Food Allergy Kitchenware Company - Gluten-Free/Peanut-Free Serving Spoons

Avoidance of specific allergens is the ONLY way to prevent life-threatening anaphylaxis. Would easy identification of gluten-free and/or peanut-free foods be helpful in your home, work environment or restaurant?

The Food Allergy Kitchenware Co. may have the EXACT product you've been looking for to help ease your cross-contamination worries.

S.A.F.E. Product Review

Walgreens Children's Fast Dissolving Antihistamines - Another Benadryl Alternative

GREAT NEWS.. Walgreens HAS NOT DISCONTINUED their production of Walgreens Children's Wal-dryl Single Use Allergy pre-filled spoons. 

However, if you're having difficulty finding them, Walgreens does have another option. 

Children's Wal-Dryl Allergy Fast Dissolving Tablets, distributed by Walgreen Co, 200 Wilmot Road, Deerfield, IL  60015.

Ocean Saline Sprays -

With spring rapidly upon us and pollen attacks inevitable, one's seasonal allergies are ramping up!  Do you need help relieving congestion?  Soothing dry, irritated nasal passages?  Trying to manage dried out, stuffy noses, sneezing 14 to 15 times in a row, mucous overload...I know, TMI!  And sometimes, to the point of being debilitating.

Ocean Saline Spray Review from S.A.F.E.

Over the years I have tried multiple saline nasal sprays for myself and my kids.  

One in particular, by far, stands out.  I find the spray is softer, not too powerful like some.  The amount that sprays out is  evenly dispersed every time.  

The best part is that it is gentle enough that even my 7 year old will use it.  This time of year he becomes an avid mouth breather, his poor nose is so stuffed he can barely breathe normally.

Ocean Premium Saline Nasal Spray, manufactured by Fleming Pharmaceuticals, St. Louis, Missouri.

Ingredients include: A SOLUTION OF SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.65% IN PURIFIED WATER (USP), MADE ISOTONIC WITH SODIUM PHOSPHATE/SODIUM HYDROXIDE, WITH PHENYLCARBINOL AND BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE AS PRESERVATIVES.

For more information, visit:  Ocean Nasal Care or call, 1-800-321-4576

They now even have a nasal saline spray, Ocean for Kids, specifically targeting our youngest allergy sufferers.  I have never seen it and will have to look locally.

This saline nasal spray is going to cost a bit more than others, but it's worth every extra penny, in my allergy opinion.

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.  

RESCUE SHOT CASE - A great epi-pen option to carry your epi on your person, at camp or even at school!

Rescue Shot Case

Here it the first day of school and I'm thrilled to be writing about a new epinephrine auto-injector case.  I have been wanting to blog about this awesome product for weeks.  

Unfortunately, I got caught up in all of the school prep many of us go through when getting ready to send our food allergic children off to school.  

Speaking with their allergists; making time to meet with teachers before school begins; reviewing and/or updating Allergy Action Plans; filling out school medical paperwork; and, getting their strength up to begin another year of helping to create a safe and positive learning environment for their children.  


This item is going to make carrying epi-pens around at school that much easier for many kids.  It's lightweight and easy to carry.  

Order your color preference TODAY - blue, pink or black - Rescue Shot Case Epinephrine Auto Injector Case - Amazon

Rescue Shot Case - S.A.F.E. Review

It securely fits onto your belt, or pants and has a rotating belt clip which makes it comfortable to move around without the worry of it falling off easily.  It holds up to 2 auto injectors.    

Have bee allergies?  Carry one auto-injector and some benadryl in the case as we did when we went out hiking.  

RESCUE SHOT CASE, epinephrine autoinjector case.  Available in black light blue and pink carrying cases.

For more information, visit:  Rescue Shot Case or email info@rescueshotcase.com

My son is sooo hoping he will get the nurse's approval to carry this around rather than that big fanny pack he had to carry all of last year!

Blue Lizard Sunscreen - Another Highly Recommended Sunscreen

S.A.F.E. Product Review

Here is yet another sunscreen which as been highly recommended for those with sensitive skin.  It is CHEMICAL-FREE AND FRAGRANCE-FREE.

Through experience with my own children,  I am well aware of how certain topically applied creams, lotions, and/or sunscreens can aggravate sensitive skin.  As an infant, my youngest child, whose allergies were compounded by unbelievable skin sensitivities, had a horrible reaction to sunscreen which resulted in both of his legs being completely covered in eczema-like rashes.

