tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42722193443311152692024-02-19T05:35:34.101-05:00The Allergy Mom Blogwww.theallergymom.comThe Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-1389826311254246762014-08-15T00:12:00.001-04:002017-04-22T23:24:47.780-04:00The Emotional Component of an Allergy or Anaphylaxis Diagnosis<div align="left">
<u><b>I set an intention for this summer</b></u>
to spend as much time as possible OUTDOORS and WITH MY KIDS and I'm
happy to say I've been doing a great job with this! I took time off
from work and everything <u><b>to really be PRESENT</b></u> with my kids and myself to enjoy this beautiful season. I have also <u><b>taken time to really kick up my personal yoga practice</b></u>.<br />
<br /></div>
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</h3>
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<span style="color: navy; font-size: x-large;">Let me tell you WHY I'm consciously taking more time for ME...</span></h2>
<div align="left">
<br />
Being a caregiver (aka "allergy mom") to my child with severe anaphylaxis is honestly stressful. There are the <b>moments that frighten me</b> as I worry that something she is eating may be contaminated and I feel the <b>stress </b>as I wait and watch and pray that she is ok. There is the <b>trauma</b>
that is stored in me from the day she had her most serious reaction and
all of the stress of that horrible day. And there is this <b>pervading anxiety </b>that
is always with me, knowing that she has these allergies and the risks
that other families don't have to worry about for their children.<br />
<br />
For
those that suffer with severe allergies and anaphylaxis, there are
fears, traumas and stress. I get emails all the time from families who
share their true fears and anxieties with me. <b>Children who are refusing to eat because they are afraid of food</b>...those
types of stories. There is most definitely a psychological component to
living as a caregiver or having these allergies yourself and <b>unfortunately many people feel isolated, alone and embarrassed to admit that they are not coping well emotionally. </b><br />
<br />
<b>Please
know that what you are feeling is NORMAL! Understandable... and that
there are people who get what you are going through even though it may
not feel like it!</b><br />
<br />
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/00543050-3301-44b0-9c1c-571bc2dace60.jpg" height="250" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/00543050-3301-44b0-9c1c-571bc2dace60.jpg" style="height: 250px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; width: 540px;" width="540" /><br />
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<span style="color: goldenrod;"><u>Why you need to take better care of yourself starting NOW!</u></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: goldenrod;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div align="left">
I
know how important it is for you to take care of your children, your
partner, and all of the people in your life that are important to you.
As a caregiver, we often put those we care for on the top of our
priority lists... this often means that we don't make the time for
things that WE NEED such as fitness classes, date nights, vacations,
time to relax and read a book, etc. We are so busy caring for everyone
else that we neglect our own needs. <b>To be healthy physically and emotionally, we need to actively take care of ourselves!</b>
This means getting adequate rest, eating a healthy diet, taking time
for fitness and giving ourselves a break from the stress and anxiety
that we feel dealing with these allergies.</div>
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<span style="color: green; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h2>
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<span style="color: green; font-size: x-large;">Here are 5 things you can do RIGHT NOW<br />to take better care of YOU!</span></h2>
<br />
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<span style="color: purple;">1. AWARENESS</span></h3>
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Simply
by bringing an awareness to your feelings and acknowledging them is the
first step to any positive change. Acknowledge the real stress, anxiety
and tension that you hold and feel it. We tend to bury uncomfortable
feelings but this does not make them go away. We need to acknowledge
them and validate them - the only way out is through.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/c0a05889-0421-4dae-8830-f16eb73fcfd7.jpg" height="500" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/c0a05889-0421-4dae-8830-f16eb73fcfd7.jpg" style="height: 500px; margin: 0px; width: 500px;" width="500" /></div>
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<br /><span style="color: darkorange;">2. STOP BEING SO SYMPATHETIC!</span></h3>
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When
we'e afraid, stressed, and anxious we are using our SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS
SYSTEM (the infamous "Fight or Flight" response). This is extremely
draining to our body and our mental health. We need to balance things
out by enabling our parasympathetic system which gives us rest and
restoration. For me that comes from this place:<br />
<br />
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/f6e6fd8c-9174-4b84-bd66-ca6d34cb1671.jpg" height="622" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/f6e6fd8c-9174-4b84-bd66-ca6d34cb1671.jpg" style="-moz--moz--moz--moz-height: 622px; border: 6px ridge; margin: 0px 0px 0px 50px; width: 500px;" width="500" /><br />
<br />
For you it could come from:</div>
<ul>
<li>taking
time away and allowing someone else to be responsible for everything
for a day or two (I know this may sound crazy but we can chat about how
this can work).</li>
<li>going for a mini-retreat - massage, spa day in town with a friend, etc.</li>
<li>taking time to do something that you really enjoy that relaxes you (i.e., enjoying a hot bath)</li>
</ul>
If you have difficulty relaxing and find that you cannot avoid the
anxiety and stress you are feeling even when you try to relax, you may
need some help. We can be so chronically stressed that we are unable to
turn off this sympathetic response and we are literally wired. This
cannot continue forever and you will end up with health or emotional
issues. If this is what you are dealing with, please get in touch with
me for a free phone call or skype consultation to discuss.<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: maroon;">3. START FROM THE VERY BEGINNING...</span>Tell me everything!</h3>
When I began my website, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theallergymom.com" href="http://www.theallergymom.com/" target="_blank">TheAllergyMom.com</a>, I wrote out my story of how allergies have come into my life. I wrote the entire long-winded tale of <b>my mom's anaphylactic reaction to bees</b>, <b>my seasonal allergies</b>, my <b>son's environmental allergies</b> and the traumatic story of <b>my daughter's anaphylactic reactions</b>, eczema and food allergies.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>My husband said to me, "Who on earth is going to read that?" ... </i></b></div>
<br />
Well,
first of all it didn't matter who was going to because it felt so good
just to write it! Second of all , LOTS OF PEOPLE! I have had literally
hundreds of emails in response to my story including parents, allergic
teens, teachers, pharmaceutical companies, and reporters.... It has
meant so much to me and them to have my story out there and I am
grateful for the connections I have made as a result of sharing my
story.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/95287210-2bb9-443a-bd13-8a845fb17567.jpg" height="333" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/95287210-2bb9-443a-bd13-8a845fb17567.jpg" style="height: 333px; margin: 0px; width: 500px;" width="500" /></div>
<br />
Writing
out your story in a journal will help you to express your feelings and
emotions and actually takes you out of your emotional brain and into
your thinking brain which reduces anxiety and stress by making the
emotions less salient. There is some truth to the idea that you should
tell your story as many times as you need to to feel better. I am
delighted when someone takes the time to share their story with me after
reading mine on the website. It is comforting to know you are not
alone!<br />
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<br /><span style="color: firebrick; font-size: x-large;">4. BREATHE</span></h2>
<br />
It sounds ridiculously simple, but did you know that when we are stressed or anxious, we are often <b>breathing very rapidly with shallow breaths</b> or possibly even <b>holding our breath</b>?!
