The Coolest New Accessory for Allergy Kids is…

The EpiPen. According to an article on MSNBC.com, doctors prescribed 1.9 million EpiPens in 2007, a 36 percent increase from 2003, when 1.4 million were prescribed. Since food allergies are on the rise, this comes as no surprise.

The pocket-sized, life-saving EpiPen has cultivated quite a following. It “auto injects a pre-measured dose of epinephrine to someone experiencing anaphylaxis, a severe whole-body allergic reaction.” Some parents have 10 or more EpiPens around the house at all times, as well as at school, in the car and on their allergy-prone little one.

Stylish EpiPen carriers and portable pouches have even emerged. There are carriers covered in cartoon characters for the younger kids and discreet leg straps for the older kids that might be a bit self-conscience.

For many years, the EpiPen was one-of-a-kind. Currently, there is another company that makes a similar product, but the EpiPen has maintained 97 percent of the market.

For the entire EpiPen article, click here.

- Nita

What’s For Lunch?

Let’s face it, kids are picky. This fact alone makes packing five lunches a week a tough task! And if your little one has food allergies, you’ve got it a little harder. But don’t fret. With a little planning, you can whip up a great bagged lunch in no time.

Relying on the school to provide an allergy-free lunch for your child can often be stressful. Many food allergy parents feel better packing their child’s lunch. It’s an easy way to remain worry-free about what your child is eating at school as well as to ensure that he is getting the proper nutrients.

Here are a few tips on how to pack an allergy-free, nutritionally complete lunch for your school-age kids:
- Plan ahead! It is much easier to make a lunch menu and take a trip to the grocery store when you aren’t on a time crunch.
- Add variety to your little ones lunch so they aren’t tempted to eat off someone else’s plate.

- For the proper nutrients, you can pack a nutritionally complete, hypoallergenic drink, like EO28 Splash. It comes in a drink box and lots of fun flavors, making it easier for the kids to take to school.
- Sneak in an exciting treat. Food allergies can be hard for kids, especially when they are surrounded with foods they can’t have. Throw in a note to say hi or a fun sticker to brighten your child’s day.

And for more great lunch ideas, check out this blog entry from Allergy Moms.

What are you packing for your little one this week?

- Christine

This is How Schools Handle Food Allergies?

I came across an enlightening article the other day from Reuters Health on food allergy action plans in schools. Food allergies and specifically allergic reactions in schools have been all over the news lately and I assumed most schools would already have, or be working to create, a food allergy action plan for their students. However, according to this article, I thought wrong.

A survey was taken of 43 elementary and middle schools in the largest public school system in South Carolina on how they handled food allergies. Over half (56 percent) of these schools did not have did not have their food allergy kids on action plans. And even more surprising is that this school system is at or above the national average of food allergy action plans in schools, which is 16-64 percent.

To read the entire article, click here.

Overall, the article is encouraging parents to be proactive about your little ones health! Many adults, even those at your child’s school, may not be aware of the severity of food allergies.

For tips on how to ease your mind while your food allergy child is in school, read our previous blog entry on the topic.

- Nita

My State is Good, But Could Be Better on Protecting Children with Asthma and Allergies

Gina Clowes is the founder of AllergyMoms.com. We would like to thank her for guest blogging for us and sharing her family's allergy story.

Note: This article was originally written for Health Central: My AllergyNetwork.com. To view the article there, click here.

One of my industry contacts sent me a link to a very interesting study recently released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Their report, appropriately titled the 2008 State Honor Roll - Annual Report of the State Asthma and Allergy Policies for Schools, represents a wealth of comparative information in regard to how well each state in the U.S. deals with asthma and allergy in its public schools.

According to the executive summary of the report,
"AAFA research and policy experts, in consultation with leaders in the fields of medicine, education and advocacy, identified 18 types of "policy standards" relating to asthma and allergies in schools that currently appear in states across the U.S. Three broad categories of policy types were assessed:
• Medication & Treatment
• Awareness
• School Environment
Researchers determined which states currently had most or all of the 18 policy standards in place and considered these states to be at the forefront asthma and allergy school advocacy. States with a minimum of 15 of the 18 policy standards in place are named "Honor Roll" states. These states represent good models for policymakers, administrators, teachers, parents and advocates in other states."

As a parent of a food allergic child, the first thing I did was dig into the report and find out how my state, Pennsylvania, stacked up. Of course, I found that my state is somewhere in the middle of the pack with regard to the policy stances studied in the document. Nowhere near the bottom, thankfully, but sadly also nowhere near the top.

