Auvi-Q Carriers

Auvi-Q Holders

I've been on the look-out for Auvi-Q carriers to make self-carrying easier. Auvi-Q offers a great shape for adults- fits in most handbags for women and in most pockets in menswear. However, active kids often need something on their person that will stay put. Here's what I've found so far:

• Allergy Apparel offers a variety of pouches. They come with a carabiner clip to attach to a belt loop or backpack. Two sizes are available for carrying one Auvi-Q or two. There is also an expandable Youth EpiBelt that accommodates Auvi-Q or EpiPen.   
• KoziEpi has pouches and belts to hold one or two Auvi-Q devices.  
• EpiCarriers offers a Leg Buddy Holster and a Waist Buddy that holds Auvi-Q or EpiPen.  

  

  Epi Carriers

Has anyone found an Auvi-Q carrier they prefer? Please share!

Food Allergies and School Planning

This is Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW). Make an effort to talk to at least one new person about food allergies. Together we can educate the masses.

If your food allergic child is entering preschool or kindergarten next school year, now is the time to start planning. Set up meetings with the principal/director and school nurse. Grade school children are entitled to a 504 Plan. Speak up for the things your child needs. They are entitled to a safe learning environment like any other student.

To celebrate Food Allergy Awareness Week, join in on the Twitter party hosted by Ruth at Best Allergy Sites and Jen at Food Allergy Buzz. The fun begins Tuesday, May 11 at 8 pm EST. RSVP to join lots of food allergy folks as well as Julie Bradsher of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and a representative from the International Food Information and Council Foundation. Twitter parties are a great way to meet up and share information.

Happy FAAW!

House Bill 1148

Even if you don't live in PA, please consider copying and pasting the following e-mail addresses and letter into an e-mail and send it to our PA Reps. There is power in numbers and if all of us band together, no matter where we live, we can make all of our schools safer for those with food allergies.

Just copy, paste and put your name and address at the bottom of the letter. The vote is this Weds. June 24, so please do this today or tomorrow. Thank you.

Send to:
JRoebuck@pahouse.net, ksmith@pahouse.net, LCurry@pahouse.net, JYudicha@pahouse.net, bsmith@pahouse.net, mcarroll@pahouse.net, sconklin@pahouse.net, RGrucela@pahouse.net, pharkins@pahouse.net, mlongietti@pahouse.net, MOBrien@pahouse.net, JPallone@pahouse.net, cwagner@pahouse.net, JWheatle@pahouse.net, RYoungbl@pahouse.net, Pclymer@pahousegop.com, mfleck@pahousegop.com, Dmetcalf@pahousegop.com, dmilne@pahousegop.com, Boneill@pahousegop.com, Tquigley@pahousegop.com, Klrapp@pahousegop.com, MReese@pahousegop.com, trock@pahousegop.com, WTallman@pahousegop.com

Letter:

Dear Representative,

House Bill 1148 is a public health necessity. We have young students hiding their life-saving medications in backpacks because some schools require medications to be kept locked in the nurse's office. We have students exposed to potentially dangerous allergens because schools are reluctant to engage in dialogue with parents about food allergies. School buses and after-school activities are, at minimum challenging and sometimes not possible, for children with food allergies.

The incidence of food allergies has been growing exponentially in recent years and about seven percent of the student population is affected by food allergies. At present, many schools are managing these students on a case by case basis, and the results are mixed. As a result, families are forced to seek private or home schooling for their food allergic children to keep them safe.

Accommodations for food allergic students can be made easily and effectively in the classrooms and school communities. By law, all children are guaranteed an appropriate and free public education, and students with food allergies are legally entitled to appropriate protections. We just want to have the opportunity to talk with our schools about what is best for all children.

I am asking you to vote yes to HB 1148.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS HERE