By recognizing moments of stress and anxiety (Back to #1 -awareness
& acknowledge) we can then identify when we are feeling stressed or
anxious and check in with the breath. Notice if you are breathing and
the quality of the breath - is it shallow or deep? Fast or slow? Then
gently deepen your breath. Focus on the exhale. See if you can extend
your out breath to be as long as or even up to 2x longer than your
inhale breath. This will <b>calm your nervous system and you down</b>.
Quality breathing is a great way to detoxify from negative thoughts and
emotions. I know that it sounds too simple but trust me on this one. <b>Consciously improve your breathing and it WILL affect your mood.</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/breatheinbreatheout.png" height="58" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/breatheinbreatheout.png" style="float: left; height: 58px; margin: 0px; width: 500px;" width="500" /></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></h2>
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<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></h2>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">5. GET HELP!</span></h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/01a8df06-cf4c-43fa-aab6-719409f37c0b.jpg" height="400" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/01a8df06-cf4c-43fa-aab6-719409f37c0b.jpg" style="height: 400px; margin: 0px; width: 400px;" width="400" /></div>
Have you ever considered therapy? Did you know that a counselor is a
health and wellness professional that is there to provide you with an
empathic ear... someone who will listen to your story, without judgement
but with compassion. Psychological health and wellness deserves the
same type of care that we provide our physical bodies yet in the case of
chronic disease or illness there is rarely this type of support offered
to patients or their caregivers. If you have never considered speaking
to someone about your feelings and what you are going through - the
stress of daily life and the challenges of being a caregiver, I
encourage you to try it.<br />
<br />
Counseling can help with:<br />
<ul>
<li>stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma</li>
<li>strain on family relationships</li>
<li>feeling that you are not alone and that you have someone who "gets it"</li>
<li>providing a safe space to openly express your fears, feelings and concerns</li>
<li>providing tools for handling anxiety, depression or stress</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: green;">YOU NEED & DESERVE TO<br />TAKE CARE OF YOU!</span>!</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taking
care of yourself allows you to have the energy and ability to take care
of others. It does not have to be a choice whether to <b>take care of yourself OR others</b>. <u><b>It is not helping anyone to put yourself LAST</b></u>.<br />
<br />
Too
often we do this - we compromise our sleep, our fitness, our health
because we are so busy caring for others through work or family but the
truth is we can and <b>must take care of ourselves</b>! </div>
<h2 class="null" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: teal;">I am offering Counseling & Therapy appointments in the Greater Toronto Area & Via Phone, Facetime or Skype</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You
will learn that you CAN take care of yourself and that this will help
to keep you healthy (physically and emotionally) to be in the best
possible shape to help others.<br />
<br />
Don't live in the GTA? <b>Consider a Facetime or SKYPE session!</b><br />
If
you've never tried Skype and are unsure, we can set up a 15 minute
session just to get you all set up and make sure everything is working.
Skype is <b>very easy to use</b> and basically brings ME into
the comfort of your own location (home, office, where ever) for your own
personalized yoga class, therapy session or counseling appointment. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.skype.com/en/?SC_B=1" href="http://www.skype.com/en/?SC_B=1" target="_blank">Skype</a> is GREAT!</div>
<div>
<br />
If
you have any questions or would like some more information about any of
my current offerings, please give me a shout! I offer a free 15 minute
phone or skype consultation -simply click here: <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:melissa@theallergymom.com?subject=Book%20a%20Free%20Consultation" href="mailto:melissa@theallergymom.com?subject=Book%20a%20Free%20Consultation" target="_blank">melissa@theallergymom.com</a> to send me an email requesting a call.<br />
<br />
Hope to hear from you soon... How about right now?! Share your comments below :)<br />
<br />
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The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-64909448768198537202013-12-24T11:53:00.001-05:002017-04-22T23:26:14.309-04:00Allergy-Safe Christmas 2013<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="templateContainer" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<br />
I just wanted to send a quick message to all of you to say thank you for
being a part of this journey with me. Your emails, comments, shares on
the facebook page, contributions, suggestions and just being a visitor
to the site and subscriber to my newsletter means the world to me. I
never would have imagined getting to know so many people as a result of
these allergies and I truly am thankful for it!<br />
<br />
If you are struggling this holiday with recipe ideas, feelings of
anxiety or not knowing how to keep your child safe with their allergies,
please don't hesitate to send me a message and ask for help!!! I am
here for you!<br />
<br />
I would like to share a few of my favourite holiday treat recipes with you as well:
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: indigo;"><b>Kate's FAVOURITE Christmas Treat:<br />
Allergy-Safe Chocolate </b></span><span style="color: firebrick;"><b>P</b></span><span style="color: green;"><b>e</b></span><span style="color: firebrick;"><b>p</b></span><span style="color: green;"><b>p</b></span><span style="color: firebrick;"><b>e</b></span><span style="color: green;"><b>r</b></span><span style="color: firebrick;"><b>m</b></span><span style="color: green;"><b>i</b></span><span style="color: firebrick;"><b>n</b></span><span style="color: green;"><b>t </b></span><span style="color: indigo;"><b>Patties</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<img align="none" height="375" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/christmaschocolates.jpg" style="height: 375px; margin-left: 75px; width: 500px;" width="500" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>These are Kate's absolute
favourite treat and I purposefully ONLY MAKE THEM AT CHRISTMAS so that
she can be excited all year for them! </i></b></div>
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
All-purpose Flour* 3 1/2 tbsp<br />
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><i>*(Or alternative allergy-safe flour for your family -i.e., Gluten-free flour)</i></span><br />
Allergy-Safe Milk* 6 tbsp<br />
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><i>*(I use Rice Milk -but you can use coconut milk, or other safe alternative for your child)</i></span><br />
Icing (Confectioner's) Sugar 3 cups<br />
Peppermint Extract (Flavouring) 3/4 tsp<br />
Allergy Safe Chocolate Chips* 1 1/3 cups<br />
<i><span style="font-size: 11px;">* I use Enjoy LIfe Brand (Free of top allergens)</span></i><br />
<img align="none" height="666" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/enjoylifechocolate.jpg" style="height: 666px; margin-left: 75px; width: 500px;" width="500" /><br />
Mix allergy-safe flour and milk alternative in small saucepan until
smooth. Heat and stir continuously over medium heat until mixture boils
and thickens. Continue until a very thick consistency. Re<img align="right" height="200" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/peppermintlog7cc55a.jpg" width="149" />move from heat.<br />
<br />
<br />
Add icing sugar and peppermint flavouring. Mix well. Let stand for 5
minutes. Turn out onto surface dusted with icing sugar. Knead until
smooth, adding more icing sugar as necessary, until no longer sticky.
