Country music star, Trace Adkins, has posted a public service announcement on YouTube. While it doesn't give much new information to those of us food allergy veterans, it is a fun to link to share with friends and family.
Check it out and pass it on!
Food Allergy and EpiPens
So, a new study shows that an increased number of us are accidentally poking ourselves with epinephrine auto-injectors. Well, at least teenagers are. The study, with data from 1994-2007, didn't give information about the circumstances of these accidents.
I suspect that as more people carry and use auto-injectors, we'll see more accidents.
The recommendation is improved design of the auto-injector and better training. EpiPen® has a new design. Have you seen it yet? It does seem to be easier to hold. When this new one expires, I'll try it out in an orange- taking great care not to inject myself!
I suspect that as more people carry and use auto-injectors, we'll see more accidents.
The recommendation is improved design of the auto-injector and better training. EpiPen® has a new design. Have you seen it yet? It does seem to be easier to hold. When this new one expires, I'll try it out in an orange- taking great care not to inject myself!
Food Allergy Friendly Baseball
It's baseball season again (Go Phillies!) and I need to give a shout out to Jennifer over at Food Allergy Buzz. She also writes Free to Enjoy Baseball, which is a listing of baseball teams and games that have made special accommodations for those with peanut and other food allergy.
So make plans this spring or summer to take in a game- safely. If your team doesn't offer food allergy friendly games, contact them through their website and ask them to consider it. If you hear of any special games, shoot the info over to Jennifer (e-mail: jennifer@foodallergybuzz.com)so she can list it on her site for everyone's benefit.
Time to play ball!!!!
So make plans this spring or summer to take in a game- safely. If your team doesn't offer food allergy friendly games, contact them through their website and ask them to consider it. If you hear of any special games, shoot the info over to Jennifer (e-mail: jennifer@foodallergybuzz.com)so she can list it on her site for everyone's benefit.
Time to play ball!!!!
Cookie Contest Winner
For all you cookie lovers out there, a new allergy friendly cookie will soon be on the market. Congratulations to Elizabeth Ilson of Tarpon Springs, Florida with her Double Chocolate Brownie Bites. The contest was co-sponsored by FAAN and Divvies.
Here's the full press release.
Here's the full press release.
Participating in Food Allergy Studies
With so many food allergy studies going on, researchers are actively recruiting individuals to participate. Those interested in being a part of a clinical study can look at lists of ongoing studies at Clinical Trials.gov. This organization is a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Read Understanding Clinical Trials to get a full appreciation of the commitment involved in a study.
FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) also maintains a list of current study needs.
It's a big decision to participate in a study. It's even bigger when deciding if you should allow your child to do so. Give it careful consideration and make the best decision for your family.
FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) also maintains a list of current study needs.
It's a big decision to participate in a study. It's even bigger when deciding if you should allow your child to do so. Give it careful consideration and make the best decision for your family.
Allergic Living Magazine: The Future of Food Allergy
Have you gotten a copy of Allergic Living's 5th Anniversary Collector's Edition? It's a must-read! I was lucky enough to borrow a copy from my library.
The article about the future of food allergies is full of great information and HOPE. From peanut allergy vaccines to tests for anaphylaxis to herbal formulas, there are numerous studies going on right now. With the idea that one fix won't work for all, researchers are coming at food allergy from all angles. The search is on for individualized treatments when it comes to treating and curing food allergy.
There is another fantastic article that looks at how plastics and pollutants affect allergies and asthma. Yet another article looks at how to help your food allergic child become an empowered restaurant diner. Cybele Pascal's The Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook
was featured in this issue as well with her recipe for Red Velvet Cake with Velvet Frosting. The picture looks good enough to eat and I plan on trying this recipe out soon. I'll let you know.
If you can't get your hands on a copy of this issue, check out Allergic Living's website for an inside preview and subscription information.
The article about the future of food allergies is full of great information and HOPE. From peanut allergy vaccines to tests for anaphylaxis to herbal formulas, there are numerous studies going on right now. With the idea that one fix won't work for all, researchers are coming at food allergy from all angles. The search is on for individualized treatments when it comes to treating and curing food allergy.
