Did You Read the Label Grandma?

Welcome to "The Best of 2009!" This post was originally published on January 4, 2009

New Year's Eve something monumental happened in terms of Tyler taking more ownership of his peanut allergy. And, let me tell, nothing could make me have a happier new year!

As our family gathered that evening to indulge all the treats that saying goodbye to the previous years brings, my mother-in-law asked Tyler if he wanted a cookie. She is very, very allergy aware and has my permission to offer him food without asking me first.

When she offered him the cookie, the following conversation occurred:

"Did you read the label on these cookies, Grandma?"

"Well, Tyler, I made them from scratch. They are safe."

"Oh, thank you Grandma!"

Now, for some people, this may not sound like much, but it was better than any Christmas present I could ever receive. One of my greatest fears has always been that someone would offer him something unsafe without me around. My goal since his diagnosis nearly 3 years ago has been to have him ask the questions himself.

This didn't happen overnight, of course. We have several conversations in the course of every week of how to stay safe. One thing I always mention is asking people about the safety of a food before he eats it.

We will still continue to work diligently to train him of how to take more ownership of the allergy himself, but this was a BIG step forward for me. He, not me, asked the question!

The Best of 2009 Coming!

Starting tomorrow, I will be running a "Best of 2009" series, highlighting my favorite posts from the year. If you are new to the blog, you might be seeing some of these for the first time. If you've been around all year, these are the posts that many of you liked (and commented on!) the most.

I have several new series coming in the new year that I am excited to share with, as well.

Here's hoping you have a happy and reaction free holiday!!

Your Input Needed!

I'm a planner. I love having everything mapped out so I know what is coming. As a result, I am busy making a blog schedule for what this blog will cover for the first half of 2010.

Here is where you come in: What would you like this blog to cover in the next several months? It can be something simple or even a complex series of discussions. I just want to make sure I cover what you need and want to read.

The same goes for my Examiner column on allergies in general.

I will also be running a series of posts called"The best of 2009" for the last week or so of the month. Is there a post on this blog this year that you really enjoyed? Let me know and I will include it in the series. It will be fun to revisit some of our favorite posts for the year.

Thanks so much your help! Please email me or leave me a comment with ideas for future articles or to tell me about your favorite post of 2009!


photo courtesy flickr

My Writing Campaign to Raise Awareness

I am on a mission! At times I am totally dumbfounded at the lack of information there is online about food allergies! Seriously, are we the only people that have allergic kids?

While I had this on my mind, I also had the desire to get back into "the work world." My dream has always been to freelance write from home while my kids were young so that I could still be the PTA mom, dropping off and picking up at school, caring for them while they were sick...well, you get the picture.

So, into my little brain popped an idea! What if I could combine raising awareness about food allergies (and really, allergies, eczema, and asthma in general) into my desire to return to work as a freelance writer?

OK, you saw this coming, didn't you? I have been applying all over the place for online jobs to be able to write about my passion. And people are actually hiring me!

I am so excited to share with you the link to a column I have been writing for a few weeks now. It is all about allergies (not just food either!).

Check out my Examiner articles here! You can subscribe via email or RSS feed just like you can here. In fact, I would love for you to do that and leave me some comments, too. I'm the new girl over there and I miss my allergy moms!

I also got a job at Suite 101. That is the site I talked about on Saturday. Check out my stuff here. I can write on anything I want to over here. You can also subscribe over there, too. If you do and you wonder if I have any interests outside of allergies, you will see that I do. (Plus, you'll find out what a nerd I am about things like organization and cooking.) You are also welcome to leave comments over there, too. I just started over there so I'm still building my content. (Another reason to subscribe.)

So, there you have it! One mom's mission to help raise awareness about allergies online!!

photo courtesy of flickr

Benadryl Strips - A Great Solution for Reactions

I was listening to a local allergist speak recently that made me totally rethink the Benadryl options I tote around to keep Tyler safe.