I was surprised to see that Pennsylvania passed the self-carry law for epinephrine. Sara Shannon (an advocate from Canada who lost her daughter to food allergies) and I worked with Pennsylvania State Senator Orie who sponsored SB731, but the last I heard the bill was in the Pennsylvania House Education Committee. If it has passed, I will very happy to hear it.

But I think the real power of this report is its ability to compare states on these policies, which is something that might be impossible if it were not for this report. Here are a couple of things that I observed and that I thought were especially interesting:

1. The states achieving the highest success in setting policy for asthma and allergy are largely in the northeastern U.S. The exception to that statement is the state of Washington . Why is this? Is it a reaction to the incidence of asthma and allergy in those states (possibly)? Is it the power of advocacy in those states (maybe)? Is it that the legislators in those states are especially wise when it comes to dealing with asthma and allergy policy? For those of us who live in these states, we should be thanking our lucky stars. And for those of us who don't, this report should motivate us to ask our legislators for changes. I think that this report could provide some powerful ammunition.

2. There is a huge variation in asthma and allergy policy from one state to another. Having been involved with food allergy advocacy for years, I guess that I always knew of the differences in policy between states. In certain areas (medication policies, for instance), many states have addressed an important health concern, and this report points that out. But what I wasn't aware of is the vast differences among the states in dealing with other aspects of asthma and allergy policy. The AAFA Honor Roll presents this information in an easy-to-read format, and this could, once again, become a powerful advocacy tool.

There are several areas where I'd love to see improvement in Pennsylvania, my state. For example, it would be wonderful if Pennsylvania legislators would mandate indoor air quality policies or requirements. My sons go to a very old elementary school and I'm sure that the mold takes its toll on kids who have allergies and asthma.

I also think it would be very important to track and report severe asthma and allergic reactions. There are other places where Pennsylvania falls short, for example our state has not mandated "no smoking" on school buses but I'm pretty sure this one is in effect anyway. I can't imagine anyone smoking on a school bus, at least not with permission.

Obviously state laws to protect asthmatic and food allergic children get the attention of school districts. And, this report could be a useful tool to help parents pursue legislation in their states by pointing out what other states have already done. Although I am aware that parents even in the "honor roll" states still have issues keeping their food allergic children safe at school, each of these laws provide another layer of protection and awareness.

I think that this report is long overdue, and I recommend that you spend a few minutes to learn a little more.

- Gina Clowes

Turkey, Mistle Toe, and Food Allergies?

Well, it doesn’t necessarily go in that order. Often, holidays can be tough for families that have a child with a food allergy. However, if you fall into that category, the holidays don’t have to be a wash! Even though the holidays often revolve around food, you can still make them enjoyable for your allergy prone little one. You just have to prepare!

Here are some tips to help all families have fun without focusing on food:
- Turn the focus from foods to holiday songs, crafts and activities.

- Try using substitutions for the egg, nuts, milk and/or wheat in your favorite holiday recipes (depending upon your child’s allergy).

- Make new holiday traditions that everyone in your family can enjoy, such as taking a walk together or playing a game. For your little one, a new tradition is just as special as an old one!

And, if your child is on a specialized formula, like Neocate, bring it to all holiday functions, even if it’s supposed to only be a short get-together. When family and friends get together, you never know how long the holiday festivities will last!

Recently, I read a great article from Today’s Diet & Nutrition titled “Holidays Safer for People with Allergies” By Carol M. Bareuther, RD. It was a helpful and uplifting article for a family with food allergies.

The article gave some great ideas on how to create a safe allergy environment in and out of your home during the busy holiday season. Here are a few:
- If your family receives an invitation to a holiday party, provide the host with some food tips ahead of time. That way, if your little one isn’t eating, the host knows why!

- Offer to bring your own allergy safe dish.

- ”Revamp grandma’s classics!” Just by changing an ingredient or two, you can create your favorite holiday dish, allergy free!

While holidays are usually filled with laughter and cheer, an allergy scare can turn the festive mood upside-down. We recommend using these tips to make a few simple changes for a happy and safe holiday.

And remember, be prepared for the unexpected! Always bring your child’s medicine or Epipen.

Have a great turkey day!

- Christine

Wait…My Child Needs To Drink Milk To Overcome Milk Allergies?!

Not so fast. Most likely, this is a big “no, no” if you have an infant with a severe milk protein allergy.

Recently, a small study of 19 children was released from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center on oral immunotherapy for allergies. The researchers were able to desensitize children with an allergy to milk protein by giving them a very small amount and gradually increasing the quantity to build up a tolerance.