There is another fantastic article that looks at how plastics and pollutants affect allergies and asthma. Yet another article looks at how to help your food allergic child become an empowered restaurant diner. Cybele Pascal's The Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook
was featured in this issue as well with her recipe for Red Velvet Cake with Velvet Frosting. The picture looks good enough to eat and I plan on trying this recipe out soon. I'll let you know.If you can't get your hands on a copy of this issue, check out Allergic Living's website for an inside preview and subscription information.
Food Allergy Awareness Week
It's that time of year again. Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is holding the 13th annual awareness week May 9-15. This year's title is Respect Every Bite and FAAN's site offers some great ways to commemorate Food Allergy Awareness Week. Check it out for sample presentations directed to elementary schools, teens or corporate settings. Find a link to petition your state for a proclamation. Download and print resources to educate others about food allergy.
Go ahead...May 9 will be here before you know it. Plan now!
Go ahead...May 9 will be here before you know it. Plan now!
Fish Allergy
So the other day while I was on the treadmill watching a recently taped Dr. Oz (hey, I find it motivating to exercise during Dr. Oz. At least I'm doing one thing right!), he mentioned reactions to fish. It was during a segment on what to order and what to avoid in restaurants. The discussion was that fish served in a restaurant is often "expired", or ahem...a little past it's freshness date. Beware as these are often listed on the "specials" menu. It turns out that "expired fish" releases histamine, which can cause a reaction characterized by increased heart rate, rash and hives.
This occurrence leaves the diner with the impression they have a fish allergy.
Not so.
The diagnosis is histamine fish poisoning. The symptoms are strictly related to consuming fish that has been improperly refrigerated for a period of time. The treatment is antihistamines, based on the severity of the reaction. Symptoms generally subside within 6 hours.
Of course fish allergy is real and presents with many of the same symptoms. Talk to a medical care provider if there are any concerns of a true fish allergy.
This occurrence leaves the diner with the impression they have a fish allergy.
Not so.
The diagnosis is histamine fish poisoning. The symptoms are strictly related to consuming fish that has been improperly refrigerated for a period of time. The treatment is antihistamines, based on the severity of the reaction. Symptoms generally subside within 6 hours.
Of course fish allergy is real and presents with many of the same symptoms. Talk to a medical care provider if there are any concerns of a true fish allergy.
Spring Allergy Season
Many people with food allergies also deal with environmental allergies. Check out some of my articles for information about dealing with spring pollen, dust and other environmental allergies:
Spring Allergies talks about pollen counts and how to decrease allergy symptoms when the counts are highest this spring.
Symptoms for Flu, Allergies and the Common Cold addresses how to tell the differences between these three common ailments and what to do when you're feeling sick.
Mold Allergy Symptoms and Prevention describes mold and the symptoms of an allergy to it. The article further describes ways to prevent indoor mold and minimize exposure to outdoor mold.
Cutting down on dust in the bedroom and using a good vacuum cleaner help people to deal with dust allergy.
For those sniffling and sneezing their way through another spring, talk to your doctor about ways to decrease these annoying symptoms. Allergy shots or allergy drops may be another option if symptoms are interfering on a daily basis. Don't suffer needlessly. Find out what works best for you or your child.
Spring Allergies talks about pollen counts and how to decrease allergy symptoms when the counts are highest this spring.
Symptoms for Flu, Allergies and the Common Cold addresses how to tell the differences between these three common ailments and what to do when you're feeling sick.
Mold Allergy Symptoms and Prevention describes mold and the symptoms of an allergy to it. The article further describes ways to prevent indoor mold and minimize exposure to outdoor mold.
Cutting down on dust in the bedroom and using a good vacuum cleaner help people to deal with dust allergy.
For those sniffling and sneezing their way through another spring, talk to your doctor about ways to decrease these annoying symptoms. Allergy shots or allergy drops may be another option if symptoms are interfering on a daily basis. Don't suffer needlessly. Find out what works best for you or your child.
Allergy On Board is a Food Allergy Resource
There's a new company available to help families cope with food allergy. Allergy On Board offers t-shirts and books for children with food allergies.
The t-shirts are quite adorable and use the slogan "allergy on board" to convey the message that the wearer has a food allergy. It's a positive message that gets the point across without being pushy or negative.
I like it!
Shirts are available in sizes 2T-4T for a variety of individual food allergies and some common combos as well. Keep an eye on Allergy On Board as they will continue to expand their t-shirt and book collection.