I have received so much positive feedback about this particular product from other allergy families, that I wanted to share the suggestion. You all can try it out, IF you can find it, and let me know your thoughts!

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen - Sensitive, manufactured by Crown Laboratories, Inc., Johnson City, Tennessee. 

Vanicream Sunscreen - A Summer Must Have for Sensitive Skin

Do you get worried as the months of hot sun get closer because you will once again have to figure out how to protect your child's sensitive skin...not only from the sun but from the effects of sunscreens that contain many chemical irritants?

Have you lived through the awful experience of rushing to a clinic because your child's legs are red, itchy and covered with a horrible rash?

S.A.F.E. Product Review 

Does your child's eczema flare up with sunscreens? 
Whatever your experience may be, finding an effective sunscreen for sensitive skin can be challenging. 

Vanicream sunscreen has been the answer to our family's sensitive skin issues. No hives, itching or rashes. As is stated on their website, their sunscreen SPF 30 and 60 are "free of dyes, parabens, fragrances, lanolin and derivatives, formaldehyde releasers and irritating preservatives; free of PABA, cinnamates, benzophenones, preservatives, are moisturizing and non-comodogenic".

Most of the Vanicream products, especially the lotions, can be found at Walgreens, CVS or WalMart. Sunscreens can usually be specially ordered through the pharmacy. We were able to find an individually owned pharmacy nearby that carried these products. You can always order them on-line through http://www.vanicream.com/ .

It took a little hunting to find these products, but it has made playing in the sandbox for hours much more enjoyable.

EGG NOTS - Dyeable, Ceramic Eggs to Liven Up Your Holidays

Egg allergies and Easter celebrations just got a little bit more fun! 

NO more missing out on the messy and fun ritual of dying eggs which kids and adults (admit it~) enjoy!  Here is a safe way of letting your child join in on the annual activity of letting their creative juices flow as they whimsically decorate clothing and furniture.  I mean EGGS! 

EggNOTS Review from Smart Allergy~Friendly Education

Allerbling - A Durable Alternative to the Traditional Medic Alert Bracelets

I have spent some during the past few months checking out the options available for allergy awareness bracelets for kids.  I am impressed with the many possibilities out there. 

Allerbling Review from S.A.F.E.

One of the newer products which drew my attention was the Allerbling Food Allergy Awareness Bracelet.  I think this one would be very appealing for younger children.
I recently received my Allerbling kit which included: 

• 2 bands (2 different sizes)
• 1 medical cross
• 8 most common food allergy charms 

Like many bracelets, it can be customized to your child's particular allergies. 
Unlike many other bracelets, you personally can customize the band as your child's food allergies may change.  Your child has outgrown eggs?  Just pull out the symbol.  They gained fish?  Just add on the symbol. As my kids would say, "EASY PEASY".
If your child manages more than 4 food allergies, you won't be able to include them on this bracelet.  Then again, you will run into similar problems with most medical jewelry, if you manage multiple allergies.
The bands are not made of the typical metal often used for medical jewelry.  You will find the soft, stretchy material makes the bands comfortable to wear, easy to put on and stay on.  The colors are eye-catching, the food allergy charms are clearly marked, and the symbols are easy to discern.  The charm in the center of the band is the traditional medic alert symbol. 
For more information, contact:  Allerbling or at hello@allerbling.com

You can also follow them on their  Allerbling Facebook Page for promotions.

Allerbling^TM donates a portion of the proceeds from every kit sold to Food Allergy Initiative, which is committed to improving food allergy awareness while raising funds to find a cure.  

 

If you're looking for a durable and easy to identify food allergy medical alert bracelet, this just may be what your child will be willing and enjoy to wear! 

My active, energetic son loves his!  

Vanicream - A lifesaver for Eczema and other Dry Skin Challenges

Trying to manage eczema or some other drying skin condition can be extra challenging during the winter months.  I have tried other moisturizers throughout the years, but have found one particularly helpful.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, manufactured by PSI, Pharmaceutical Specialities Inc., Rochester, MN. 

S.A.F.E. Product Review

Ingredients include:  PURIFIED WATER, WHITE PETROLATUM, SORBITOL SOLUTION, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CETEARETH-20, SIMETHICONE, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOSTEARATE, SORBIC ACID AND BHT. 

For more information, contact:   Vanicream OR 1-800-325-8232.

You can also find the moisturizer in a Lite Lotion option. 

