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Food Allergy: Connect, Share, Thrive
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ARCHIVES-News

Some New Food Allergy Websites

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Here's an email I recieved for Mad Alex Products-
"We started MadAlexProducts.com because we wanted life to be a little easier for our family and others like ours. Many of our team have food allergies and intolerances themselves and/or children with food allergies, so we truly understand the difficulties involved in finding the things that families with food allergies need.

To introduce our website to your support group, we are offering a coupon for 10% off orders from now through November 14th. To receive this discount, enter the following in the Promo Code field: PARENTGRP" 
Mad Alex Products


And one from Allerkids-
"We are two moms and Clinical Psychologists who have created an ecommerce business dedicated to providing smart, stylish, and safe solutions for families with food allergies. Our website is: www.Allerkids.com. We'd like to offer you and the members of your Food Allergy support group a coupon code for 20% off of any order.  Just use the following code at checkout: AKSUPPORT2011"




Summer vacation is right around the corner.  Have you been wondering, how will I ever manage a vacation AND food allergies?  Maybe you've already tackled this and can share you own experience with others.   Write in your questions or share your story at "Drop Us A Line"! This will be a new feature here on our website.

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This month's Contribution is from Tina StockwellTravel SpecialistGo and See TravelPhone - 816-739-7000

As a wife of a husband with food allergies, I realize how difficult it can be to go out to eat or to travel.
During our stay at Disney World, we were pleased with the attention we received. Before we ordered, we had concerns about what Dennis could eat. We indicated this to the waiter. The chef came to our table and talked with Dennis about his allergies and assured him he would cook his food. During and after the meal, the chef returned to make sure Dennis’ meal was prepared the way he wanted and to make sure he did not have a reaction. As a travel agent, I understand the severity of food allergies and can help you find answers for your next vacation.

A Special Thank You for FACST members!


Last month, Michelle Dekker traveled from DesMoines to KC for basketball tournaments.  She contacted me for restaurant ideas and I asked members for help.  You came though like a champ and we were able to help the Dekker family have a safe and fun vacation here in KC!  Michelle sends her thanks to all of you who sent in the great info!



Food Allergy Awarnes Week is May 8-14

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Food Allergy Awarenss Week will be kicked off with the Royal's first peanut free suite game on May 8 and finished of with out FA Health Care Symposium.

             Take the FACST Challenge!

To do your part for Food Allergy Awareness Week, challenge yourself to Be a FAAN Hero by completing at least one of the following:


http://www.foodallergy.org/section/food-allergy-awareness-week11
  1. help you kids send a FAAN ecard at the faankids site
  2. give a teacher/nurse/principal/cafeteria worker a pal award
  3. send pamphlets/colorsheets/work sheet to school for your child's class
  4. read an alexander the elephant book to a class
  5. give a presentation to a school
  6. set up a FACST presentation at your school or pta
  7. wear an ask me about alexander sticker to work & tell everyone you see about FA

Also, This is a great time to give special recognition to those who do a GREAT job in helping us keep our kids safe.  Take this opportunity to let them know how much it means to us.  A gift certificate, a bouquet or even a home made card will help you and our cause to say thank you to a special teacher, nurse or feind who cares!!!!

Here's a link to FAAN's Thanks to PAL's product page.



Food Allergy Controversy in Florida

If you are on any sort of FA newsletter email list, it is nearly impossible to have Not recieved an article on the school in Edgewater, Florida where the parents of the FA child's classmates protested the school's efforts to deal with food allergy.  Since coverage has been extensive, I will not go into dept here.  I would like to point out that this situation is more complicated than the media's shallow coverage has led most viewers to believe.

This is a great opportunity to help our school understand the importance of keeping our kids safe in a reasonable manner.  That's the kicker- what is reasonable?  I suggest reading the following:
From FAI "Media nationwide have focused on Florida parents who are protesting a Volusia County school's efforts to manage life-threatening food allergies"
Also, scheduled for April 14 on NBC eveing news with Brian Williams, there will be a story about a school system who "gets it" in Colorado.

NEW STUDY FINDS: Food Allergies Cause an ER Visit Every Three Minutes

Food allergies may cause many more visits to the emergency room than previously believed, according to a new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology . The research team, led by Sunday Clark, MPH, of the University of Pittsburgh, found that food-allergic reactions caused more than 7 million ER visits from 2001 to 2005-an average of 203,000 visits each year.   To read on click here.



From FAAN - FAAMA Signed Into Law

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President Obama signed the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act (FAAMA), part of the food safety bill, into law on Tuesday, Jan. 4. This is a positive step toward protecting students with food allergies, as it provides for the establishment of national food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines. These voluntary guidelines will be a valuable resource for educators and parents, and FAAN is proud to have been involved in the passage of FAAMA since it was first introduced in 2005. FAAN’s news release, which includes comments from Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), was issued shortly after the president signed FAAMA into law.

