10 years were never even announced to the public. When a label clearly says "does not contain wheat", we need to be able to trust that information.
After reading this article, it is obvious we have a long way to go. Our food manufacturers must be required to know what is in their product, report that on a label and immediately recall an item if the label is not accurate. Right now, if a recall is even issued, it takes on average, 32 days, to get the recall information to the public. Not good enough. Not even close.
Friday, 12 December 2008
Yup, Food Allergies are on the Rise
The NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics) has confirmed what many parents and school nurses already know: Food allergies among those under the age of 18 is on the rise. From 1997-2007, there has been an 18% increase.
There are some other interesting statistics in the report, such as Hispanics reporting a lower rate of food allergy and that food allergy does not appear to differ by gender. Food allergic children are also 2-4 times more likely to experience other allergic conditions and asthma. Perhaps pediatricians and family doctors will now be more likely to consider food allergies when they see babies with infant eczema or infant wheezing.
Check out the full report here.
There are some other interesting statistics in the report, such as Hispanics reporting a lower rate of food allergy and that food allergy does not appear to differ by gender. Food allergic children are also 2-4 times more likely to experience other allergic conditions and asthma. Perhaps pediatricians and family doctors will now be more likely to consider food allergies when they see babies with infant eczema or infant wheezing.
Check out the full report here.
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Mass Hysteria Over Nut Allergies
This quote by Dr. Nicholas Christakis of Harvard Medical School, in the British Medical Journal is causing a bit of an uproar:
"in some cases the "gross over-reaction to the magnitude of the threat" has many of the hallmarks of mass psychogenic illness, or mass hysteria."
He's talking about people's over-reaction to the dangers of food allergies. He goes on to give examples such as the evacuation of a school bus because a peanut shell was found on the floor. He says "The issue is what accounts for the extreme responses to nut allergies and what to do about the responses and the allergies themselves."
Many are angry about his comments. I have always believed that open dialogue about food allergies is the key. Was there a child on the bus who could have a reaction if they even inhaled peanut dust? If so, evacuate the bus. For many though, the presence of a peanut shell would not be a problem. Let's all have our radar up and do what is most reasonable for each circumstance. Most importantly, let's keep talking.
If you want to read more about this opinion piece, click here.
"in some cases the "gross over-reaction to the magnitude of the threat" has many of the hallmarks of mass psychogenic illness, or mass hysteria."
He's talking about people's over-reaction to the dangers of food allergies. He goes on to give examples such as the evacuation of a school bus because a peanut shell was found on the floor. He says "The issue is what accounts for the extreme responses to nut allergies and what to do about the responses and the allergies themselves."
Many are angry about his comments. I have always believed that open dialogue about food allergies is the key. Was there a child on the bus who could have a reaction if they even inhaled peanut dust? If so, evacuate the bus. For many though, the presence of a peanut shell would not be a problem. Let's all have our radar up and do what is most reasonable for each circumstance. Most importantly, let's keep talking.
If you want to read more about this opinion piece, click here.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Most Comprehensive Food Allergy Study to Date
An international study is underway to look into the cause of food allergy. It includes hundreds of families in Chicago, Boston and China. Through questionnaires and interviews, researchers are looking at diet, hygiene, number of pets as well as the food allergic patient's prenatal and postnatal medical histories. David and Denise Bunning of Chicago have two severely food allergic children. They were so frustrated over the lack of financing for food allergy research, they donated $3 million to this study.
While most of us cannot make that kind of financial commitment, let's remember during this holiday season of giving that there are many worthwhile organizations who could put our money to good use. Toys will be long forgotten, but the words "We've come up with a cure" will be a gift to all humankind.
Take a look here to read more about the Bunning's generous gift. If grandparents or others are interested in making a donation to food allergy, you can't go wrong with FAAN, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.
While most of us cannot make that kind of financial commitment, let's remember during this holiday season of giving that there are many worthwhile organizations who could put our money to good use. Toys will be long forgotten, but the words "We've come up with a cure" will be a gift to all humankind.
Take a look here to read more about the Bunning's generous gift. If grandparents or others are interested in making a donation to food allergy, you can't go wrong with FAAN, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.
Friday, 5 December 2008
New Cookbook: "What Else is to Eat?"
I love a new cookbook. I can read it like a novel and mark it up like a textbook. So, when I opened Linda Coss's latest cookbook, "What Else is to Eat?, I filled a blank paper with notes and page numbers of recipes to try. Here's a scrumptious sample of what we've been eating this week:
Iced Honey Cookies (page 126)- we took these to a friend's house for dinner. They were a huge hit...easy to make and yummy to eat!
Spaghetti and Meatball Soup (page 26)- "This is really good, Mom!" was all I needed to hear.
Slow Cooker Beef With Rosemary and Potatoes (page 37)- Crockpots make life a bit easier, don't they? In just a few minutes I had everything in the slow cooker and voila', eight hours later, a delicious meal. Next time I'll chop the rosemary finely as my children picked off the "green pieces".
Linda's Signature Grilled Chicken (page 49)- Just four ingredients in a zip-top bag, with some chicken. I didn't grill, though, as our high temperature was 38 degrees that day, but it worked fine in the oven.