The t-shirts are quite adorable and use the slogan "allergy on board" to convey the message that the wearer has a food allergy. It's a positive message that gets the point across without being pushy or negative.
I like it!
Shirts are available in sizes 2T-4T for a variety of individual food allergies and some common combos as well. Keep an eye on Allergy On Board as they will continue to expand their t-shirt and book collection.
Allergy Eats Helps Those With Food Allergies
Paul is a dad of kids with food allergies. He's a busy man who set his sights on making it easier for families with food allergy to eat out. The result is a new online guide called Allergy Eats.
The concept is simple- people who deal with food allergies share information with one another by rating restaurants. It's a peer review system and it only works if everyone contributes.
Right now the majority of the reviews appear to be in the greater Boston area. So, the rest of us need to hop on over and rate the restaurants in our area. Who better to give commentary about the food allergy friendliness of a restaurant than a food allergy family? Let's share our experiences.
The concept is simple- people who deal with food allergies share information with one another by rating restaurants. It's a peer review system and it only works if everyone contributes.
Right now the majority of the reviews appear to be in the greater Boston area. So, the rest of us need to hop on over and rate the restaurants in our area. Who better to give commentary about the food allergy friendliness of a restaurant than a food allergy family? Let's share our experiences.
Food Allergy Business Highlighted
Dina Clifford, founder of Beyond a Peanut, was featured in an article on Entrepreneur.com. The article encourages people to start a business related to something they are passionate about. Dina has a child with food allergies and she is passionate about educating children and others about food allergy.
Congratulations on the mention in the article, Dina. Thank you for your passion to educate others.
Congratulations on the mention in the article, Dina. Thank you for your passion to educate others.
Food Allergic Should Have Double Dose of Epinepherine Available
So the latest recommendation is that people with food allergies should be carrying two doses of their life-saving epinephrine. This is the conclusion of researchers at Children's Hospital Boston after a six year study. Dr. Rudders headed the study and says, "Until we're able to clearly define the risk factors for the most severe reactions, the safest thing may be to have all children at risk for food-related anaphylaxis carry two doses of epinephrine".
It was also discovered during the course of this research that many emergency rooms are treating food allergy reactions with antihistamines and steroids, rather than epinephrine. Rudders explains that "these findings may be due to lack of a universal understanding of anaphylaxis in the ED (emergency department) before 2006". She goes on to say that she hopes her study will move things forward in this area.
The entire study was written up in the April 2010 journal of Pediatrics.
It was also discovered during the course of this research that many emergency rooms are treating food allergy reactions with antihistamines and steroids, rather than epinephrine. Rudders explains that "these findings may be due to lack of a universal understanding of anaphylaxis in the ED (emergency department) before 2006". She goes on to say that she hopes her study will move things forward in this area.
The entire study was written up in the April 2010 journal of Pediatrics.
Eczema Drugs Linked to Cancer Risk
There is a scary warning about two common drugs used for eczema. The FDA is recommending warning labels for the skin creams Elidel® and Protpic®. They may cause cancer.
I suspect that many of you were told, as we were, that these two creams were the best treatment on the market for our children's eczema, since they were non-steroid based. We switched to these creams when we noticed some loss of pigment on some areas of the leg. "That's from the steroid cream you're using to treat the eczema," our allergist said. Two new (at the time) creams were recommended to us.
Now we find out that these creams have caused cancer in animals involved in a study. Human study results will be unknown for 10 years.
So we wait?
If you are still using either cream, I suggest speaking to your allergist or dermatologist about risks and benefits. They are not being pulled off the market and doctors seem to believe they have a place in eczema treatment.
They are not, though, the "miracle drug" I was led to believe they were...
I suspect that many of you were told, as we were, that these two creams were the best treatment on the market for our children's eczema, since they were non-steroid based. We switched to these creams when we noticed some loss of pigment on some areas of the leg. "That's from the steroid cream you're using to treat the eczema," our allergist said. Two new (at the time) creams were recommended to us.
Now we find out that these creams have caused cancer in animals involved in a study. Human study results will be unknown for 10 years.
So we wait?
If you are still using either cream, I suggest speaking to your allergist or dermatologist about risks and benefits. They are not being pulled off the market and doctors seem to believe they have a place in eczema treatment.