The Latest in Research

Keep up to date on what's going on with food allergy research.


From Food Allergy Initiative
Chinese Herbal Formula Enters Phase 2 Clinical Trial

From The Asthma and Allergy Foundation
Food Allergy Guidelines

From Medical News Today
Johns Hopkins Researchers Turn Off Severe Food Allergies In Mice






Food Allergy Guidelines for Professionals are Finally Here!

Just in case you've been living under a rock, here's the latest news in Food Allergy- The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease for Health has issued guidelines for health care providers!

The new guidelines have been featured in articles from Allergic Living Magazine, Food Allergy Initiative, Web MD/Medscape.  Here's a synopsis from FAAN including links to NIAID and JACI:


  New Clinical Food Allergy Guidelines Debut The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) will release its “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States” today. A patient-friendly version of the guidelines is expected to be completed next year. This document was designed to provide health care providers with a uniform set of guidelines for diagnosing and managing food allergy. NIAID developed the guidelines in collaboration with 34 professional medical organizations, federal agencies, and patient advocacy groups including FAAN. The guidelines are being distributed in the newest issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 


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New Resources

From Kids with Food Allergies-  Practical Food Allergy Management: a Quick Guide


Learn About FAAN's Camp TAG



Have You Checked Out Allergy Eats?

Allergyeats.com is a website that you can use as a resource to find allergy friendly restaurants.  Here's how they describe themselves;
"AllergyEats is a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to allergy-friendly restaurants across the United States. It is a peer-reviewed directory of restaurants – rated by people with food allergies, for people with food allergies.
Our database has over 600,000 restaurant listings across the U.S. – from large chains to small mom and pops, from gourmet to greasy spoons. We’ve laid the groundwork by providing you with menus – including kids’, gluten-free, and allergy-specific – where available, as well as any other relevant information from restaurants. "

I recommend checking them out!  Also, here is the latest from their blog

T.G.I. Friday’s introduces allergen supplement menu Last Tuesday, T.G.I. Friday’s put out a press release announcing a new “allergen supplement menu.”

“Using easy-to-read icons T.G.I. Friday’s new allergen menu will break down what food groups/categories may be found in each menu item, including eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, shellfish and more.”

The menu must also include gluten, beyond just wheat, since the subtitle of the press release is “Gluten sensitivity food items now identified.” Read the rest of this entry »


October 2010

Recognition for some FA Friends!

This month I wanted to share a little email to and from Carolyn Long at KCTV 5.

To Carolyn:
".....As the mom of a peanut allergic preschooler and the leader of a support group for families dealing with food allergies, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart!

There was a little story at the end of the 5:00 broadcast about a new peanut free section at a Cleveland Indians game.  Your comments reaffirming the seriousness of the allergy, the growing numbers of those affected and the fact that you don't have to actually eat a peanut, confirm the fact that you are truly knowledgeable about the condition.  Your comments, proving your understanding, nearly brought tears to my eyes.  You don't know how powerful your words are.  People watch the news and from their opinions based on what they see and hear.  So many news articles about the matter make light, or give cute names to their stories about "being nuts" .  Many people still deny that food allergies even exist and that it is some sort of "yuppie disease."  (Joel Stein's LA Times piece) .  There was a related story about the Chicago Cubs having a peanut free area and the nasty comments that followed- (foodallergymama)

Again, I want to thank you for adding detail and depth to a little story that affects so many who are often belittled and isolated.  Perhaps others will have learned something from your input.

Sincerely
Sarah Albert
FACST of KC


Carolyn Long to me show details Sep 20
Sarah,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this e-mail.   It means to the world to me – you have no idea how many nasty/negative e-mails we receive.  So, your message was really what I needed.

I have read/heard so much about the trials that parents go through to keep their peanut allergic children healthy, my heart truly goes out to you!   With time, hopefully, people will catch on and get over their ridiculous stereotypes.

Best of luck – and thanks for watching!
Love, Carolyn Long.



Also this month, I received a call from Sen. Kit Bond's office in response to a petition asking for the senator's support of the funding of food allergy research.  The Senator's office informed me that as a Senior Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Bond is a proponent of funding FA research, having awarded a grant for the Consortium of FA Research, funding it for 5 additional years- that's $30 Million of Federal grant money.

To find out more about the grant see the FAI story here

To find out more about Senator Bond see his official website here.


September- 2010
Don't forget about YOU! 

Dealing with Food Allergy can be STRESSFUL!!! 
Check out Gina Clowes' article From Stressing to Blessing.