It will become a playdough type consistency. Divide into 2 equal
portions. Shape each portion into a log (1" diameter) and wrap in
plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature overnight.<br />
<br />
Cut logs into 1/4" thick slices -reshaping as necessary. Place on
ungreased baking sheets. Let stand until dry (about an hour) -turning
at half-time...<br />
<br />
<br />
Heat chocolate in small glass bowl over simmering water in small
saucepan, stirring occasionally until just melted... Dip patties into
chocolate, allowing excess to drip back into bowl.<br />
<br />
<img align="none" height="666" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/allergysafepeppermintpatties.jpg" style="height: 666px; margin-left: 75px; width: 500px;" width="500" /><br />
<br />
Place on foil or waxed paper lined baking sheets. Make small swirl on
top while chocolate is still soft if desired. Add crushed safe candy
cane sprinkles or other safe sprinkles if desired. Let stand at room
temperature until firm.<br />
<br />
Makes approx. 5 dozen.<br />
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><i>Adapted to be allergy safe from a recipe in "Home for the Holidays" by Jean Pare.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><b>Christmas Morning Cinnamon Swirl Bread</b></span><br />
<span style="color: indigo;"><b><span style="font-size: 12px;">(For breadm</span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: indigo;"><b><span style="font-size: 12px;">aker but you can make without)</span></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<img align="none" height="206" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/ChristmasMorningCinnamonSwirlBreada9d099.jpg" style="height: 206px; width: 274px;" width="274" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>This is a family favourite
and is requested by my parents and brother for every family occasion.
It is soooooo good! Especially warm. I recommend baking two!!!</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
water 3/4 cup<br />
safe butter alternative* 1 1/2 tbsp.<br />
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><i>*I use coconut oil or earth balance margarine</i></span><br />
sugar 1 1/2 tbsp.<br />
salt 3/4 tsp.<br />
bread flour* 2 cups<br />
<i>*we don't have issues with wheat so I can use this but experiment with alternative safe flours for your family)</i><br />
yeast 1 1/2 tsp.<br />
<br />
Combine all above ingredients -in order -in your bread maker. Set to
Dough Cycle. Mine takes about 2 hours. If you do not have a bread
maker you can do it old school -mixing and kneading the dough. Giving
it time to rise...<br />
<br />
Once the dough is ready, roll it out into a large rectangle (approx 1/8"
thick). Mix the following filling ingredients together and spread
evenly over the rectangle of dough.<br />
<br />
<img align="none" height="375" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/cinnamonbreadrectanglehaha.jpg" style="height: 375px; margin-left: 75px; width: 500px;" width="500" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>ha ha that is my approximation of a rectangle!</b></i><br />
</div>
<b>Filling Ingredients:</b><br />
melted safe butter alternative* 1/4 cup<br />
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><i>*coconut oil or earth balance margarine for example</i></span><br />
cinnamon 1 tbsp.<br />
brown sugar, packed 3 tbsp.*<br />
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><i>*I use 1 instead of 3 if I'm trying to be healthy or wish a less-sweet bread.</i></span><br />
<br />
Roll up the dough jelly-roll style (the long end) to get a nice big
log. Pinch seam closed and place seam side down on a greased cookie
sheet (use your butter alternative for this). Cover with a clean tea
towel and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes.<br />
<br />
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 18-25 minutes. Bread should make a hollow sound when tapped.<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you have a wonderful, safe, and delicious holiday! Again,
please don't hesitate to contact me if you need support! My gift to
you...<br />
<br />
I am going to make an allergy-safe gingerbread house with my kids
now...ohhhh the things we do as allergy moms! (and dads!) ...merry
merry! But let me say that my daughter said at her last allergy
appointment,<br />
<br />
<i><b>"I like having allergies because my mom bakes me all kinds of wonderful things." </b></i><br />
<br />
Wow. That was sweet!<br />
<br />
Warmly,<br />
<br />
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The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-36992448392738460762013-08-21T12:07:00.002-04:002017-04-22T23:31:16.522-04:00Are you afraid of Back to School?!<br />
<div class="utility-wrap active show">
<div class="utility-bar">
<div class="util-bar-comment-module">
I just read the article from Today's Parent: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.todaysparent.com/kids/food-allergies-schools/" href="http://www.todaysparent.com/kids/food-allergies-schools/" target="_blank">Are Schools Doing Enough?</a> <br />
<br />
<b>My comments below the article:</b>As an <span class="il">allergy</span> mom I request the following accommodations from my <span class="il">child</span>’s school that I think are reasonable and fair…<br />
<br />
<h3>
1. Supervision while eating.</h3>
Did you know that many schools in Peel region have one adult supervising 4-6 classrooms over the lunch hour. This means <span class="il">children</span> are left unsupervised for the majority of the lunch hour. As a teacher with the board, I personally witnessed <span class="il">children</span> vomiting, standing on tables and running around when teachers were not present. It is not safe for any young <span class="il">child</span> not just those with life threatening <span class="il">food</span> <span class="il">allergies</span> to be unsupervised while eating.<br />
<h3 class="null">
2. Proper cleaning. </h3>
I requested that the desks and chairs be properly wiped and floors swept after the <span class="il">children</span>
eat -they eat 3 times per day in the classroom -lunch and 2 snack
times. I was told that it is NOT the teacher’s job nor the custodians to
clean up after the <span class="il">children</span> eat and that if I
want this done i would have to come in myself and do it. Which I did for
the beginning of the school year. I quickly realized this was not
reasonable or reliable as I had to work or could fall ill and that
someone in the school needed to be responsible for this. The decision
made was to have the <span class="il">children</span> clean up after
themselves with wipes. I am not happy with this decision but it is
better than nothing. I have seen cheese spread into the carpets
following a <span class="il">food</span> fight in the class room (back
to the lack of supervision) and my daughter has to sit on that carpet
during circle time with her life-threatening dairy <span class="il">allergy</span>.<br />
<h3 class="null">
3. Safe arts and craft materials</h3>
-<span class="il">allergens</span> can be hidden in arts and craft materials and sometimes recycled <span class="il">food</span> containers are used. I asked to be notified so that i can read the ingredients and ensure craft materials are safe.<br />
<h3 class="null">
4. Handwashing </h3>
-I requested that <span class="il">children</span>
wash their hands after eating to help prevent the risk of
cross-contamination. This is very difficult for the school to do however
as there are just so many <span class="il">children</span> and some classrooms do not have sinks. This year the <span class="il">children</span> are going to use wipes to wipe their hands. I hope this will be effective.<br />
<h3 class="null">
