Training, Tools & News
Cool New Stuff here at FACST!
One super-coolsite!
foodallergyfun.blogspot.com
Check out the new "Mr. Nose-it-All" food allergy info game for kids from the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology! There are tons of other great kids' sites on our "Just for Kids" page. Go there NOW!
Also, our Links page has been updated. Whatever food allergy info you're looking for, you're likely to find it here. From medical ID bracelets to milk free chocolates, you can find it on our "Links" page. Go there NOW!
Coming Soon- we will have our entire food allergy library listed on the website. For those of you thinking about buying a book or just wanting to check out some info, our FA library is free for members. You may be able to request an item for pick up at the following meeting, yours to keep for the following month.
Also, our Links page has been updated. Whatever food allergy info you're looking for, you're likely to find it here. From medical ID bracelets to milk free chocolates, you can find it on our "Links" page. Go there NOW!
Coming Soon- we will have our entire food allergy library listed on the website. For those of you thinking about buying a book or just wanting to check out some info, our FA library is free for members. You may be able to request an item for pick up at the following meeting, yours to keep for the following month.
We're on facebook!!
OK, OK, I'm not going to say it. I'm not going to ask you to "like" us. But I am going to let you know that FACST of Kansas City (Food Allergy: Connect, Share, Thrive) is on facebook. You can visit us to get the latest on food allergy info, find the next meeting and share your tips!
A Great Guide for Food Allergy Families
& Their Schools
I recently received Food Allergies & Children Pocket Guide for Parents and Food Allergy & Schools Pocket Guide for Schools and I AM IMPRESSED!! I really wish I had these resources when my son was first diagnosed. These small books cover it all! I encourage you to check these out.
Food Allergies & Children Pocket Guide for Parents
"Pocket Guide for Parents: Food Allergies & Children can help you find a new normal way of living with food allergies. There are helpful tips, ideas, and information geared toward adapting how your family cooks, shops, entertains, chooses a caregiver, attends social events, chooses a restaurant, travels and more. This book also provides essential and practical advice on how to prevent, recognize and treat a reaction."
Food Allergy & Schools Pocket Guide for Schools
"This short book provides a quick guide to managing food allergies in a school setting. It contains helpful information to prevent, recognize and treat food allergy reactions. Give a copy to your child’s new teacher each year to help get the food allergy conversation going."
AND, while you're there, check out this quick on-line course on food labeling!
"Food Allergen Labeling The Food Allergen Labeling And Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that the label of a food declare the presence of the top eight allergens.
Let's get started!
Food Allergies & Children Pocket Guide for Parents
"Pocket Guide for Parents: Food Allergies & Children can help you find a new normal way of living with food allergies. There are helpful tips, ideas, and information geared toward adapting how your family cooks, shops, entertains, chooses a caregiver, attends social events, chooses a restaurant, travels and more. This book also provides essential and practical advice on how to prevent, recognize and treat a reaction."
Food Allergy & Schools Pocket Guide for Schools
"This short book provides a quick guide to managing food allergies in a school setting. It contains helpful information to prevent, recognize and treat food allergy reactions. Give a copy to your child’s new teacher each year to help get the food allergy conversation going."
AND, while you're there, check out this quick on-line course on food labeling!
"Food Allergen Labeling The Food Allergen Labeling And Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that the label of a food declare the presence of the top eight allergens.
- Do you know the three different ways allergens can appear on food labels?
- Do you know the food products and other products not covered by FALCPA?
- Do you know the food allergens not covered by food allergen labeling law?
Let's get started!
Share this great resource with the nurses in your life:)
The National Association of School Nurses has been working on a joint grant from the Centers for Disease Control with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and the National School Boards Association on food allergy management in the school setting. We are pleased to announce the posting of the NASN Online Food Allergy Tool Kit.
This tool kit includes algorithms to enhance the school nurse’s approach to planning and care, checklists, forms and resources. Guidance documents will be added soon. Access the toolkit on our Web site.
Of special note: Fact Sheet: What School Nurses Need to Know about Parents of Children with Food Allergies
This may help understand the viewpoints of families dealing with food allergies.
Got Eczema?
Here's a new blog to check out
"It's an Itchy Little World" explores the world of an eczema mom finding what works. Read her latest blog "Turkey Is Turkey Right? Think Again"
Health Fair Participation/ School or PTA Presentations
FACST regularly participates in local health fairs. If you would like FACST to participate in an upcoming health fair, please contact us with the following information: date, time, location, number of participants, and the informational focus/materials needed.