September- 2010
Time to go Back to School.
Do You Have A Food Allergy Action Plan?
                           GET ONE!

Create a Food Allergy Action Plan to give to all who provide care for your child. Click on a link below
  • Safe @ School- Info & Resource Guide
  • Allergy Action Plans- resource for caretakers & schools
  • Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
  • Authorization for Emergency Treatment from FAI
  • Anaphlaxis Emergency Action Plan from AAAAI

September-2010
Back to School Time

Here are three great articles from Kids with Food Allergies:

10 TIPS TO A HEALTHY STUDENT-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP Do school ice cream parties scare you? You're not the only one. It's terrifying for any parent to release their food-allergic child to "strangers" at school who have little to no understanding of food allergies. And it's normal to feel disappointed and frustrated when your child's class throws an ice cream party or serves an unsafe snack.  
Click HERE to read the rest of the article
"How to Foster a Good Relationship with Your Child's School"


As food allergies become more and more common – now affecting three million U.S. children – parents, caregivers and school personnel are among those impacted most. Transferring from the safe confines of one's home to a daycare or school setting can be a difficult and bewildering experience for the food-allergic student and his or her family.

Click HERE to read the rest of the article
"Keeping Kids Safe at School"


As parents of children with food allergies, you know that as summer draws to a close, there is more on your mind than stocking up on school supplies. Excitement surrounding the first day inevitably leads to anxiety as visions of cafeteria chaos, classroom birthday parties and snack sharing run amok in your head.

Click HERE to read the rest of the article
"Take Steps to Ensure Your Child Has a Safe School Year"

September- 2010
Research Update
There have been several articles published this month dealing with the recent study by Mount Sinai Medical School in New York which looked at food allergens and labeling.  Here's what they had to say
What do food allergy labels really mean? from Rueters
Study Examines Food Allergen Advisory Labeling and Product Contamination with Egg, Milk, and Peanut from Food Allergy Initiative
Labels: Good News and Bad from Allergic Living Magazine

August- 2010

Food Allergy, Food Intolerance, Food Sensitivity
Confused? 

WebMD has released a great article explaining the difference.  Read it Here.

The Newest Recommendations From Food Allergy Initiative & FAAN RE: Flu Vaccine and Egg Allergy

From FAI  Egg Allergy and the Seasonal and H1N1 Influenza Vaccines
The yearly flu vaccines are recommended for all children over age 6 months.  These vaccines contain a very small amount of egg protein, and this raises concerns about giving them to children with egg allergy.  For many years, physicians and various medical societies and expert panels recommended avoidance of these vaccines in children with severe egg allergy. This thinking has been changing.  Click Here to Read On.

FAAN Calls on You to Tell DOT what you think

 An email from Christopher Weiss of FAAN, urges families dealing with food allergies to contact the Department of Transportation to let them know your opinion on peanut on airlines. 

                                                   ****************UPDATE*******************
The DOT has said that a ban on peanuts is not an option until a study has been complete to prove that there is a link between peanut consumption on planes and allergic reactions.  Although there have been several studies on the issue, the DOT will only use data from a study conducted by the DOT.  No study is scheduled at this time.  HOWEVER, the DOT will continue to take your comments until August 9.
The DOT has extended it's deadline to Sept. 23. 
Help shape legislation by encouraging the DOT to take action!
                                              Click here to share your thoughts!

July-2010

Summer Fun & Safety

Here's some great tips from FAAN's Teen E-Newsletter!
Surf’s Up:  What you should know at the beach

In honor of one of summer’s favorite hot spots, this month’s newsletter offers up some hints to stay cool with your allergies at the beach.

The mini cooler is your friend -- not your BFF -- but close.

One of the best purchases you can make as you gear up to go to the beach is a mini cooler. A mini cooler allows you the freedom to pack your snacks and drinks and keep them cool even sitting on the beach. The cooler is also a good spot to store your epinephrine auto-injector. The key here is to tape your epinephrine to the top of the cooler on the inside. You should not store this medication directly on ice. Some of our members suggest wrapping it in a small towel, or storing it in a pouch, before securing it to the inside top of a cooler. This way, the medicine will not get overly cold, but it will stay cool – thus remaining effective, should you need to use it.

Respect every … lotion?

Don’t forget that some of the tanning lotions and sunblocks contain ingredients that you might need to be on the lookout for. Read every label on the suntan lotions and oils that you buy. Be sure to check both the active ingredients and the inactive ingredients – they both could contain allergens. You want the suntan lotion to protect you from the sun, not cause you to itch, or worse.

Check out the lifeguards.

