Epinephrine Use to Treat Food Allergy or Insect Sting Reactions

State laws vary in regards to whether non-medical personnel may administer epinephrine to a person experiencing anaphylaxis due to an allergic reaction. Recently, the WMS (Wilderness Medical Society) addressed this issue. The organization has taken the position that:

• outdoor instructors authorized to treat anaphylaxis should be trained to administer epinephrine
•  legislative change on the federal level should establish uniform protection in all 50 states

So, see that second bullet point? That means families need to know what the law in their state says about non-medical personnel administering epinephrine. In New York, for example, teachers and camp counselors are permitted to administer epinephrine after proper training. Other states strictly prohibit this. Good Samaritan Laws may cover people in some areas.

Ideally, a person with a known allergy that may lead to an anaphylactic reaction carries their own medication and self administers if necessary. That is not always possible though, especially for children experiencing a reaction. The laws need to protect helpers who may need to assist someone in a life-threatening situation.

Read the full WMS position and know the laws in your state.

Food Allergies and Bullying Study Results

Forty-three percent of school-age children with food allergies report bully waving allergen in their face in a threatening manner. Twenty percent of food allergic students report the teasing and harassment came from teachers and staff.

What?!?!?

Read the results of this study, conducted by Mount Sinai, then talk to your child. Explain to young children what bullying is and what they should do if they feel threatened. Develop a plan with older children about how to handle a bullying situation. Share this research with your school nurse, guidance counselor, teacher and administrators. Bullying is never okay. Bullying with food allergens is dangerous and needs to be stopped immediately. Does your school have an anti-bullying policy? Does the policy mention food allergy? The authors of this study say it should.

Food Allergies at School: More Tips

As the new school year gets underway, do not forget about "special area" teachers when creating a food allergy management plan.

• Food allergens may be hidden in art supplies. Make sure the art teacher is aware of your child's allergies and contacts parents if there are any questions about supplies used in the classroom.
• In music class, many instruments are passed around for children to try. Find out about the cleaning of these instruments. Ask for a specially designated set for your child if you are especially concerned.
• Computer kepyboards may harbor food allergens. Does your child (or teacher)need to wipe down  the keyboard before beginning computer class?

From classroom to cafeteria to art room and school bus, cover all spaces and places in whatever food allergy plan you develop with your child's school.

Food Allergies and Halloween: Time to Get Ready

For those of us with food allergic children, planning ahead for Halloween is essential. My little guy goes trick or treating around the neighborhood. When he gets home, we take out all the candy with milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts.

All the candy that isn't labeled goes too.

Now, here's where my preparation pays off. I have lots of great treats to put back in the bag. Allow shipping time and order safe treats today. Check out these suppliers, with direct links to Halloween treats:

Divvies
Amanda's Own
Enjoy Life
AllerNeeds
Chocolate Emporium
Peanut Free Planet
Premium Chocolatiers
Vermont Nut Free

Most of these sources have order deadlines in mid-October to guarantee shipping in time for the big day. Did I miss any of your favorite Halloween go-tos?

Dairy Free Chocolate Chips

I do love chocolate! When I realized that my Ghiradelli milk chocolate chips were no longer an option in our new world of food allergy, I was a bit panicked. Well, maybe panicked is a bit strong...

no, taking away my favorite chocolate chips did cause panic!

So, we embarked on a tasting of dairy free chocolate chips.  I was not interested in mini-chocolate chips. I prefer the regular size for most of my baking. Fortunately I discovered Barry Callebaut chips. I swear to you, you'll never miss the dairy in these chips. I order them from The Allergy Grocer, as they're not carried in stores. This works great, except:

•  the chips can't be shipped during the summer months due to high temps and melting
• they're awfully expensive, especially with the shipping...

but who can put a price on a good chocolate chip?

Imagine my excitement recently while shopping at Wegmans's, when I noticed their store brand of chocolate chips is dairy free. I bought a bag, giddy at the thought of saving on those shipping costs. We had a blind taste-testing in our home that night.

No comparison. Barry Callebaut wins out.

So, I'll keep ordering multiple 5 lb. bags of Barry Callebaut chips from The Allergy Grocer, but I'm always willing to do more taste-testing!

Any suggestions?

By the way, Allergy Grocer offers free shipping on orders over $100. Go ahead, you can do it...

Food Allergy Show on Lifetime Televisions's Balancing Act

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Sept. 21, The Balancing Act, on Lifetime will feature a show on food allergies. The show airs from 7-8 am ET/PT. Set your TiVo, your DVR, or plan to grab a cup of coffee to watch it live. The program will feature Leandro de Armas, this year's Heart of FAAN Child Ambassador, and an interview with a father who lost his son as the result of a fatal food allergy reaction. FAAN’s Vice President of Research and General Counsel, Maria Acebal, will also speak. A demonstration of how to use an epinephrine auto-injector is part of the presentation.

This show is a great opportunity to inform and educate grandparents, friends and others about food allergy. Spread the word!

Food Allergy Friendly Basball Games and Food Allergy Contest

More and more peanut allergic individuals can sing, "Take me out to the ball game!" thanks to efforts of many to encourage ballparks to provide seating free of peanuts at some games. The Cleveland Indians are the latest to offer this opportunity. They're even power-washing and thoroughly cleaning that are of the stadium prior to the start of the game.

Part of the money from the tickets sold at the Indians Sept. 26 game will go to FAAN for food allergy research.

Go team! For more peanut-aware games, visit my friend Jennifer B's list.

Last day to enter: Ian's Party Give-Away. Be sure to join in the fun for an opportunity to throw a party with treats from Ian's.