Resolution for 2010 - No food allergy reactions!
Early January is always a time for New Year's resolutions. And one annual goal for the parents of a food allergic child is to get through another year without any serious reactions. Here are some tips to help you accomplish that goal in 2010.
Tip 1 – Read labels.
If there is one skill that food allergic parents and individuals themselves must get good at, it's reading labels. Foods manufactured since January 2006 are required to clearly list the Big Eight food allergens that we have been discussing in previous blogs. But beware of hidden allergens, often found in non food items. Example: Some lotions contain "Arachis oil", which is derived from peanuts.
Items that are part of larger package are often marked "Not Labeled for Individual Sale," and the entire list of ingredients should be found on the original container or box.
And always read the label, even for items you have bought or consumed before. Ingredients and formulations can change over time. If you’re not sure of every ingredient that went into the item, don't eat it!
Tip 2 – Continue to educate family and friends.
Don't assume that since you told Aunt Edna years ago that little Tommy was allergic to wheat that she has taken the time to ensure that every item she serves or that he may be exposed to won't contain the allergen. Continually educate and remember: no one will be as diligent about your child’s allergy as you are.
When dining with others, you might consider providing all the food for the entire meal – for either your child individually or for the whole gathering, if feasible. Or simply skip the food issue altogether by spending special time with family and friends in nonfood-related activities.
Tip 3 – Closely monitor children while eating out.
Many smaller children will put whatever is in front of them into their mouth, and many accidental exposures are simply caused by not paying close enough attention. If possible, use a high chair or booster sear with a tray if a child’s allergens are being served.
For young children or infants, consider an item of clothing like our Star Alert shirt that tells others that your child has food allergies, to prevent well-meaning sharing.
Using these tips, and others you will find within the Allergy Free Shop website and other online resources (like the Mayo Clinic), you can create techniques and methods to ensure that your food allergic child can remain reaction free in 2010!
Tip 1 – Read labels.
If there is one skill that food allergic parents and individuals themselves must get good at, it's reading labels. Foods manufactured since January 2006 are required to clearly list the Big Eight food allergens that we have been discussing in previous blogs. But beware of hidden allergens, often found in non food items. Example: Some lotions contain "Arachis oil", which is derived from peanuts.
Items that are part of larger package are often marked "Not Labeled for Individual Sale," and the entire list of ingredients should be found on the original container or box.
And always read the label, even for items you have bought or consumed before. Ingredients and formulations can change over time. If you’re not sure of every ingredient that went into the item, don't eat it!
Tip 2 – Continue to educate family and friends.
Don't assume that since you told Aunt Edna years ago that little Tommy was allergic to wheat that she has taken the time to ensure that every item she serves or that he may be exposed to won't contain the allergen. Continually educate and remember: no one will be as diligent about your child’s allergy as you are.
When dining with others, you might consider providing all the food for the entire meal – for either your child individually or for the whole gathering, if feasible. Or simply skip the food issue altogether by spending special time with family and friends in nonfood-related activities.
Tip 3 – Closely monitor children while eating out.
Many smaller children will put whatever is in front of them into their mouth, and many accidental exposures are simply caused by not paying close enough attention. If possible, use a high chair or booster sear with a tray if a child’s allergens are being served.
For young children or infants, consider an item of clothing like our Star Alert shirt that tells others that your child has food allergies, to prevent well-meaning sharing.
Using these tips, and others you will find within the Allergy Free Shop website and other online resources (like the Mayo Clinic), you can create techniques and methods to ensure that your food allergic child can remain reaction free in 2010!
Labels: allergy free, anaphyaxis, big eight, dining out, food allergen, food allergy
<< Home