There are many things I like about this product.  The products are formulated without common chemical irritants such as dyes, fragrance and masking fragrance, parabens, lanolin, and formaldehyde.  Also, the fact that it is non-greasy and non-irritating is a huge bonus.  My kids have yet to cry when I put it on. 

They also have other products such as shampoo, shaving cream and bath oil.

Having difficulty finding their products?  Be sure to visit their website first, PISCO Store Locator.  Most of the Vanicream products, especially the lotions, can be found at Walgreens, CVS or WalMart. Sunscreens can usually be specially ordered through the pharmacy. We were able to find an individually owned pharmacy nearby that carried these products. 

You can always order them on-line through http://www.vanicream.com/ .

Hope this idea helps to take some of the itch out or your itchy skin.

Johnson's Baby Oil Gel... Needing a moisturizer for sensitive, allergy skin? Here's a possibility!

Do you or your family deal with having sensitive skin?  Are your kids fussy about the lotions which are applied?  Do they cry or complain that everything you put on them seems to irritate or burn? 

Smart Allergy~Friendly Education Product Review

Walgreens Baby Pure and Gentle - High effectiveness and Low Cost! A Sunscreen Stick to brag about...

With spring quickly upon us, the sun is brilliantly shining for more hours a day and the kids are spending more time outside.  

And how about that sun?!  I find when outdoors, especially in the mountains, I sometimes don't realize how much sun exposure our faces are getting.  I am more diligent with my kids than I ever was with myself when it comes to putting on some sunscreen.  It must be those hard earned, East Coast shore wrinkles I have reminding me! 

S.A.F.E. Product Review

I prefer stick sunscreen for my kid's faces over any liquid sunscreen.  Personally, I find the liquid sunscreens sting like crazy when they run into my eyes when I jump into a pool or sweat.  I need a product my kids are willing to put on NOT one which creates a fight.

Tabletoppers - Disposable Tray Table Covers - what a novel idea!

I am a believer that everything happens for a reason.  Yesterday was one of those days.

I was traveling across country with my kids, both who manage food allergies.  As I put down my tray table, I saw something I had never seen before.  A disposable, stick-on tray table cover.  It had 6 colorful fruits all over it.  After having done some research on the internet, I still can't find the particular maker of this cover.  However, it was all I needed to see to know I had a great product suggestion for my next blog.

These sanitary eating surfaces are a 'must have' for anyone dealing with food allergies or sensitivities.  I think they are a fabulous option to have available when you go to restaurants or fly on an airplane.  Here is a suggestion of one company I have found distributing these items.

TableToppers, distributed by Neat Solutions, Inc., Gonzales, LA.

For more information:  http://www.tabletopper.com/ or call 1-800-433-9560.

The variety of designs will not only help keep your kids safer from germs and allergens, but will also entertain them with their brightly colored prints.  Some of the varieties you can find through Neat Solutions include:  Cars, Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street, Disney Princesses and Winnie the Pooh.  You can find them in 10/18/20 and 50 pack options at many local stores.  Just go their website and you can do a search for where you can find them locally.

Hope this suggestion helps to make your travels more stress-free and safer!

Dr. Smith's... Not JUST for diaper rash!

Dr. Smiths Review from S.A.F.E.

Does your child have overly sensitive skin?  Having trouble finding an effective lotion or ointment?  Does he/she react to things such as perfumes, hair spray and harsh detergents?  My son broke out in hives as an infant after being held by a friend for two minutes.  It could have been any of three culprits that I mentioned above.  I couldn't wear perfume or use hairspray for years around my kids.

This product is marketed for eliminating diaper rash.  We've been out of diapers for 3 years and I still keep a 2 oz tub handy because of how wonderfully it works as a healing agent.  It's fabulous to use on cuts and on really dry patches of skin.  I believe the 10% zinc oxide is the miracle ingredient in this product. 

Dr. Smith's Premium Blend Diaper Ointment, 2 oz jar, 2 ounces, distributed by Beta Dermaceuticals, Inc., San Antonio, TX.

Active Ingredients include:  ZINC OXIDE 10%
Also Contains:  BEESWAX, LANOLIN, MINERAL OIL, OLIVE OIL, PARAFFIN WAX, PETROLATUM, PURIFIED WATER, THYMOL IODIDE.

For more information, contact:  http://www.doctorsmiths.com/ OR (210) 696-8400.