He told us if our child has a history of vomiting during an allergic reaction that liquid Benadryl will do them no good during an allergic reaction. (because they will throw it up, of course!) I won't go into detail, but let's just say that we fall into the "vomiting during a reaction" category.

His suggestion was this form of Benadryl:

I quickly did what any good allergy mom does when she finds something that might be more effective for her allergic child: ran to my nearest drug store!

I quickly found them and love them! I'm sure you have seen things like this before. You just stick them on your tongue and they dissolve within seconds. There is no stomach absorption involved.

I also have a "big kid" with food allergies, too. (My husband!) I have been wrapping two Benadryl tablets in foil and putting them in his wallet. He complains that he can feel them in there and doesn't like them. Problem solved with our new Benadryl strips! They are as thin as paper. I just stuck two in his wallet (the equivalent of two tablets) and he does not know they are there unless he needs them.

I love solving an allergy problem this simply!

'Tis the Season to Give...Without Food

Do the visions of sugar plums dancing in your child's head this holiday season send shivers down your spine? After all, what's in those "sugar plums" and what else was processed in the facility near them?

Having a child with a life-threatening food allergy can be down right scary during the holiday season. Christmas parties pose dangers that can steal any joy the season promises to offer.

This year, instead of a food-focused holiday, why not look to the true meaning of the season: giving to others?

Here are a few suggestions to keep the focus where it should be this holiday season while keeping children with food allergies safe:

Find a peanut-free food kitchen in which to serve.

Feeding the needy is such a rewarding experience; even young children can feel the joy. Even though your family or group will most likely not be eating the food, inquire about the meal before serving to ensure it does not pose any hazards to your child.

Find a service project to involve the whole family in.

Contact a local service agency or church to see if there is a project, such as making cards for the troops or quilts for the needy. Pick a project that appeals specifically to your food allergic child (as well as your entire group) and show them they can make a difference, regardless of what life-threatening food allergies they might have.


Adopt a needy family.

Families in need can be found a variety of ways, including angel trees at the local mall or at a church. Put the emphasis on providing for the needs of the family and the joy that it brings, rather than trying all the limits that the holiday brings. Helping others can take the focus off of the dangers the holidays present and all the joys that it can brings.

Sing Christmas carols at your local nursing home.

This can be done with a few members of your family or a group of children. Nothing lights up the face of an elderly person like young lungs belting out Christmas tunes! Contact the management of your local home and I think you will find they are more than willing to let your group sing to their hearts' content.

photo credit flickr

Christmas Gifts for the Food Allergic

Today I am posting about food allergies on a new website I am working for!!

Gift giving can feel overwhelming when food allergies are involved, particularly when someone has more than one food allergy. Allergens can be hidden in innocent gifts such as lotions and toys. But, research and forethought can allow for a fun, personalized gift to someone, no matter what their food allergy might be...

Read the rest of the story here

Review of "Taking Food Allergies to School"

As any parent of a food allergic child knows, children attending school is one of the more difficult parts. That is why I was intrigued by the book "Taking Food Allergies to School." It is written specifically for children about this issue.

Synopsis of the Story

The story is about Jeffrey, a child with multiple food allergies, including milk, peanuts, corn, strawberries, and wheat. The book opens with Jeffrey being ill from something he ate. Through this, the author describes Jeffrey's symptoms, including breathing problems, a stomach ache, and hives.

The authors stresses the fact that Jeffrey is "just like every other kid" since he play sports and other fun activities. Jeffrey, however, does have food allergies. From this, the author goes into a rather detailed explanation of an allergic reaction on a level that a child (depending on their maturity level) would most likely be able to understand on an elementary level.

The the story continues with how Jeffrey stays safe at school, including calling home if he is unsure of the safety of a food.

At the end of the book there are several bonus features:

• A pizza recipe that is free of several allergens.
  
