Kids with Food Allergies? Best Learning Tool Out There - Letting Them Advocate for Themselves in the Classroom

What a fabulous end to another school year!  I actively included my kids in preparing classes during Food Allergy Awareness Week 2017 for almost 100 kids, ages 11 to 14.  My 11 year old and a friend, both anaphylactic to peanuts, helped present 'how to correctly use auto injectors' to all of their classmates.  My 13 year old helped prep questions for a game to wrap our 9 years of food allergy classes with her classmates.

Two kids transitioning to very different points in their lives.  Half of these kids are moving on to junior high, and the other half are moving on to high school.  Yes, as a food allergy mom my main focus is creating a safer world for ALL of our kids with life threatening food allergies.  But it’s also about creating a more accepting world for ALL teens living with any life threatening food allergy.  These are tough years for many kids and being different isn’t always so easy.

S.A.F.E. Autoinjector Presentation

Delta Air Lines Peanut Policy - At Your Fingertips

Here it is December 2016 and #foodallergies and #airlines are AGAIN all over the news.  My very simple focus in this blog is to quickly put my favorite airline's policy at your fingertips.  

Voila ! Delta Air Lines - Traveling with Disabilities - Special Concerns - Peanut Allergy 

At your fingertips! YES, it is this specific.  NO, it may NOT be as inclusive as you'd like, but it's a heck of lot better than some.

Smart Allergy Friendly Education - Delta Peanut Policy

As a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines for 20+ years, and having a son who is allergic to dairy, eggs, kiwi, fish, shellfish and ANA to ALL nuts.  No, my son is not airborne allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, but we ALL take traveling with multiple allergens seriously.   

Food Allergies, Flying and a Few Flight Attendant Travel Prep Tips

Make Your Holiday Travels Easier With Some Prep! My original article was posted via SunButter some time ago.  Now that's it no longer available, I thought it was the perfect time to share again via my personal blog.

DON'T let traveling over the holidays with food allergies overwhelm you.  With a little forethought and preparation, those around you will be asking to share YOUR treats.

#1 PRIORITY?  PACK AN AWESOME SNACK BAG! 

Whether traveling by car, plane or train, DON’T leave home without it.  You may look and feel like a pack mule, but you’ll be glad you have your own allergy~friendly snacks right by your side.

Our supply generally consists of fruits, veggies, crackers and our favorite egg-free, dairy-free, tree-nut free and peanut-free snacks.  As we head out on a four hour road trip, I have SunButter On-The-Go Single Cups and my own homemade SunButter Protein Bars protein bars in easy reach!

TRAVELING BY AIRPLANE?   

Do NOT worry about being an imposition.  ONLY YOU, and YOU ALONE are responsible for your safety.  Here are a few helpful suggestions.

•     Bring your epinephrine and Benadryl with you.  And KEEP IT WITH YOU.  It won’t do you any good in the belly of the plane in your checked luggage IF you have a reaction during flight.         
•     Research your particular airline’s peanut policy.  Make a copy of it and carry it with you.  Knowledge is power and sometimes even employees are unaware of their company’s policies.  In my 26^th year of being a flight attendant, I’m well aware that we are NOT always on the same page. 
•        Ask the reservation agents to ADD your peanut allergy to your reservation. 
•     Double Check with the gate agents when boarding.  Ensure your ‘peanut allergy’ information is in your reservation.  If traveling with young kids, ask if it’s possible to board early so you can wipe down your seating area.  Wipe down the traytables and armrests.  Bring your own blanket to place over the seat, if this makes you feel safer.
•         Remind the flight attendants about your peanut allergy when you board.  Remember, they have many people to take care of and your particular needs may slip their focus.  Most flight attendants are well aware of their policies, and if they’re not, you can share it with them.

You can now relax and enjoy your holiday travel with a little more calmness and confidence. 

Happy Holidays and Safe Flying!

Advocating Made Simple - Small Steps for Creating a Safer World

Advocating for something you're passionate about can be life-changing on so many levels.  I have discovered that although our initial 'WHY's'  may vary, our end goals are very similar.  Greater awareness, education and safety for our loved ones is on ALL of our agendas.  

Wanting to begin your OWN advocacy journey but not sure where to begin?  I have 4 basic tips I know will help get you on your way.

Smart Allergy Friendly Education FAACT article

Allergies Suck... But It Could Be Worse - Lessons from an Unknown Soldier and George Samerjan

Have you ever had something happen to you which was life changing?  I mean... TRULY... personality, mentally, life altering?  I have been blessed to have such a thing happen.

For almost 12 years I have been managing food allergies with my kids.  Trying to keep them safe in their daily lives, school and in outside social settings.  And, I have complained, whined and felt sadness for my kids.  And then I met an Unknown Soldier and George.