5. Non-<span class="il">food</span> treats or Safe treats. </h3>
– I advocate for non-<span class="il">food</span> treats -pencilgrams (where <span class="il">children</span>
can purchase a pencil and write a note to be sent to a friend -good
fundraiser), books donated in honour of birthdays etc. This promotes
literacy too! On the special occasions and holidays where the school
would like a <span class="il">food</span> treat given to <span class="il">children</span> I request:<br />
a) An opportunity to recommend a safe treat for all <span class="il">children</span> in the school that is a <span class="il">food</span> item that comes packaged with ingredient label<br />
b) If a) is not possible, the opportunity to be notified in advance so that I can send a comparable safe treat for my <span class="il">allergic</span> <span class="il">child</span> and other <span class="il">allergic</span> <span class="il">children</span> possibly<br />
I do not understand why schools want to give <span class="il">children</span>
homemade treats anyway? There is no quality control, no ingredients
listed and you have no idea what the safety or contents are of that
treat! I also feel that <span class="il">children</span> have access to a
lot of treats and most families are trying to encourage healthy
choices. Let’s have celebrations with fruit! When I was teaching, I
would read the story “Stone Soup” to the <span class="il">children</span> and we would have vegetable soup to celebrate. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Everyone loves treats and I’m not saying there isn’t a time and a place for them. I also ask parents of non-<span class="il">allergic</span> <span class="il">children</span> to try and imagine one of 2 scenarios:<br /><br />1. Your <span class="il">child</span> being the only one who doesn’t get the treat. The whole point of treats is to bring happiness and smiles to the <span class="il">children</span>. A 6 year old <span class="il">child</span> being the only one not getting a cupcake is just sad <img alt=":(" data-cke-saved-src="http://www.todaysparent.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif" src="http://www.todaysparent.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif" /><br /><br />2. Your snack causing the death of another <span class="il">child</span>. We saw the recent <span class="il">allergy</span>
death of a 13 year old girl (Natalie Giorgio) this summer from eating a
bite of a rice krispie square. My heart breaks for her family and for
the family that made the treats. It is heartbreaking that <span class="il">food</span> that is perfectly safe and enjoyable for some can kill others. The rate of <span class="il">allergies</span> has risen from 1-2 % of our population in the early part of this decade to 7.5%!!! These <span class="il">allergies</span> are becoming more and more prevalant! I ask you to imagine if it was your <span class="il">child</span> who all of a sudden was deathly <span class="il">allergic</span> to milk. It is terrifying to send your <span class="il">child</span>
to school with yogurt, milk, pizza with cheese and their
life-threatening allergen everywhere. Try to put yourself in that mom’s
shoes. Thank you!!!!!</b></i><br />
<h1 class="null" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: darkorange;">What do you think?</span></h1>
What do you
request from your child's school as far as accommodations to keep your
child safe? In the United States there are 504 plans for these kids
which recognizes their allergies as disabilities. I have been trying to
advocate for these here in Canada but without success. The schools and
Ministry are not recognizing Anaphylaxis as a disability. What could
be more disabling than the risk of death caused by food that is all
around you every day?! For my child with a life-threatening dairy
allergy, the milk, pizza, cheese, and yogurt that her classmates bring
to school is a poison. It is terrifying for her and us to imagine what
would happen if she accidentally ingested milk or had a reaction from
touching contaminated supplies or furniture.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 class="null">
Reminders:</h1>
<span style="font-size: 14px;">You can snag a deal on the first <span class="il">air</span> filter that has been certified asthma & allergy friendlyTM by the </span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://theallergymom.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a46ee3ce05&id=7799afe53c&e=bb2f4062e9" href="http://theallergymom.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a46ee3ce05&id=7799afe53c&e=bb2f4062e9" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)</span></a>. <br /><br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://theallergymom.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a46ee3ce05&id=d412096bee&e=bb2f4062e9" href="http://theallergymom.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a46ee3ce05&id=d412096bee&e=bb2f4062e9" style="color: #6dc6dd; word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank"><span style="color: mediumblue;"><b>Click here</b></span></a><b><span style="color: mediumblue;"> to buy and enter the discount code “Melissa” (that’s me!) for 25% off and free shipping</span></b><b> on the BuyFilters.com site. </b><br /><br />This code expires at the end of August so don't miss out!</span></span><br />
<br />
In
our society we are often reactive rather than proactive -this means we
wait for things to get bad before we do something about them. This is
why we are more likely to buy medicine than vitamins for example. While
air filters aren't exciting or fun they certainly do have a huge impact
on your health!<br />
<br />
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/16x25x1_lysol_air_filter_front_back.png" height="372" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/16x25x1_lysol_air_filter_front_back.png" style="height: 372px; width: 365px;" width="365" /><br />
<h2 class="null">
August 26th: Severe Allergy & Anaphylaxis Support Group Meeting in Oakville, ON.</h2>
<div>
The meetings are intended to provide emotional support to individuals and families. Upcoming topics include:</div>
<div>
Aug. 26th: Back to School & Handling the Emotional Trauma of Allergy Deaths (Natalie Giorgio)</div>
<div>
Sept. 30th: Back to School (How has the first month gone?!) & Marriage -The impact of food allergies on a marriage</div>
<div>
Oct. 28th: Hallowe'en Safety for Food Allergies & Community Relationships (Advocating and educating for empathy in your local community)</div>
<div>
Nov. 25: Holiday Season -Handling the holiday stress, parties, and social events with food allergies & Extended Family Relationships (Emotional Support for the stress on extended family relationships when dealing with life-threatening food allergies)</div>
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/monthlysupportgroup.png" height="770" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/monthlysupportgroup.png" style="height: 770px; width: 500px;" width="500" /></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
Email me @ melissa@theallergymom.com to RSVP.<br />
<br />
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/whatdoyouthink.png" height="60" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/whatdoyouthink.png" style="height: 60px; width: 450px;" width="450" /><br />
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<br />The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-1627445005372631752013-08-16T13:05:00.001-04:002017-04-22T23:32:13.389-04:00Could The Epinephrine Have Killed Her?I had an email from a teacher who was curious about the death of Natalie
Giorgio (the 13 year old who died after eating a rice krispie treat
made with peanut butter). <br />
<br />
Natalie had a known peanut allergy.