We also present FAAN's Safe @ School programs for schools and PTAs. If you are interested in setting up a visit for your school, email us!
We also present FAAN's Safe @ School programs for schools and PTAs. If you are interested in setting up a visit for your school, email us!
A Fantastic Tool to Train Schools!
Allergy Ready- Online Resource
Click to go to Allergy Ready
"It’s Back-to-school time – make sure your school is Allergy Ready. Our online course is designed to help teachers, administrators and other school personnel prevent and manage potentially life-threatening allergic reactions." - Allergy Ready
Send the Allergy Ready Flyer or link to your school nurse, principal or teacher today!
Another great site for school training
Managing Food Allergies in School: What Staff Needs To Know
Food Allergy Awareness Module Safe@AllergHome.org
"Managing food allergies in school is a critical and time-consuming responsibility of the school nurse. We have created this free resource to help you implement school policy, train staff, and efficiently manage your students’ food allergies."
- Dr Michale Pistiner, MD, MMSc
Harvard Vanguard and Associates & Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Instructor of Pediatrics
Also from Safe@AllergHome.org
for school nurse resources
for tools for nurses
for internet resources for schools
for kids
Send the Allergy Ready Flyer or link to your school nurse, principal or teacher today!
Another great site for school training
Managing Food Allergies in School: What Staff Needs To Know
Food Allergy Awareness Module Safe@AllergHome.org
"Managing food allergies in school is a critical and time-consuming responsibility of the school nurse. We have created this free resource to help you implement school policy, train staff, and efficiently manage your students’ food allergies."
- Dr Michale Pistiner, MD, MMSc
Harvard Vanguard and Associates & Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Instructor of Pediatrics
Also from Safe@AllergHome.org
for school nurse resources
for tools for nurses
for internet resources for schools
for kids
Speaking of Schools...
Just thought I'd share this cool find. Many of us need to think about allergens in the schools- not just the cafeteria or snacks, but in the supplies used by the schools, especially for art projects. Did you know that the majority of accidental allergen exposures are caused by foods used in activities and crafts? Most of us are aware of the dreaded peanut butter bird feeder (when will that project die?) but I never knew that egg is sometimes used as a thickener in finger paint or that Play Doh contains wheat. I typically would encourage teachers or parents to call the manufacturers to inquire about allergens in products. This year, why not share this website with your teacher or school? http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/ I don't endorse the company but I do commend the organization of the items by allergens and LOVE the fact that they have children with allergies in mind. On it's homepage, there is a section dedicated to common allergens. You can look up by product or by allergen. So for instance, if you are looking for soy free glue, you can see all 34 results. Or you can look up all the peanut & tree nut free options(300+!). Common brands are listed and the prices seem good too. Your teacher may appreciate the ease of finding allergen free products.
Allergy Friendly Food Resources You Can Use
UPDATE!!!
foodsniffr-a web app that helps people living with Celiac Disease as well as people living with food allergies to find safe foods & restaurants. When you first sign up, the app takes you to a profile page where you tell us what kind of allergens you are avoiding ( for example gluten & lactose), & then based on your profile, the app suggests foods & restaurants in your area.
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.
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.
Labelwatch.com-"Compare ingredients in over 25,000 name brand products, create & save personalized shopping lists, use your lists on line or in stores."
AllerDine.com is " the premier food allergy restaurant guide that describes the allergy friendliness of each restaurant. Information such as having a formal allergy policy, what allergens are on their menu, a list or book of ingredients, willingness to prepare a custom meal and kitchen layout, are available for each restaurant on the website to help you decide if it is an appropriate location for you and your family." To find out more go to http://www.allerdine.com/
eatingwithfoodallergies.com "Does that seem impossible? If you have just started eating with food allergies, it might seem as though you have very few options. For an adult who has been diagnosed after enjoying any food they want, it can be somewhat depressing to have diet restrictions. For a parent of a child who has just been diagnosed with food allergies, the diagnosis can range from confusing to downright scary. Not only do you need to worry about keeping your child safe but you also have to come up with meals that everyone in your family can have and will enjoy. That's not easy!"
allergyeats.com "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."
foodsniffr-a web app that helps people living with Celiac Disease as well as people living with food allergies to find safe foods & restaurants. When you first sign up, the app takes you to a profile page where you tell us what kind of allergens you are avoiding ( for example gluten & lactose), & then based on your profile, the app suggests foods & restaurants in your area.