Allergies Suck.. But It Could Be Worse.. Lessens from An Unknown Soldier

I am a flight attendant in my day job.  Am ready to complete 24 years of flying.  Last fall two men changed my life.  One a Vet from Vietnam... one from a much more recent war.  

FOR BETTER AND FOREVER. 

S.A.F.E. Food Allergy Labels - Brightly Colored, Simply Stated and Life-Saving

Scared to death someone in your home will NOT know what is SAFE for your food allergy kids to eat?  Worried daily that teachers or family members will NOT read the labels properly or will accidentally share something with your child they shouldn't?  I have an easy solution for you.  

S.A.F.E. Food Allergy Labels

S.A.F.E. Food Allergy Labels (go directly to STORE page)

As a full time working mom who also travels, keeping two food allergy kids SAFE is a necessity for me, my husband and anyone who interacts with them.  Two kids.. two sets of allergies.  Between the two of them, we have managed an ever changing array of food allergies including:  anaphylaxis to peanuts, dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, bananas, kiwi and avocados.  

Forget teaching others ALL that we have to avoid .  We just need people to keep them SAFE.  As young children, we needed something easy to designate what was SAFE for them to eat at home and at childcare.  Brightly colored stickers saved us.  Then I took it one step further and designed my own.

'Lactose intolerant vs Milk Allergy' - How My Young Camper is Educating Adults one Grown-up at a Time

As I was preparing to send off of my 11 year old, 6th grader with milk and tree nut allergies to an outdoor science camp, this food allergy Mama was a bit nervous.  Although I could attend the last 2 1/2 days as a chaperone, that left her with 2 1/2 days to be in charge of advocating for herself, if need be.  She proved that I had little to worry about.

Here's the story she told me, almost ONE WEEK after camp was over.  

As she was sitting down to have lunch, one of the counselors joined her.  This young lady struck up a conversation with my daughter about her allergies.  It went something like this:

S.A.F.E. - Sending my Food Allergic Daughter Off to Camp

Counselor:  " So you are gluten intolerant?".
Daughter:  "No, I have a milk allergy".  
Counselor:  "Oh, so you're lactose intolerant".
Daughter: "No, I am milk allergic".
Counselor: "Well, they are the same thing".
Daughter: "No, they're not". 
Counselor: "Yeah, they are the same thing".
Daughter: "No, they're not.  Lactose intolerant has to do with sugars in the milk.  Milk Allergy has to do with proteins in the milk".  
Counselor:  "Oh. How do you know so much about this?"
Daughter:  "Well, I am milk allergic and my mom is really on top of my allergies".

Food Allergies and Outdoor Camp - They Can Go Together

It's amazing to my daughter and me how often when people hear she has 'food allergies' they immediately ask her "are you gluten intolerant?", OR "so you're lactose intolerant?".  

INTOLERANCES AND ALLERGIES ARE NOT THE SAME THING.  

Lactose intolerance  means you can NOT digest the milk sugar (lactose) in products.  It's usually NOT dangerous but symptoms can be uncomfortable.  You may have intestinal problems - bloating, diarrhea, stomach aches.  Some individuals can even take pills so that they can still eat dairy products with minimal side effects.

Milk Allergy is an abnormal response by the body's immune system to milk and products containing milk.  Cow's milk is the usual cause, but milk from sheep, goats and buffalo and other mammals can cause a reaction.  Signs and symptoms of milk allergies can range from mild to severe, sometimes causing anaphylaxis - a life-threatening reaction.

I can NOT tell you how proud I am of my daughter and how she so graciously handled this situation.  She then casually told me how she had a similar conversation with yet another adult at her school who works in the kitchen.  

I reminded her that it's NOT really about me being on top of it.  She IS the one who LIVES with the milk allergy EVERY. DAY. OF. HER. LIFE. 

Embracing our differences and being educated on our challenges makes us better prepared individuals.  My daughter now realizes that when it comes to food allergies, she sometimes DOES know more than others.  She is learning life lessons that even some adults have trouble grasping.  

• Our Elders do NOT always know better.
• Don't be afraid to speak up for your needs.
• Being and Advocate for yourself is necessary, and could be life saving.
• There are educational moments at the most unexpected times.

In the big picture, we ONLY have these kids for a short period of time and we need to equip them with the tools and confidence to know they can take care of themselves. What a relief it is to know that my food allergy kids are becoming adept at advocating for themselves. I wish the same for you ~

$0 ZERO Co-Pay Offers from both Epi-Pen and Auvi-Q extended through 2015

Do you have all of the auto-injectors you need?  Those for at home?  At school?  Summer and school programs?  Or does the cost seem to daunting, and you're just TAKING a chance something won't happen?  Now, you have NO EXCUSES.  Through 2014, both Mylan and Sanofi are offering $0 co-pay offers on Auvi-Q and EpiPen antihistamine auto-injectors. 