They are not, though, the "miracle drug" I was led to believe they were...
Kids and Food Allergy Video
Share this video with your kids, grandparents, teachers, school nurses and friends. It's eye-opening.
How about the girl who sat alone in her elementary school cafeteria for 2 years at the peanut-free table?
How about the kids who talk about hurt feelings when other kids make jokes about food allergies?
What about students who feel scared at school because of food crumbs or M&M's® lying around?
Isn't it scary to hear that 18% of food allergy reactions occur at school?
We can do better than this!
How about the girl who sat alone in her elementary school cafeteria for 2 years at the peanut-free table?
How about the kids who talk about hurt feelings when other kids make jokes about food allergies?
What about students who feel scared at school because of food crumbs or M&M's® lying around?
Isn't it scary to hear that 18% of food allergy reactions occur at school?
We can do better than this!
How Do Families Cope with Food Allergies?
National Jewish Health® has received a $450,000 grant from the National Institute of Health to study how families cope with food allergy.
Available data suggest that half of parents with food-allergic children experience a pervasive fear for their child's safety, and a sizable subgroup restrict normal child and family activities because of food allergies. Others do not appreciate the potential severity of a food-allergy reaction and are casual about their precautions and preparations.
Check out this information on the grant.
Anyone interested in participating in this trial (open to families with children between ages 6-12) can call National Jewish Health® at 303-398-1006 for more information.
Available data suggest that half of parents with food-allergic children experience a pervasive fear for their child's safety, and a sizable subgroup restrict normal child and family activities because of food allergies. Others do not appreciate the potential severity of a food-allergy reaction and are casual about their precautions and preparations.
Check out this information on the grant.
Anyone interested in participating in this trial (open to families with children between ages 6-12) can call National Jewish Health® at 303-398-1006 for more information.
Food Allergy Conference this Week-End in Baltimore
FAAN’s Annual Food Allergy Conference Comes to Baltimore
Learn How to “Respect Every Bite” at this Daylong Educational Conference
Learn How to “Respect Every Bite” at this Daylong Educational Conference
FAIRFAX, Va. (March 17, 2010) – The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is bringing together parents, physicians, dietitians, caregivers, and others for its 17th Annual Food Allergy Conferences, the first of which will be held in Baltimore and promises to give attendees new insights and strategies about food allergies and anaphylaxis.
The daylong conference on March 27 will urge everyone to “Respect Every Bite” and feature topics such as the psychosocial impact of living with food allergies, safety at school, food allergy basics, and a research update from one of the nation’s top allergists. It is the first of FAAN’s four spring conferences, which have long been known to offer a unique opportunity for individuals managing food allergies to gain a top-notch learning experience while connecting with others who share similar challenges.
This year’s conferences, to be held also in Las Vegas (April 24), Tarrytown, N.Y. (May 8), and Oak Brook, Ill. (May 22), now offer attendees more choices in the form of multiple breakout sessions from which to choose.
“We have planned a fantastic program this year that is designed to provide everyone from parents to school nurses to babysitters with the knowledge they need to avoid food allergy reactions, which can be potentially fatal,” said Julia Bradsher, CEO of FAAN. “It doesn’t matter if someone has managed food allergies for years or is newly diagnosed – everyone will gain valuable information.”
Top food allergy researcher Robert A. Wood, M.D., will be one of the featured speakers in Baltimore. Wood is a professor of pediatrics and international health and the director of pediatric allergy and immunology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
The Baltimore conference will run from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel, 300 S. Charles St.
For more information or to register for one of FAAN’s Food Allergy Conferences, visit www.foodallergy.org or call (800) 929-4040.
The Positives of Coping With Food Allergies Guest Post
Thank you to Ashley M. Jones for submitting this post on the positive side of food allergy.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Ashley M. Jones, who writes on the topic of pharmacy tech certification . She welcomes your comments at her email id: ashleym.jones643@gmail.com.
It’s not something you want your child to be born with, but when it comes to food allergies, you have no choice. You discover that they’re allergic to certain proteins in dairy products, eggs or nuts, and from then on, you become increasingly protective about them and take all possible precautions to avoid adverse reactions that could become fatal if you’re not prepared. And as your child grows up, you get them to become responsible for their health; you educate them on what they should and shouldn’t eat; and you teach them to take care of their allergies and be prepared to deal with any emergencies that may arise.