For those of you with infants, be aware that this study is focused on older kids who can’t have milk, but whose allergies are not severe enough for them to need an elemental formula, like Neocate.

This is also a study that will likely launch other studies.

I wanted to explain that difference for those parents who might have been confused. If your infant has a severe milk protein allergy, please consult your doctor before changing his or her diet.

John Hopkins is currently studying oral immunotherapy in children with an egg allergy.

For more information, check out this Los Angeles Times blog entry.

And as always, feel free to send any questions my way!

- Nita

Food Allergy Travel Tips: You Can Take It With You

Here is a great guest blog entry for all of your upcoming holiday travels! For more information on airline safety with food allergies, check out our previous blog entry on this topic.

Gina Clowes is the founder of AllergyMoms.com. We would like to thank her for guest blogging for us and sharing her family's allergy story.

Note: This article was originally written for Health Central: My AllergyNetwork.com. To view the article there, click here.

When you or a loved one have food allergies, it can be tough to avoid allergic reactions on the road. Here are five tips for managing food allergies while traveling (and they ensure that you have fun!).

After my son was diagnosed with food allergies, our traveling days came to an abrupt halt. To get back in the swing of things, we started slowly getting our feet wet by staying at the homes of close relatives . Gradually, we ventured out to hotels and condos. Today, we could probably camp out overnight with the contents of my purse! Traveling with food allergies does take more preparation but it’s worth it! If you’re feeling timid about taking food allergies on the road, here are a few tips to nudge you on your way.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles
A lot of allergy moms shy away from plane travel but if you fly first thing in the morning, and carry on your child’s food and drink, it can be quicker and easier than driving. Check out the airline’s policy on peanut or other allergens and always make your reservation over the phone. You can explain your child’s allergies in detail. Bring your own meals, snacks and wet wipes, so that you will reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Make sure that your child’s Epi-Pen or Twinject is with you in its original packaging along with a letter from your doctor. We’ve never had anyone question my son’s medications, however, we did have the TSA agents confiscate several bottles of water that I had with us right after the restrictions on liquids went into effect.

Hotels and Condos and Relatives, Oh My!
If your child has multiple allergies, a hotel (or relative) with a kitchen is a must. I’ve heard of allergy moms making due with a refrigerator and a hot plate but I don’t recommend it. Vacation home condos are wonderful but often pricey. “Home-away-from-home” hotels, like the Residence Inn, are everywhere and most come with a full kitchen. Other hotels offer in-room refrigerators for a nominal charge or will store your cold or frozen foods if need be. We always request a non-smoking room, with foam pillows and no bedspreads on the bed. Several hotel chains offer “pure rooms” that are even more allergy friendly.

Happy Meals
If you do plan to venture out for meals, it pays to do the legwork ahead of time. Get a good guide book or research restaurants online. Several restaurant chains, like Outback Steak house, specifically address food allergies on their websites along with their menu. I always ask to speak with a manager or chef when ordering as we’ve found that many times the wait staff is unsure about specific ingredients. Many moms I know swear by a chef’s card as another layer of communication. And when in doubt, bring a few extras with you just in case. Safe bread, margarine, salad dressing and a treat for dessert will save the day in a pinch.

In the Bag
There is no getting around it; we don’t travel lightly. So first of all, type out a list of everything that you and your family need for traveling. Print out the list and cross off the items as they’re packed.

Your child’s special needs should be at the top of the list. Things like latex-free goggles, sunscreen, special soap, shampoos, Epi-Pen and other medicines, are not easily replaced so make sure you have what you need. Keep your child’s allergist’s number handy in the even that you have questions or need a refill while you’re on the road.

You can ship a box of staples directly to the hotel from home or from Amazon.com. Your rice milk, pasta, breads, cookies and crackers will all be there waiting for you. We always bring a cooler of frozen foods: safe hotdogs, casseroles, gluten-free, casein-free chicken tenders etc. If we fly, we simply duct tape the lid of the cooler shut and check it with our other baggage.

If you run out of room in your suitcases, cut back on the clothes you bring and throw in a load of laundry or two while you’re away. If you use a special detergent, pour enough for two loads into an empty bottle and wrap it with Glad Press n’ Seal.

Are we there yet?
Now, it’s time to relax right? Well, as my sister says “It’s not vacation, it’s relocation.” All the same stuff in a different place.

Preparing to travel can seem like more work than planning a small wedding but you and your family deserve to travel and have fun. The memories of all of the extra packing and cooking will be gone in a few days while the memories of your kids playing on the beach or on their first airplane ride will be with you for ever.

- Gina Clowes