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.
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.
Labelwatch.com-"Compare ingredients in over 25,000 name brand products, create & save personalized shopping lists, use your lists on line or in stores."
AllerDine.com is " the premier food allergy restaurant guide that describes the allergy friendliness of each restaurant. Information such as having a formal allergy policy, what allergens are on their menu, a list or book of ingredients, willingness to prepare a custom meal and kitchen layout, are available for each restaurant on the website to help you decide if it is an appropriate location for you and your family." To find out more go to http://www.allerdine.com/
eatingwithfoodallergies.com "Does that seem impossible? If you have just started eating with food allergies, it might seem as though you have very few options. For an adult who has been diagnosed after enjoying any food they want, it can be somewhat depressing to have diet restrictions. For a parent of a child who has just been diagnosed with food allergies, the diagnosis can range from confusing to downright scary. Not only do you need to worry about keeping your child safe but you also have to come up with meals that everyone in your family can have and will enjoy. That's not easy!"
allergyeats.com "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."
There's An App for That!!??!!
From FAAN
"There is seemingly a smart phone app for just about every need and whim. For the food allergy community, several of these apps could conceivably save a life. There are apps to tell you what is in your food, apps to show you how to administer epinephrine, apps to find the closest emergency room, and more. Here is some general information about many of them"
FAAN lists nearly 40 Food Allergy Apps HERE- check it out!!!
"There is seemingly a smart phone app for just about every need and whim. For the food allergy community, several of these apps could conceivably save a life. There are apps to tell you what is in your food, apps to show you how to administer epinephrine, apps to find the closest emergency room, and more. Here is some general information about many of them"
FAAN lists nearly 40 Food Allergy Apps HERE- check it out!!!
Research Updates
Research Suggests New Way To Treat Peanut Allergy
University of Cambridge researchers recently announced that they have convincing evidence that a new peanut allergy treatment is effective. To read more, click here.
Are Vaccines Safe for Food-Allergic Children?
Many schools across the nation are now holding open houses and registration for the 2011-2012 school year. When you have a food-allergic child, you have to do a lot of planning to make sure that you, your child and your child's school will be ready to manage your child's food allergies. Read on Here.
If you're looking for a layman's level article explaining FA research, read "The Peaunt Puzzle" from Feb. New Yorker Magazine!
Also, a great resouce on the latest research is this month's Kids with Food Allergy- check it out!
Want to Know More About Research?
The Food Allergy Initiative now has a regular feature that highlights the latest research in food allergies. Click here to view!
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States.
Click Here to go to download you own copy of the Guideline Summary.
Click Here to go to download you own copy of the Guideline Summary.
Looking for More Info? Try a FA Newsletter!
Here are some great resourses where you can sign up for food allergy news delivered straight to you.
FAAN Teen- sign up for FAAN's teen news or college network here.
AllergicChild- Empowering Families and Communities Manage Food Allergies
KidsWithFoodAllergies- Food allergy support and allergy free recipes
AAFA Breathe- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
FoodAllergyIniative- The latest in Food Allergy Research
AllergicGirl- empowering those with FA to "engage the world safely, effectively and joyously."
News Archives
Food Allergy Initiative Video- You are not alone!
Check out all of their videos at FAI's You Tube Channel!
Helpful Resources for Asthma Sufferers!
The Indoor AIRepair!
From Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
Every breath we take contains millions of particles of dust, allergens, chemicals, pollutants and other tiny molecules. And while pollen and outdoor air pollution get most of the attention, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies show that pollutant levels inside homes and buildings are two to five times higher than outside!
When you have asthma and allergies, that puts clean indoor air at the top of your must-have list.
Download AANMA’s Indoor AIRepairTM at Home, School and Play newsletters for family-friendly ideas and tips for cleaning the air you breathe.
Every breath we take contains millions of particles of dust, allergens, chemicals, pollutants and other tiny molecules. And while pollen and outdoor air pollution get most of the attention, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies show that pollutant levels inside homes and buildings are two to five times higher than outside!
When you have asthma and allergies, that puts clean indoor air at the top of your must-have list.
Download AANMA’s Indoor AIRepairTM at Home, School and Play newsletters for family-friendly ideas and tips for cleaning the air you breathe.