• A quiz for students to take to help reinforce their food allergy knowledge after hearing the story
• 10 tips for teachers to help further their food allergy knowledge

My Analysis

First, I will say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The story itself is not spectacular. However, the extra information the book provides is.

I really enjoyed the detailed explanation of what happens during an allergic reaction. There were terms like "mast cells" and "histamine" that are the correct terminology.

The book is listed as a target age of 5-10 years. At first, I thought it might be a little deep for Tyler (he will be 5 next month) but, on second thought, he is a very aware kid. He asks intelligent questions all the time about health issues and about his peanut allergy. Giving him terms and a more detailed explanation in a language that he can relate to might not be a bad thing.

The other thing I really enjoyed was the bonus features at the end. The pizza recipe did not look outstanding but is a great starting point for people that have never been introduced to food allergies.

The quiz for kids was very good. If this was read to a classroom of kids, it would be a great tool for reinforcement about the new information they just learned.

The information for the teacher was also good. Even though I think a lot of teachers are more aware of these things than they were even a few years ago, I am often shocked at stories I hear of how some don't get it in the least. The culprit is probably a lack of education.

My Recommendation?

This book is certainly worth buying. I think having several food allergy books in the library of a child with a peanut allergy is important.

I think this book would also be a great donation to your peanut allergy kid's classroom. It is a way to educate the whole class without being "the mean food allergy mom."

For the Love of the Epi Pen

It seems like when you have young children everywhere you turn some product or brand is competing for their attention. As a parent, I have deliberately guarded the things to which I let my children be exposed.

It's inevitable, though, in today's society that something will capture their attention and imagination. It is just the world live in today.

In our home, one thing that is adored is an Epi Pen!

An Epi Pen has accompanied Tyler everywhere he has gone since he was 13 months old. Since its arrival in our home nearly four years ago, we have made many memories. Some good and some bad. But all of them have been with an Epi Pen within arm's reach.

So it should have come as no shock to me that Tyler has grown to love it as dearly as some as of his favorite cartoon characters.

And, really, the company has done a great job of marketing to my family. Between our charity work with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and my role as a support group leader in the Detroit area, our family has been on the receiving end of a few promotional products from the company.

But, Tyler's love of the product and the logo itself still baffles me!



At our last appointment with our allergist, Tyler noticed one of the logos in his office. He got terribly excited, saying "Look Mommy, Epi Pens! I love Epi Pens!"

The nurse got quite a kick out of it and gave him a new holder for his Epi Pens. As you might have guessed, it has the logo. And, as you also might have guessed, it is very, very loved by Tyler.



But I like this thing, too. Check it out the inside that holds all of his allergy "stuff."


My favorite part is the hook there on the side. I just clip it on my purse and it doesn't actually take up room inside my purse (that's prime real estate in there!)



Only in our home would Cookie Monster get a ride in an Epi Pen backpack.


And only in our home would my three-year-old (who has no food allergies) look lovingly at his brother's Epi Pens and ask me, "Mommy, where are my Epi's?"

(The picture below is Dylan sporting Tyler's old medical alert bracelet around the house. I call it ""Medical Alert Bracelet Envy." And, yes, only in our house!)



I told Dylan he did not need Epi Pens and that fact was a very good thing. But he still seemed sad. He does, however also have 2 Epi Pen shirts just like Tyler. They come down to his knees (he sleeps in one with sweatpants) but he loves it just like Tyler does.

And, when I think about, I love those little annoying "I wish I didn't have to lug these things around" shots. Because they are about much more than just a fun brand from which we get promotional items. Those two shots could save Tyler's life.

Come to think of it, I think I love those shots, too!


Note to the Epi Pen company: If you are giving away promotional laptops or cookware, this food allergy mom is accepting!! I promise you will not hear one word of complaint. That is, of course, unless Cookie Monster insists on taking a ride in them...

N-Style ID Sale - Great Gift Idea!!