It’s always a good idea to locate the lifeguard stands when you first get to the beach in case you have a reaction while you are there. If you should ever need emergency services, the lifeguards know the layout of the beach better than you do and will be able to direct emergency responders to your location more efficiently.

What's the difference between a food intolerance & food allergy?

  Although many people have adverse reactions to certain foods, most are caused by a food intolerance and not a food allergy. Less than 8 percent of children under age 3 and about 4 percent of adults have a true food allergy. Food intolerance is much more common. Because a food intolerance can cause some of the same signs and symptoms as a food allergy, people often confuse the two.  Click here for the whole article form the Mayo Clinic.
The12th Annual SuperKids Asthma and Allergy
Day Camp is coming up soon!!
 
                   As of July 7th, there are still openings available!!!

This is a day camp geared toward kids with asthma and allergies sponsored by
the Kansas City Chapter of Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.  Food accommodations will be made for each camper as per their sing up sheet.  The price is $30/week/child and scholarships are available.
                       To find out more info or to sign up click here.


June2010-The Kansas City Royals Announce
Peanut Free Nights at the K!

.UPDATE!!!
My family and I went to the first of three special peanut free suite nights last night at the K and had a BLAST!!!  When we entered the park, the ushers recommended that we stop by guest services and pick up a personalized certificate commemorating the boys' first Royals game.  The kids were thrilled, but that was just the beginning!

We went up to the "All Star" suite and settled in.  It was clean, comfortable and beautiful.  The best part was, since it was on the end, the great view wraps around!  Although the Royals lost, the game was exciting and the lights, music, fans and fountains were so much fun!  The kids were free to watch the game, eat their dinner, color and play in a safe environment. It brought tears to my eyes to see the kids being kids, watching a baseball game just like anybody else! Not only did we have a great time watching the game, we made new food allergy friends!  So I personally, highly recommend this fantastic family event!!

Original Listing:
Yes, you heard right!  According to Alex Janowiak, Director of Promotions at Kauffman Stadium, the Royals are having special suites available for three games for families dealing with peanut allergies- May 25, June15 and July 21.  The Royals are reaching out to the food allergy community by offering at a
climate controlled All Star Suite space that has been thoroughly cleaned for the occasion.  Although no food or drink will be provided, families may purchase food from vendors or bring a sack lunch/dinner.  Click here to see details of the ballpark regulations for what may be brought into the stadium.  Please remember to be cautious of others' food allergies and clean accordingly.  Suite tickets are available at a much discounted rate of $29, children under 32 inches are free.  For a virtual tour of the suite click here.  For Kauffman Stadium Seating click here.  To purchase tickets contact Alex Janowiak at (816) 504-4434 Alex.Janowiak@royals.comTell her you heard it here!

Going to Camp this Summer? 
          Make Sure You're Ready

Here's two great articles from Kids With Food Allergies!  and Have a fun summer!


Related Question:  What are your food allergy travel tips?  Are you going on vacation this summer?  How does your family handle vacations and travel?  Share Here.

News Archives

June-2010
Food Allergy: Baked Milk, Egg Break Through
-from Allergic Living  Magazine

Read about the latest research here

May- 2010


From the Food Allergy Initiative eNewsletter
The federal government is putting the finishing touches on an important document:  "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy"
Here's what it does:
  • Makes recommendations to healthcare providers on how to diagnose, manage and treat food allergy
  • Identifies gaps in the current science to be addressed through future research
  • Offers solutions to controversies in patient management practices
To read more http://view.email.globalcloud.net/?j=fe541673766c0d78701c&m=fef61c71776c02&ls=fe021d717160047d77157471&l=fe641575746007787712&s=fe30157874640c7f761676&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3716767267067d771571


From the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America- Breathe Newsletter
Good News for Kids with Food Allergies  The U.S. Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires food manufacturers to identify in plain English any ingredients that contain protein from the following:  
·                     Milk
·                     Eggs
·                     Fish (like scaly fish)
·                     Crustacean shellfish (like shrimp)
·                     Tree nuts
·                     Peanuts
·                     Wheat
·                     Soybeans
  The labeling will list these ingredients specifically or say "contains" followed by the name of the source of the food allergen. These eight major food allergens account for nearly 90% of all food allergy reactions, many of which are severe or life-threatening.

However, this labeling still needs improvement regarding "may contain" statements, spices and other concerns. AAFA is working to make sure the FDA continues to improve food allergen labeling. To learn more, click http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001nB5QX27vwTifMVzbViQ-hCKGdwz0c1i9raUnUaLbo2smuWZYfow2tITXNoE9iiGDvkKEUkbINyl4BV3d2RtvzE3ed0GK_lzSnrr1GXwf4YQg38lwl0Qa7lZbHZ6IaZ18
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