S.A.F.E. Review of Zero Co-Pay Offers thru 2014

APPS for Finding Ingredient Lists Makes Food Allergy Shopping Easier

Looking for 'APPS' to make searching ingredient lists for your food allergy shopping easier?  Below is a list of just a FEW of the options available.

A Little Bit CAN Hurt - "The Faces of Food Allergies" and Their Personal Narratives

I highly recommend A Little Bit CAN Hurt to any individual looking for a positive, motivational book to help you successfully navigate your way through living with food allergies.  Looking for a combination of support and resources?  This is it.

 A Little Bit CAN Hurt Book Review - S.A.F.E. 

Dr. Donna DeCosta’s compilation of personal stories, specific every day suggestions, and medical advice is simply written, easy to understand and offers a wealth of information.  In a world filled with fear and anxiety, I found every page of this book refreshingly positive. 

The first part of this book focuses on prenatal through adult food allergy challenges.  You will find an incredible amount of emotional and educational support in every story.  Through ‘real life interviews’, families share how they have successfully figured out how to manage their personal worries and struggles.  At the end of each section, you will find helpful thoughts to consider, and invaluable tips and suggestions for ‘possible next steps’.

The second part of this book focuses on offering medical clarification and resources from community members such as doctors, educators and community advocates.  You will find simple explanations explaining things such as:  the differences between a ‘dietician and a nutritionist’; allergic eosinophilic gastroenteritis, eosinophilic esophagitis and asthma; 504s, IHPs and FAAPs; what teachers want from you; and, resources for implementing food safety programs.

Order copies today for you and friends via Amazon.

As a mom of two with multiple and life-threatening food allergies, I can’t thank Dr. DeCosta enough for adding such a human element to “the faces of food allergies”.  

Offering 'THANKS' to Those Who Make Our Food Allergy World Easier

The Food Allergy Blogger's Conference I attended last weekend has impacted me profoundly in many ways, more of which I will share in another blog.  However, today, as I sit on airplane heading thousands of miles away from home and leaving my food allergy kids behind, I want to say:

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY FRIENDS AND FAMILY 

WHO MAKE LIVING WITH FOOD ALLERGIES ACCEPTABLE

S.A.F.E. Inspiration!

Here's to More Fun and Less Fright at Halloween

Thanks to Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery  for another opportunity to Guest Blog for them:  Here's to More Fun and Less Fright for a Gluten-Free Halloween

For many, Halloween is their favorite American holiday!  Spooky costumes, scary decorations and LOTS and LOTS of CANDY containing MILK, EGG, NUTS  and GLUTEN!  
 

An Allergy~Friendly S.A.F.E. Fun Filled Halloween

 

As many of you already know, the CANDY factor can make this much marketed holiday MORE FRIGHTENING THAN FUN!

First EVER Food Allergy Bloggers Conference - Nov 2 - 4th in Vegas! ALL INVITED

Three weeks from tonight I imagine I will be coming down from the ultimate Food Allergy Bloggers' High!  I will have just spent 3 days and 2 nights in Las Vegas, surrounded by like minded authors, doctors, nurses, public speakers and BLOGGERS at the Food Allergy Bloggers Conference. 

Flying with Dietary Restrictions - Tips for Making Your Trip Easier

**Thanks to Rudi's Bakery Blog for recently posting this article. With summer travels in full swing, I thought I'd repost these tips here for my followers to easily find.

Flying is stressful for many.  Add in traveling with food or medical conditions, especially life-threatening ones, and flying can seem near impossible.

Tips for Flying with Dietary Restrictions from S.A.F.E.

IT ISN'T.  Here's my advice.  

Get Educated. Be Prepared. Be Pro-Active.  Have a GREAT TIME!

GoBar - Gluten-Free, Wheat Free, Vegan Snack Bar Options from Boise Entrepreneur, Carson Ramos

Amazing how you make personal connections in the most unexpected places.  A little over a month ago I was setting up 'Joe2U', a mobile coffee delivery service, for our school staff during 'Teacher Appreciation Week'. This local business delivers specialty coffee drinks and smoothies right to your business doorstep.  

Turns out the owner, Carson Ramos, is a fellow entrepreneur.  Seems as though one business is NOT enough to keep her busy.  After having tried her great tasting and healthy products, I am thrilled to help her as she launches her personal product which include all-natural, wheat-free, gluten-free, vegan and sometimes nut-free snack bars.

GoBar, meal on the go! manufactured by Carson Ramos, and distributed by Joe2Go.