Its not secret that I love N-Style ID for your medical alert bracelet needs. If you missed my recent review of this company, click here. That's why I had to let you know about an amazing holiday sale they are having!!

From now until December 15, they are having a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE sale on children's medical bracelets! When you purchase one of their children's jelly bands or ultra-light children's band and an ID, you get another bracelet free. This is a great deal because their ID's are interchangeable with different bracelets. We have two that we switch Tyler's ID with. I love that part!

Plus, they will send you a free gift box with any order placed until December 15, too.

One other sale they are having on adult bands is a FREE stainless steel link bracelet when you purchase a leather or beaded bracelet and an ID.

This sale (as far as I can tell) is not advertised on their website. But I spoke with the company yesterday and they said it is available to my readers. If you have trouble with this sale showing up on your order, email the company and tell them you are a reader of Peanut Allergy Kid. (They usually answer email within an hour.) If you are still having trouble, contact me and I will help you.

These bracelets make great gifts for any peanut allergy kid!!

Join Us for the "Holidays with Food Allergies Twitter Party" Tonight

Welcome to the "Holidays with Food Allergies Twitter Party!" The live discussion will be tonight, December 4, 2009 at 7:30pm - 8:30pm EST tonight. Feel free to jump in on the discussion using the hashtag "#foodallergy."

If you don't want to contribute but still want to eavesdrop on the conversation, you can do so on the “blidget” posted below.

If it does not live update for you, you can refresh the screen to stay live with the conversation. I may be live at the end of the conversation as we have a last minute Christmas party to attend. My user id is "thepakid."



If Twitter parties are new to you like they are to me, please check out Jennifer’s great post here.

(If you are reading this post after the conversation takes place, you should be able to still read it by scrolling through the above "blidget.)"

Holidays with Food Allergies Twitter Party Coming on Friday

Wouldn't it be great if you could talk with people all over the country and even the world that have food allergic children like you?

Well, Friday is just your opportunity!

Jennifer at Food Allergy Buzz and Ruth at Best Allergy Sites are teaming up to have a one-of-a kind Twitter party called "Holidays with Food Allergies Twitter Party" at 8:30-9:30 p.m. Friday night.

I admit I new to Twitter but Jennifer has prepared an amazing "Twitter Party Tips" on how to participates. It is also a great guide to Twitter in general, too.

Don't use Twitter and don't want to? No problem! You can "eavesdrop" if you want. I will post (or at least attempt to!) a wonderful "blidget" that Jennifer created so that you can see the conversations unfold on my blog. All you need to do is visit my blog and read! (You will need a Twitter account if you want to participate, though.)

I know that this can seem like a lot of "techie" stuff, but its not. I promise! There will be prizes to win during the conversation and new food allergy mom friends to make.

Check back on Friday night. Watch the conversation unfold and jump in if you want. I would love to see all of you guys out there chatting with each other!

"Project: Food Allergy Friendship" Match Up Begins

Remember a couple of months ago when I ran the "Project Food Allergy Friendship?" This was something I dreamed up to connect people all over the country and the world who have a child with a peanut allergy.

The response has been tremendous!!

So why did I seemingly put this on the back burner? Well, I wanted to give as many people who wanted to be a part of the project to email so I had a large group of people to connect. This means that there is a better chance of finding people in the same geographic location to connect!

I have two moms in my area who have peanut allergic boys that Tyler loves playing with. Plus, I love hanging out with another mom who deals with many of the same fears and frustrations that I do.

This weekend, I will be matching up all of the moms who have emailed me with their request to be a part of this project. If you have not done so yet and would like to, please email me at peanutallergykidATgmailDOTcom. Don't forget to include the following information:

Name:

Location:

Email address:

Food Allergies in Your Home:

What you would like in a food allergy mom friendship:

Other information you would like to share:

I will start matching up people this weekend and will notify everyone when I have a match over the next couple of weeks.