She took a bite of the treat and immediately suspected she shouldn't
have and brought it to her mom. Her mom agreed that there was peanut
butter in the treat. <br />
<br />
They waited to see what would happen -<b> was that the fatal mistake???</b> Some are saying that is the reason why she died: <b>Delaying administration of the epinephrine.</b> <br />
<br />
Here is her question:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: lightyellow;">This
is so tragic, I feel for the family so much. Melissa, did this happen
because the epi's were applied too late? That they can be ineffective
if not administered immediately?? I am curious as to why they may have
waited if they knew there was peanut butter. Even IF there was any
doubt one would give the epi's anyway wouldn't one? Do you have any
ideas?? I'm just trying to understand this situation.</span><br /><span style="background-color: lightyellow;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: lightyellow;">Jane</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Here was my response to Jane:</b><br />
<br />
My
allergist has told me that most of the deaths due to allergies occur
with people who had a known allergy and failed to administer epi or
delayed administration. There was another death recently where the boy
also received the dose later and died. In the event that a known
allergen is ingested they recommend IMMEDIATE ADMINISTRATION OF EPI.</div>
<h2 class="null" style="text-align: left;">
My mom is anaphylactic to bee stings...</h2>
Her
and I were discussing the tragedy of this case and the fact that they
gave 3 epi-pens. My mother mentioned that when she was in hospital the
doctors told her it would be dangerous to give her any more
epinephrine. Could 3 doses have been too much?<br />
<br />
<h2 class="null">
So many questions..</h2>
<ul>
<li><b>Why did they wait?</b></li>
<li><b>It
is said she started to show signs of a reaction 20 minutes after
ingesting the treat. Did they administer the epipen immediately upon
these symptoms or did they wait longer?</b></li>
<li><b>Could the epi-pens have caused her death? Were 3 doses too much? </b></li>
</ul>
What
do you think? What would you do? If you or your child ingested a
known allergen do you think you would delay administering the epi-pen or
would you give it right away? Are you afraid to administer
epinephrine?<br />
<h2 class="null">
</h2>
<h2 class="null">
Are the "experts" on the same page??</h2>
<br />
<br />
One
of the things that I am noticing is that all of us are getting
different answers from the doctors. Some are being told to give
benadryl and epi. Some are told never to give benadryl for
anaphylaxis. Some are told to wait and see and others are told
administer immediately.<br />
<h2 class="null">
<br />My advice? </h2>
<br />
Give epi immediately for known ingestion of a food allergen.<br />
<br />
One more piece of advice if I may...<br />
<br />
The
common thread I see in most of the allergy deaths is that people are
eating food that they have not prepared themselves. We have a rule for
our daughter that she is only allowed to eat food that I or her father
has prepared. Even still, we fear mislabeling on food ingredients and
undeclared allergens or the risk of cross-contamination. We all do
our best to keep our children safe.<br />
<br />
<h2 class="null">
Let's support each other, not JUDGE...</h2>
<br />
It
saddens me when I see the comments below articles such as the one of
Natalie's death where members of our allergy community criticize the
family for their actions and inactions. Really?!! Come on. In the
support group I host I advocate for non-judgement. Those parents were
doing the best they could for their daughter and they are now sharing
their story with the press to publicize this death to promote advocacy
and education or the public on the severity of these food allergies. I
send them my love and prayers.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TRrcULjn8wmvSKsH_G2XEwL-y8ZttnSxzCxs3WJm9_KJEv9X1cgQTUAXjsxMOzutUpzxE0Ee5q5lJjo4ReRplyQuHIgennSgwzbMgrxBJaN5ZP6W5aNy7-faPxeTK9TlhfJmEpr_7JE/s1600/melissascheichl.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TRrcULjn8wmvSKsH_G2XEwL-y8ZttnSxzCxs3WJm9_KJEv9X1cgQTUAXjsxMOzutUpzxE0Ee5q5lJjo4ReRplyQuHIgennSgwzbMgrxBJaN5ZP6W5aNy7-faPxeTK9TlhfJmEpr_7JE/s1600/melissascheichl.png" /></a></div>
The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-36885472488916420202013-08-05T13:21:00.002-04:002017-04-22T23:33:55.454-04:00An Allergy Mom always checks ingredients -but what about the ingredients in our Air?!<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Indoor Air Quality -</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>An Allergy Mom always checks ingredients -but what about the ingredients in our AIR?!!</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; min-height: 21px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmobx1r5jFb8pSUr6XLggRy9qdA8oht1gZ6dSlSGp0D6Fi3PuF-mmkw3RHRW6r86YzyNyJa-4jiMGQK32Ou4XIKWWTDr3yy9Rm0ETUc_KQS1vWOIO4VwXg3-ko_tLMHkBV8fQFTnSQB8/s1600/indoorairquality-childandteddywithairmask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmobx1r5jFb8pSUr6XLggRy9qdA8oht1gZ6dSlSGp0D6Fi3PuF-mmkw3RHRW6r86YzyNyJa-4jiMGQK32Ou4XIKWWTDr3yy9Rm0ETUc_KQS1vWOIO4VwXg3-ko_tLMHkBV8fQFTnSQB8/s320/indoorairquality-childandteddywithairmask.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My life was forever changed when my children started suffering from their respective allergies. All of a sudden I was forced to become hyper-aware of the ingredients in our food, our personal care products, and cleaning products. I contacted many experts to learn as much as I could about how to make our home environment safer and was surprised to learn the importance of Indoor Air Quality for keeping my home safest for my kids. I hadn’t considered the ingredients in the very air we breathe! I had never really given air quality much thought and to be honest, I was making some of the worst possible mistakes that I could once I learned more! Oops! For example, using my basement as a dumping ground for cardboard boxes that can get moldy, having an untreated concrete floor that literally grows dust, and accumulating piles of dust-collecting junk. I am embarrassed to admit that we even let my parents who are big smokers, smoke down there!! What I learned from the indoor air expert that came to my home was that the furnace in our basement is actually the lungs of our home and that the basement of all places should have the CLEANEST air possible as this air was literally being pumped throughout our home. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is when I learned the keys to having the best possible indoor air quality for my home and I will share these with all of you in this series of blog posts.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>I Am Not Alone</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It turns out, I’m not the only mom who has made this same mistake! Despite our efforts to live healthier, “greener” lives, many of us out there don’t think about the air in our homes and how it impacts the health of our families. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Why should we care?</b></span><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We spend more time indoors now than ever before -in fact, we spend more than 90% of our time indoors!</span><span style="font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><sup>1</sup></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Our homes are built better and although that sounds like a good thing -it actually means that we have homes that are more airtight -sealing in the air and not allowing as much exchange with fresh air from outdoors. It is very likely that your house does not have adequate fresh air!</span><span style="font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><sup>2 </sup></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Our airtight homes trap in the harmful gasses that come from the off-gassing of carpets, flooring, furniture and other building materials, VOCs and other chemicals. We are literally trapping pollutants into the air we breathe.