First Reaction in 14 Years

Epinephrine for Food Allergy Reaction

"Why are you telling me this?" my food allergic tween asked.

I was sharing Keith's story, "First Reaction in 14 Years", published on the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis (FAAN) website.

"I'm telling you this as a reminder to both of us of why you carry an EpiPen® everywhere you go," I responded.

I was reminding us both that an allergic reaction can happen any time, any place- even when labels are checked, hands and utensils are washed and all precautions are taken. I think when you go years without an allergic reaction, it is easy to become complacent.

• Should you turn the car around and grab the forgotten medication bag? It's just a quick trip and no one will be eating.
• Does she really need to bring her EpiPen when she's just going out to play in the neighborhood? She's only a few doors away and can get home quickly.
• Do I really want to fight the school bus company that doesn't allow self carrying of EpiPens? He won't be eating on the bus after all.

Keith's story serves as a reminder that we must always be vigilant and prepared. This is a good reminder to us and our kids that medications need to be readily available and that we shouldn't hesitate to use them if symptoms warrant.

Check out some of the other stories shared on the FAAN site and consider sharing one of your own. Who knows? Your story may be the conversation topic at someone's dinner table!

Study on Emotional Impact of Food Allergy

Over the summer I participated in this joint survey offered by Galaxy Foods and FAAN. The results have been published and I have a few comments:

• I'm thrilled to see that more than 50% of the parents surveyed believe their child's teachers and administrators have an excellent or good understanding of their child's allergies. We've come a long way, baby!
• I'm concerned to see that 50% of parents feel frustrated in dealing with their child's food allergy. Surprisingly, 31% report feeling isolated and alone. I know I felt this way 10 years ago, but I hoped that with so many blogs, websites and support groups, frustration and isolation would be low. We obviously still have a long way to go.
• 69% of parents believe that their food allergic child's life has been somewhat or significantly impacted by their food allergy. I certainly see an impact in meeting nutritional needs and in limitations for social opportunities.
• The limited social opportunity is further shown by the result stating 71% have never eaten in a restaurant due to food allergy concerns. Again, the awareness and information out there is so much better. Sites like AllergyEats help families make safer decisions. That said, I do get this one. Many feel that it's just not worth the risk.

Did anything jump out at you when you looked through the results? The bottom line for me is that I feel like we're moving ahead with food allergy information, but for those of us in the thick of it, it can't be fast enough.

Food Allergy Conferences Begin This Week-end

FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) is kicking off their conferences in Baltimore this Saturday, April 2. On April 16, the Chicago conference is scheduled in Oak Brook Illinois and the west coast conference will be in Anaheim California on June 11. In 2012, the Baltimore (east coast) conference will be in Tarrytown NY, so you may want to plan accordingly.

I have found these conferences to be helpful during our food allergy journey. The speakers range from doctors sharing new treatment and research information to teens talking about how they deal with food allergies every day. At lunch, attendees sit with "their zip code" in order to meet people who live close to you. Discussion of local schools and support groups often takes place during this meal.

There are special sessions for teens (ages 11-18), school nurses and adults with food allergy. Other sessions focus on 504 plans and preparing allergy-friendly foods.

Check out the schedule and consider whether a FAAN conference may help you better deal with food allergy this year.

Camp for Children With Food Allergies

Have you worried that your food allergic child won't be able to participate in typical kid activitites like summer camp? FAAN has just announced registration for Camp TAG. These specially designed half day camps are "95% fun and 5% educational". Children ages 3-12 will be grouped by age and participate in activities including camp games, arts and crafts, boating, mini-golf and more.

There are three locations for the summer of 2011:

• Joliet Park District in Joliet IL
• Tall Pines Day Camp in Williamstown NJ
• Sandy Springs Friends School near Gaithersburg MD

TAG stands for The Allergy Gang and this camp experience may help kids with food allergies feel a connection to others who deal with food allergy every day.

Check out the registration page for more information.

Your family may want to consider a summer vacation around Camp TAG. Williamstown NJ is an easy distance to all the sights of Philadelphia. Gaithersburg Maryland is just outside of Washington DC and Joliet Illinois is 45 miles from Chicago.