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!

Food Allergy Website Gets an Update

It's colorful, trendy and sleek.

The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) has launched a brand new website. It's much more user friendly for those of us who have been at this food allergy thing for awhile. I also think the links for the top eight allergens listed across the top will be more helpful for people who are new to food allergy.

Check it out. What do you think?

Friday Feature: mallergies

This week's Friday Feature is an interview with Marie-Ida, creator of a food allergy resource called mallergies. This interactive site focuses on the latest trends in food allergies. With their own food allergy apparel line, great recipes and tons of resources, you'll find a wealth of information. Join me for this interview with the creator of mallergies:

What is your food allergy background?

At the age of 6 months, I had my first anaphylactic shock. While my parents were away, my grandparents decided to introduce some new foods to my baby diet. My granddad gave me a pinch of jam, honey, caramel and finally peanut butter. Instantly, I stopped breathing and they had to carry me to the village doctor. That day, the doctor diagnosed my peanut allergy.

I am extremely cautious with everything that may contain traces of peanuts and/or nuts and always carry an EpiPen® with me. I believe I have managed my food allergies pretty well. I traveled, studied and worked for several years in England and Australia. I never felt different over those years, except sometimes when I am restricted with my food choices in restaurant, bakeries, cafés and bistros.

I realize that I eat healthier and avoid junk food or fast food as they often handle or contain peanuts and nuts.

What are you passionate about in the food allergy field?

I mostly like the exchanges with people who experience food allergies. By looking at blogs, forums, Facebook Groups, Twitter and websites, I see that food allergy is a topic concerning many parents, children, teachers, caretakers, medical staff, etc.

I also see companies trying to modify their production by asking manufacturers to apply allergen free measures. Science and medicine are collaborating and trying to find a cure and remedies. Environmentalists, nutritionists and dietetics are debating on several issues which may have caused the increase of food allergies in the last decades. Food allergies touch many fields and for those reasons, I am always passionate to read and learn more about this health issue and condition that I have.

What else are you working on in the food allergy area?

Recently, I started my own business and website about the latest trends on food allergies named mallergies. Mallergies’ approach is to prevent food allergies while offering reassurance to allergic people and informing their relatives and entourage.

By the intermediary of this e-business, I wish to reach more people who are connected directly or indirectly by food allergies, around the world. I know, by personal experience, that anyone affected with a food allergy condition can at some point, be frustrated about the restriction of eating out or finding allergen free foods. Dynamic, informative and complete, mallergies is the online resources to use and access daily from the comfort of your home.

To date, prevention is the only way to control food allergies; therefore, information must be accessible to everyone affected directly or indirectly by food allergies and intolerances. Allergic individuals will find information on a wide variety of topics : allergens, food labeling, news, product reviews, reactions, recipes, resources, symptoms, and much more.

What are your favorite food allergy friendly food staples?

I recently discovered a yummy cupcake store called Petits Gateax in Montreal. The chef is very aware of food allergies because he has peanut and nut allergies and guarantees that none of these allergens are presented in his pastries.

I also like to purchase foods through the CAC (Certified Allergen Control) (in Canada).

What are some of your other interests/hobbies?

My other interests in life are cooking, traveling, learning languages, writing (in French and English), reading and skiing. My friends and family are very important in my life and we love to get together for catching up, coffees or long dinners.

Thank you Marie-Ida for creating this valuable resource and for sharing your story.

Great Site for Young People with Food Allergies

Studies have shown that young people with food allergies may take unnecessary risks so they aren't viewed as "different" by their peers. They just want to fit in. Perfectly understandable, but this is something that strikes terror in the heart of parents of food allergic kids everywhere.

That's why I love this new Canadain site: Why Risk It. Sponsored by Anaphylaxis Canada, the site allows teens and young adults to share their stories about life with food allergy. Covering everything from school to dating to dining out and more, people share their stories and learn from one another. It appears to be quite appropriate for younger kids as well.

Well done, Anaphylaxis Canada!