Teachers, Peanuts and Frustration for All - Please Take our Food Allergies Seriously

20 to 30 years ago, I imagine managing food allergies wasn't very common in the classroom, especially for teachers.  I can't remember a single kid with food allergies growing up.  I can only imagine the challenges and frustrations this must present for teachers at times, especially when dealing with multiple children with multiple food allergies in one classroom.

However, the times have changed and our attitudes and awareness need to too.

Stressed About Navigating Food Allergies?

Stressed About Navigating Food Allergies?

Knowing Your Needs Will Help You Figure Out Your Resources

Are you the proud parent of a child with food allergies? I hope you take comfort in knowing your child has joined the ranks of 1 out of 13 kids managing food allergies, and the numbers are ever increasing.

Smart Allergy~Friendly Education Tips for Managing Food Allergies

Great Local and National Support for Food Allergy Product Support Class

Thank you to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center!  Just last week, I once again had the opportunity to present a Food Allergy Product Awareness class for some new moms at their Baby and Me Support Group.  I can never believe how quickly these classes fly by.  Intros, 40 minutes of sharing local and national support resources as well as 10 minutes of Q & A!  

It was an outstanding turnout!  17 moms and their infants AND 4 visitors wanting to increase their allergy knowledge.  According to one of the employees, 'it was one of the best turnouts for these support classes in weeks'.  

At the end of every class, there are products raffled off to the participants from allergy~friendly local and national companies.  I can't thank these companies enough for their support over the years with my allergy education efforts:

• Rudi's Gluten Free
• Jolly Time
• WOWButter
• SunButter
• Sun Flour Mills
• Flatbread Community Oven 

THANK YOU to all of you for your continued support of Allergy Awareness and Education, and all the products your offer to food allergy families to help make their homes SAFER environments for their loved ones!

Heart Filled Holidays and Sandy Fowler

Sandy Fowler - Heart Filled Holidays

As a woman working hard to de-stress my life, Sandy Fowler's encouraging and uplifting LIVE internet radio show, Heart Filled Holidays , is a much appreciated break to my Monday mornings!  The taped podcasts are a life saver for those days I can't listen to her live.  

This past Monday I had the pleasure of joining her as we talked about FUN with Food Allergies.   Our VERY fast paced discussion (hope everyone can keep up with us fast talkers!) touched on 
various ideas such as:

• Better preparing children for school parties and entertaining with friends 
• Communicating and NOT worrying about being an imposition
• The true benefits of sometimes being able to have food in the classroom for celebrations and special occasions 

I touched on my personal philosophy that rather than preparing for 'IF' something happens, I am more concerned with knowing that I or anyone else in charge of my children will know what to do 'WHEN' something happens.  As one listener commented, 'kind of like having a disaster prevention' plan in order.  This made me laugh, but, yes, that is the idea.

Fun with Food Allergies - MP3 link
FUN with Food Allergies - Description, Bio and Link
FUN with Food Allergies iTunes Link

Sandy's focus is sharing ideas, thoughts and insights for bringing more joy and meaning into your life.  Every Monday at 12 NOON, EST, she presents us with a different expert who shares their individual tips and tricks anyone can use to better enjoy your holidays and every day events.  

Are you looking to surround yourself with a little more happiness in your every day life?   

Then be sure to stop by and visit this amazingly motivating wife, mom and business owner, Sandy Fowler, on Heart Filled Holidays, Mondays at 12pm, EST!  She can also be followed on Facebook, twitter, and Pinterest (and WHAT an amazing page she has!).

Thanks Sandy, for a wonderful visit!

Top Ten S.A.F.E. Allergy Blogs

December 31st, 2007 was the day I wrote my first blog for 'smartallergy'.  It has been a wonderful 4 years and I decided it was time to evaluate what entries drew the most readers. 
I was pleasantly surprised at the true variety which made it to my ALL-TIME top ten list.  

You will find:  non-food products, food-products,  a recipe and two guest blogger entries.  

Although my main focus has been highlighting product ideas for those managing egg, milk and nut allergies, you will find product ideas available for everyone, and TWO inspirational blogs from young women living their life with life-threatening food allergies!


Smart Allergy~Friendly Education's (S.A.F.E.) ALL TIME TOP TEN BLOGS


1.  Walgreens 'Benadryl' Substitute 
     A product WE can't live without! - October 4, 2011

#1 - Walgreens 'benadryl' alternative

2.  Jelly Belly Candy Corn - Peanut Free and Tree Nut Free? - October 4, 2011
     Consumer Feedback on how 'nut-free' this product is guaranteed to be.

#2 - Jelly Belly Candy Corn

3.  Ghost Poop for the Holidays - Homemade Halloween Treats - October 21, 2011

#3 - Homemade Ghost Poop

     Need I say more?  You will love this fun idea on making 'allergy~friendly' treats for your kids and their friends.