</span><span style="font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><sup>3</sup></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Improving Indoor Air Quality is one of </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><i>the</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> most important changes you can make to improve allergies and asthma symptoms.</span><span style="font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><sup>4</sup></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8px; min-height: 9px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><sup></sup></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>What can we do?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Let’s start by removing allergens and pollutants that make their way into the home with proper air filtration. If your home has a furnace, this can be made easy by having a good quality air filter. Have you ever changed the air filter in your furnace? Did you even know you had one? It’s ok if you answer no to these questions! You can admit if you’re scared to venture down into the depths of the basement and have never gone near your furnace! <br />
<br />
Now’s the time to put on the super mommy cape (or get your husband to go down there ha ha) and check out your air filter in your furnace. The standard filters that come with the furnace are not going to cut it. The expert I had come into my home told me those things allow rocks through! What we want is something that is going to get microscopic, particulates such as pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander out of our air. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
Using a high-efficiency air filter is one of the least expensive -and most effective -things you can do to remove harmful allergens and pollutants from the air in your home, improving your indoor air quality and the health of your family.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>An Asthma & Allergy Friendly Solution:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There is a <a href="http://www.lysolfilters.com/"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">new brand of Air Filters on the market by Lysol</span></a> that are the first ones to be certified <b>asthma & allergy friendly</b></span><span style="font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><sup>TM</sup></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b> </b>by the <a href="http://www.aafa.org/index.cfm"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America</span></a> (AAFA). These filters:</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>are chemical-free</b></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">trap pollutants and allergens</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">neutralize odors naturally</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">inhibit the growth of bacteria using a mineral-based, antimicrobial agent</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">reduce pollen by 95%</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">reduce dust mites in the air by 92%</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">reduce pet dander by 85%</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>leave you with cleaner, fresher, healthier indoor air -for a healthier family.</b></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Want one?</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You can snag a deal on the first air filter that has been certified <b>asthma & allergy friendly</b></span><span style="font-size: 8px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><sup>TM</sup></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b> </b>by the <a href="http://www.aafa.org/index.cfm"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America</span></a> (AAFA). <a href="http://www.buyfilters.com/store/store_results.asp?brand=12&estore_filter=1&section=Lysol&display_type=1"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">Click here</span></a> to buy and enter the discount code “Melissa” (that’s me!) for 25% off and free shipping on the BuyFilters.com site. This code is active for fans of The Allergy Mom through August!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sources:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<ol>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989. Report to Congress on indoor air quality: Volume 2. EPA/400/1-89/001C. Washington, DC.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“How to Get the Ventilation That You Need in Your House”</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/inaiqu_009.cfm" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/inaiqu_009.cfm</a></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality” by the EPA: United States</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Environmental Protection Agency. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/careforyourair.html#improving</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Tips to Control Indoor Allergens”</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. </span><a href="http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=18&cont=533" style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=18&cont=533</span></a></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-11387574624121974742013-07-29T16:43:00.005-04:002013-07-29T16:43:54.457-04:00Another tragic loss to Peanut Allergy<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>13 year old girl dies after ingesting Peanut Butter treat.</strong></h2>
<br />I have copied an article below on the tragedy or you can watch the video here: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.news10.net/news/local/article/252201/2/Allergy-attack-claims-Carmichael-teen-at-summer-camp" href="http://www.news10.net/news/local/article/252201/2/Allergy-attack-claims-Carmichael-teen-at-summer-camp" target="_self"> http://www.news10.net/news/local/article/252201/2/Allergy-attack-claims-Carmichael-teen-at-summer-camp</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
The Story: </h2>
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It
was supposed to be the last day of a family vacation at a popular
summer camp, but it ended in tragedy for one Sacramento-area family when
a loved one had a fatal allergic reaction.</span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
Relatives say 13-year-old Natalie Giorgi died from a severe allergic
reaction to peanut butter while she was attending Camp Sacramento off
Highway 50 in El Dorado County.</span><br />
<div>
<strong><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Now, the family says it really wants to get the message out about how dangerous and deadly food allergies can be.</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Giorgi was very careful about what she ate and always made sure her food did not have nuts, according to family and friends.</span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> But she had unknowingly eaten a Rice Krispies-type snack made with peanut butter.</span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> On Friday night, the final night of camp, there was entertainment and refreshments. </span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A dessert tray was put out in a dark area of the camp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Giorgi
reached for a treat and took a bite out of it. She knew something
wasn't right, spit it out and told her mother, who also tasted the
treat. They later realized it contained peanut butter. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>Natalie felt fine for about 20 minutes, but then began vomiting, had trouble breathing and went into cardiac arrest. </strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>3 epinephrine pens were used but they could not help save the gir</strong>l, according to a family friend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Giorgi
was taken to the hospital by ambulance where she was pronounced dead.