Are there other benefits to the addition of zinc oxide in a product?  The italicized paragraphs below are taken directly from the following article on LiveStrong.com and I highlighted the points that stood out to me:

 http://www.livestrong.com/article/138323-the-benefits-zinc-oxide-skin/

1. UV Protection - According to Dr. Marilynn Syrett, zinc oxide is one of the safest ingredients for protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays penetrate the skin and damage tissue, speeding up the aging process and drying the skin out. These rays also increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide filter out UV rays, keeping them from penetrating the skin and causing cell damage.
2. Skin Healing - Zinc oxide is also effective for healing the skin. It can be used to heal wounds, reduce the tenderness associated with sunburns and soften chapped skin. Jonathan Moore, DPM notes that people who are zinc deficient typically experience slower wound healing times. When zinc oxide is applied to the wound area, it provides the body with the extra zinc it needs to repair skin cells. Zinc oxide helps keep the wound area moist and clean.
3. Astringent - Lotions and creams containing zinc oxide are effective skin astringents, says Dr. Syrett. You can apply zinc oxide to keep excess oils from forming on the surface. It is sometimes used as an acne treatment--it is believed to reduce the appearance of blemishes and reduce skin irritation and inflammation, reducing the number and severity of acne breakouts.

I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Smith's.  I do prefer the ointment over the cream as I think the thickness ensures it stays on longer.

Last reminder, if the lotion/ointment you currently are using doesn't seem to be effective, reread the ingredients.  Does it contain acetyl alcohol?  Almond or macadamia oils?  Many of the most recommended lotions may contain these ingredients and they may be aggravating your child's condition more than helping it.  

Guaifenesin Quirks... A Reminder That All Expectorants Are Not Made Equally

Over the weekend I decided to try out a new expectorant in  hopes of spending a little less money than what I had been paying.  It was just a reminder that effectiveness over price should be more of a driving factor in purchasing an item, especially when buying for children with food allergies.

DAIRY-FREE GUAIFENESIN

I should know better.  I am normally incredibly diligent about reading ingredient lists.  I just wasn't thinking about dairy additives in medication.  I did see that both products had the same active ingredients and dosage:  Guaifenesin, USP 100mg.

Ayr Saline Nasal Gel - A Soothing Gel Saline that Even Your Kids Will Use

With the seasons changing again, I know that seasonal allergies are making many people crazy.  Sneezing, stuffed up noses are the norm.  As an adult, I find the liquid salines can be very helpful in soothing my sore nose.  From personal experience, I know these sprays are not as well tolerated by children.   

Ayr Saline Nasal Gel from S.A.F.E.

Singulair...Beware

It is NOW the FALL of 2014 and I still have the disdain for this drug I did 4 years ago.  Has Singulair been prescribed for your child to help their asthma, aid in the prevention of exercise-induced asthma or ease their allergic rhinitis?  I know that many families swear by it's efficacy.  

That's NOT our experience.

S.A.F.E. Review - Singulair

Has your doctor thoroughly gone over the possible side effects of this medication including the less common side effects which are listed in the singulair documentation? I know mine DIDN'T.  If I had, maybe we could have avoided the bad dreams, fits of rage and over the top, full blown screaming, hitting, out of body experience my child seemed to be living as he melted down in a Salt Lake City airport boarding area at the age of 4.

As I was recovering from the 'What kind of mom am I' guilt, a friend reminded me that at least it ONLY took me 10 weeks to figure out why my child was becoming someone I didn't recognize.  

Before deciding to use this medication for your loved one, make sure you are mentally prepared to deal with what may come your way.

• Listed below is just a small sampling of side effects listed in the 'less common side effects that have happened with SINGULAIR' section of your patient information flyer. Sadly, there are many others.

Crayola Dropz May Be OFF LIMITS for your DAIRY ALLERGIC Kid

S.A.F.E. Lactose Warning

Lactose in Crayola Dropz?  REALLY? 

Out of town working and I got the dreaded allergy call from home.  Once I calmed down and realized it wasn't life-threatening I could think straight again.

So, there my kids were, taking a bath with Crayola Dropz like they had many times in the past few years. However, this time my little one started crying because his hands hurt and they were swelling up with hives! 

After a little hands-on investigating, I found that lactose is one of the ingredients in these bath tablets that my kids so love. Unfortunately, they are MILK ALLERGIC. 

What was so different this time that caused such an unexpected reaction? Rather than just throwing them into the water, my kids smashed as though they were crumbling bugs into their little hands. The concentrated dosage caused an allergic skin reaction.

Now I know. Just another reminder to those of us navigating milk allergies that we need to be diligent about reading ALL product labels. Hope this warning helps someone else with bug smashers in their home!