It’s natural for a child to feel out of sorts at times because of a food allergy – after all, they cannot share their friends’ food or let their guard down during a picnic. But even though a food allergy is something we don’t want, if you do have it, there are positive ways to look at it.
· Your diet is healthier: If you suffer from food allergies, you don’t eat out too much. All your food is home-cooked or carefully selected after checking the ingredients involved. This means your diet becomes healthier as you are in control of what you eat. Also, you tend to eat more fruits and vegetables as they provide you with nutrition and help boost your immune system in the long run.
· You lose weight: When you avoid eating out and stick to home-cooked food, you tend to pick foods that are light on your stomach and which contain less fat and other substances that tend to increase your weight. This makes you lose or at least maintain your weight. So you don’t have to battle obesity problems like the kids who don’t have food allergies and so don’t have to worry about what they eat.
· You take better care of your health: You may have to altogether remove certain foods from your diet because of your allergies, and this means you could be losing out nutrition. So you naturally tend to take nutritional supplements to balance this deficiency or you eat alternative foods that give you the same nutrition but don’t contain the allergens you react badly to.
· You avoid the negative aspects of dairy products: If you’re allergic to milk and other dairy products, you don’t have to worry about not being able to eat ice creams and flavored yogurt – for one, consumption of dairy has been linked to heart disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis; and for another, there are tasty alternatives to dairy products, like soy. Although dairy is your main source of calcium and Vitamin D, there are supplements and other food items that act as decent substitutes.
So if you have a food allergy, don’t let it get you down; rather, try to look at the positive side of the picture and cope as best as you can.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Ashley M. Jones, who writes on the topic of pharmacy tech certification . She welcomes your comments at her email id: ashleym.jones643@gmail.com.
Food Allergy Assistant and Technical Difficulties
The Food Allergy Assistant is caught up in "name servers", "domain registration", "DNS information", "ISP's" and many other confusing technical terms. The website is broken! I can still be found at www.foodallergyassistant.blogspot.com, but the links are not working on the blog page for now.
So, I'm learning how a DNS works and how to point my website to a name server. I should have www.foodallergyassistant.com up and running again in the next few days.
Fingers crossed...
In the meantime, check in this week through the Blogspot address.
So, I'm learning how a DNS works and how to point my website to a name server. I should have www.foodallergyassistant.com up and running again in the next few days.
Fingers crossed...
In the meantime, check in this week through the Blogspot address.
Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy
The public is welcome to comment on the “Guidelines of the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy”, as developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. These guidelines have been established to give information to healthcare providers about diagnosis and treatment of food allergies.
The bad news is that it is a 119 page document. The good news is that you have until May 6, 2010 to comment.
Who better to give that input than us?
Honestly, it is an interesting read. In the section "Management of Food-Induced Anaphylaxis", it is clearly stated that an epinephrine auto-injector should be the first-line treatment. The use of antihistamines was often given as a reason for not using epinephrine. All studies indicate that this puts the patient at significant risk of a life-threatening reaction. The guidelines also acknowledge that school aged children who do not have immediate access to epinephrine, are at an increased risk for a life-threatening event.
Take that to your uncooperative school administrator.
So, grab a cup of coffee and a few quiet moments, and take a look at the guidelines. Then, register, and offer your comments. I must admit, it feels good to be asked for an opinion about how healthcare providers handle food allergy.
The bad news is that it is a 119 page document. The good news is that you have until May 6, 2010 to comment.
Who better to give that input than us?
Honestly, it is an interesting read. In the section "Management of Food-Induced Anaphylaxis", it is clearly stated that an epinephrine auto-injector should be the first-line treatment. The use of antihistamines was often given as a reason for not using epinephrine. All studies indicate that this puts the patient at significant risk of a life-threatening reaction. The guidelines also acknowledge that school aged children who do not have immediate access to epinephrine, are at an increased risk for a life-threatening event.
Take that to your uncooperative school administrator.
So, grab a cup of coffee and a few quiet moments, and take a look at the guidelines. Then, register, and offer your comments. I must admit, it feels good to be asked for an opinion about how healthcare providers handle food allergy.
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