Family and friends are coming to terms with Giorgi's sudden death.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"She
took every care. She knew the situation, that's (connected to) the
allergy she had. And they were really on it all the time," said Pastor
Michael Kiernan of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Carmichael.</span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> A special vigil was held at the church for Giorgi Sunday evening. </span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Some
say they'll remember her smile and laughter. Others will remember how
much she loved to draw and how much she loved her friends.</span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Her family said Giorgi wanted to become a neonatologist, to care for premature babies like her and her twin sister.</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Meanwhile, family members extended their gratitude to the paramedics, firefighters and everyone who tried to help save Natalie.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">They offered the following written statement:</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"While
our hearts are breaking over the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter
Natalie, it is our hope that others can learn from this and realize that
nut and food allergies are life threatening. Caution and care for those
inflicted should always be supported and taken." </span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">An
allergist said food allergies and nut allergies have tripled in the
past decade. He says more people need to understand the dangers of food
allergies and that they can sometimes be fatal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">By Suzanne Phan, <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:sphan@news10.net" href="mailto:sphan@news10.net"><span style="color: blue;">sphan@news10.net</span></a></span></div>
<h1 class="null">
My Thoughts:</h1>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I
am so saddened by the news of the 13 year old dying at camp - it is
exhausting trying to be strong and keep a cool head when other parents
in my community make comments like "that mom needs to lighten up" or a
nurse who tells the other parents my daughter isn't at risk when their
children pack her allergens for lunch at school- I try to live a normal
life and not be afraid but then you read a story like this and are
reminded there is no margin for error - we must keep our daughter safe
and avoid her allergens. Heartbreaking. <br /><h2 class="null">
<br />The take-aways from this for me are:</h2>
<ul>
<li>NEVER
eat food that you haven't prepared and brought yourself (you know the
old saying "Dance with the one who brought you" ? Well I apply that to
social situations when dealing with food allergies -only eat the stuff
you brought! </li>
<li>Administer epinephrine IMMEDIATELY upon accidental ingestion of a known allergen -do not wait for symptoms.</li>
<li>Research
other medications to have on hand? There have been a lot of comments
in regards to this article and I have been told that other families
carry more than epinephrine but this has never been recommended or
offered to my family. I intend to research the alternatives and will
report back to you on what I find.</li>
<li>EDUCATE FOR EMPATHY -some
of the comments that have been posted in response to this article show a
lack of empathy -very saddening comments such as "Why should I deprive
my grandchild of peanut butter when she loves it?" etc. We need to
continue to share these stories so that the non-allergic public
understands how deadly food allergies can be.</li>
</ul>
<br />What do you think? </span>The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-16663033729886904112013-07-04T11:11:00.001-04:002013-07-04T11:11:07.342-04:00Lights, Camera, Allergies!<br />
<div class="copy ">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Lights, Camera, Allergies!</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Allergies & Asthma at the Movies</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSODAs7D4gY0itwYIvCaLqGLgFtdnlkTOZS2U9XLdv9lOSw2-cmqMQZ8sC-Dltt4SbW4142falgpr4ugcFca3MLUKWgAl3VkbWeBA4YXcyo4q69Xq_JSDXQbBMQ2kLSSUXjaBeO4gpRQ4/s288/movies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSODAs7D4gY0itwYIvCaLqGLgFtdnlkTOZS2U9XLdv9lOSw2-cmqMQZ8sC-Dltt4SbW4142falgpr4ugcFca3MLUKWgAl3VkbWeBA4YXcyo4q69Xq_JSDXQbBMQ2kLSSUXjaBeO4gpRQ4/s288/movies.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I took my 2 kids and one of my son's friends to
the movies on Saturday night -that's right -one adult -3 kids…what could
possibly go wrong? ha ha<br />
<br />
My daughter who is severely allergic to dairy, peanuts and treenuts
(anaphylactic) often gets snuffy at the movies -we wipe the seat down
but in this particular theatre the seats were cloth not vinyl or plastic
so not very wipe-able. We buy her safe treats or bring our own from
home. Half way through the movie she started to complain that she felt
like she was going to vomit ("puke" in 6 year old terms) and that her
throat felt funny. Instant worry and anxiety -could she be having a
reaction to the traces of unsafe ingredients in the theatre???<br />
<br />
We went to the bathroom -missing a good portion of the movie -to make
sure she was o.k. While in there, I could hear a woman in another
stall retching and making sounds like she was vomiting! When we came
out of the stall, the woman was at the sink, washing her face. I asked
her if she was o.k. and she said she thought she was having an asthma
attack and that she forgot her puffers at home. She said that all of a
sudden while in the movie with her 3 kids, she couldn't breathe. She
went to the bathroom (which I told her she shouldn't do!! -Don't want to
be alone in case of an emergency! but that's what people do b/c they
are embarrassed and feeling sick right?)… She was itching her ear and
grabbing her throat and hacking.<br />
<br />
I asked her if it was possible that
this was an allergic reaction rather than asthma and she said yes. I
asked her if she had her epi-pen and she said she had left that at home
also. All of a sudden I felt a worry that I might have to use the
epipens I had to help this woman and what if my daughter got worse and I
didn't have enough?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCr15OO80qHtHA8hFIu4ujOGc9X8jBDoJuuSbEEpR6M4xkS_wJ9_DyJ530opC-kevWwl_zb1gc-9eMlsl4EcCxY-xgEYfYbG-dfqBXghNEnsREC-3BWekkCSHC4B5lYXcZ8uUfmSzLXrs/s272/coughing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCr15OO80qHtHA8hFIu4ujOGc9X8jBDoJuuSbEEpR6M4xkS_wJ9_DyJ530opC-kevWwl_zb1gc-9eMlsl4EcCxY-xgEYfYbG-dfqBXghNEnsREC-3BWekkCSHC4B5lYXcZ8uUfmSzLXrs/s272/coughing.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What a stressful situation! I asked her if I