Disappearing Chocolate Oatmeal Delights (page 124)- these really did disappear in our house!
I already have a well-worn copy of Linda's first cookbook "What's to Eat". That book is perfect for those who need basic food allergy friendly recipes for things like pancakes, waffles, chocolate chip cookies and plain white cake. I find Linda's second book ideal for those of us who have the essentials, but are now hungry for the next level. Believe me, no one will guess that these recipes are free of dairy, eggs , peanuts and tree nuts.
Linda's running a holiday special for her books. Give yourself a gift and check out her website.
Iced Honey Cookies (page 126)- we took these to a friend's house for dinner. They were a huge hit...easy to make and yummy to eat!
Spaghetti and Meatball Soup (page 26)- "This is really good, Mom!" was all I needed to hear.
Slow Cooker Beef With Rosemary and Potatoes (page 37)- Crockpots make life a bit easier, don't they? In just a few minutes I had everything in the slow cooker and voila', eight hours later, a delicious meal. Next time I'll chop the rosemary finely as my children picked off the "green pieces".
Linda's Signature Grilled Chicken (page 49)- Just four ingredients in a zip-top bag, with some chicken. I didn't grill, though, as our high temperature was 38 degrees that day, but it worked fine in the oven.
Disappearing Chocolate Oatmeal Delights (page 124)- these really did disappear in our house!
I already have a well-worn copy of Linda's first cookbook "What's to Eat". That book is perfect for those who need basic food allergy friendly recipes for things like pancakes, waffles, chocolate chip cookies and plain white cake. I find Linda's second book ideal for those of us who have the essentials, but are now hungry for the next level. Believe me, no one will guess that these recipes are free of dairy, eggs , peanuts and tree nuts.
Linda's running a holiday special for her books. Give yourself a gift and check out her website.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Go European Scientists!
Check out this research team in Europe who will be looking at modified food proteins in an effort to unlock the food allergy puzzle. They will be specifically targeting fish and fruit allergy, but I would think that any break-through may have an impact on other foods as well. Let's keep a close eye on this one. Makes sense that by modifying the food protein, the allergy reaction can be changed.
Monday, 1 December 2008
Food Allergy Support Groups
I'm a big fan of face to face support groups when you're dealing every day with an issue like food allergies. I met another mom in Baltimore at FAAN's (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) annual conference in 2001 when I attended the first time. At the conference, lunch seating is arranged by zip codes so that people can meet others who live close by. We began talking and decided to start a support group. We had 4-6 people who regularly met once a month to swap recipes, talk about safe foods and to provide general support for one another. That group has since dis-banded, but the friendships and help were invaluable to me at the time. My allergist office also ran a monthly support group with the doctor sitting in to answer questions.
If you are interested in a support group, Linda Coss has the most extensive state-by-state list I've seen. Check it out here. If you can't find a group in your area, ask your allergist if they run a group or know a local group. If you're having trouble finding a group, start your own. See if your doctor or local library will let you post a sign. If you have any questions or need help starting a group where you live, let me know .
If you are interested in a support group, Linda Coss has the most extensive state-by-state list I've seen. Check it out here. If you can't find a group in your area, ask your allergist if they run a group or know a local group. If you're having trouble finding a group, start your own. See if your doctor or local library will let you post a sign. If you have any questions or need help starting a group where you live, let me know .
Sunday, 23 November 2008
The Innocent Turkey
Four days before Thanksgiving and I just returned my frozen turkey. Well, exchanged it would be more accurate. Last night when I moved the frozen Shadybrook Farms young turkey from the freezer to the fridge for it's four days of thawing, the word "prebasted" caught my eye. Hmmm...prebasted with what, I thought. I can do my own basting thank you very much! The ingredient label was vague "turkey broth" was listed as the ingredient for the basting solution. A check of the company website gave a little more information and indicated that the basting solution "may contain butter or other fat". That did it. The turkey spent the night in the freezer until I took it back to the grocery store this morning. Now I have an eleven and a half pound Empire Kosher turkey thawing in my fridge. Ingredients: turkey, water, salt. I can take it from there. Happy cooking!
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Dairy Free Chocolate Chips
Yikes! I just placed my regular order for Barry Callebaut Chocolate chips from the Allergy Grocer and I nearly fell out of my chair when she told me the price. "I have to warn you, the price has gone up...way up" the phone rep told me. I just paid $10.00 a pound (includes shipping) for chocolate chips! I'm going to have to ration out these chips, maybe 2-3 per cookie. Anyone have a more reasonable source for quality dairy-free chocolate chips?
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Advair and Milk Protein
A visit to the doctor this morning has given me a few more gray hairs. I took my son in for sore throat and a cough. The doctor prescribed the inhaler, Advair, a new medicine for us. After a demo, I watched my son inhale the medicine into his body. It wasn't until the drive home that I realized I hadn't asked to read the ingredients of the medication. There it is, right on the box, "contains lactose". I called the doctor's office and checked the Advair website. Sure enough, "Contains milk protein. Contraindicated for those with a milk allergy". Fortunately, my son is fine and the doctor now knows this medicine contains milk protein. I'm still feeling shaky, and very guilty, over this close call. Parents are the last line of defense for their children with food allergies. Another day, another lesson, another close call.
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