could call for medical help but she said no. She was feeling ok and
wanted to wait for her children. I asked her to please wait outside in
the lobby where there were many other people so that if she had a
problem someone could help her. She was gone when I came back out so I
hope she was o.k. I worried about her the whole rest of the movie. My
daughter was fine and I suspect she was bored rather than actually
having problems. Ahhhhh what an UNENJOYABLE night at the movies! Next
time I will rent one!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
What experiences have you had with allergies or asthma at the movies?</div>
The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-33372116998417453242013-07-03T17:02:00.000-04:002017-04-22T23:36:50.400-04:00Severe Allergy & Anaphylaxis Support -Locally & Virtually!<br />
<h1 class="null" style="text-align: center;">
You are not Alone!</h1>
<br />
This
is the message that most of us need to hear most. I get frequent
emails from allergy moms and dads who find my website and read my story
and exclaim, "I'm so happy to know that I am not alone!". Having
severe allergies & anaphylaxis in the family can make individuals
and their caregivers feel isolated. This is not easy -there is
definitely an emotional toll and REAL PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS that comes
along with this diagnosis.<br />
<br />
I just wanted to take this
opportunity to share the support that is available to you -locally and
virtually! This is merely a starting point. I would be THRILLED if
all of you can comment below this article and share your
favourite resources -LOCAL TO YOU and Online! Thank you!!!<br />
<h2 class="null">
</h2>
<h2 class="null">
<u>LOCAL TO ME (& Hopefully Many of You!):</u></h2>
<br />
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/supportgroupjuly2013.png" height="771" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/supportgroupjuly2013.png" style="height: 771px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px; width: 500px;" width="500" /><br />
<br />
Last
month we had our first meeting of the NEW SEVERE ALLERGY &
ANAPHYLAXIS SUPPORT GROUP in Halton Region at the beautiful Clarity
Centre in Oakville. I hope to see everyone back again at the next
meeting and some new faces too! Please join us for an evening of
support, discussion and sharing. The focus for this next meeting will
be on <b>Group Counseling for Anaphylaxis: To help with the Psychological Stress which may include:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Trauma of having experienced a reaction</li>
<li>Anxiety about the risk of a future reaction</li>
<li>Feelings of Depression or Isolation</li>
<li>Stress and Emotional Distress</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="null">
Highlights from the June Meeting:</h3>
Our
first meeting was a success! The feedback I received from those in
attendance was positive. Here are some comments from those in
attendance:<br />
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: lightyellow;">"Thank
you so much for bringing our allergy group together. I really enjoyed
the meeting and I appreciate your efforts in bringing us together to
support one another. I realised as the meeting progressed that this is
exactly what I need. I've prided myself in holding it all together,
gathering information, and putting together a plan of action. But all
along, I think the emotional support, from others in the same situation,
is the part that has been missing for me. It's very hard for many
people to truly identify with the unique challenges we face in raising
our children with life-threatening food allergies. Like you, I left a
job that had once been so meaningful but meeting the needs of my son was
not possible for me if I continued to work. My son has other health
issues; however the food allergies are, by far, the most concerning.
Dealing with a potentially life-threatening condition is quite daunting,
and having this acknowledged this evening, really helped me. I felt
like my feelings were validated. As a family, we really try to live our
lives focusing on the positives, and being thankful for all that we
have, but the day-to-day task (and stress/fear) can really take a toll.
I hope the group will continue. Thank you so much!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: lightyellow;">"I
would just like to say Thank you for organizing the meeting last night.
I think personally it was a good turn out for a first meeting! I would
love to see more of those meetings in my future."</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: lightyellow;">"...thank you again for the </span><span class="il"><span style="background-color: lightyellow;">support</span></span><span style="background-color: lightyellow;"> </span><span class="il"><span style="background-color: lightyellow;">group</span></span><span style="background-color: lightyellow;">,
we are so glad that we attended! I was wondering if it was possible to
get the links to the websites that you posted during the slide show?
Also, I was wondering if anyone wanted to share contact info? I would
love to get together with some of the ladies and their kids for
playdates :)"</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: 11px;">**To
answer the question there about connecting, I am encouraging everyone to
use The Allergy Mom Facebook page for this purpose. See more
information below under Virtual Support.</span></i><br />
<br />
<b>Goodies!!!</b><br />
<br />
I just want to take the opportunity again to thank <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.sweetsfromtheearth.ca/" href="http://www.sweetsfromtheearth.ca/" target="_blank">Sweets from the Earth</a> for their generous donation of cookies for our first meeting!<br />
<br />
<b>Door Prizes: </b> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.michellenelchow.com/" href="http://www.michellenelchow.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Nel Chow, Allergy Mama & author of To be a Nut or Not</a> and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ok4me2eat.com/" href="http://www.ok4me2eat.com/" target="_blank">Leslie Berlin, Allergy Mom & Author of OK 4 Me 2 Eat</a>
were both kind enough to offer copies of their books as door prizes for
our meeting! I have not yet drawn the names for the books and will do
so at the July Meeting. The names from those in attendance at our June
meeting have been collected and we will draw for this prize at the
beginning of our July meeting! Good luck!! What a sweet prize!!<br />
<br />
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/Tobeanutbook.jpg" height="251" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/Tobeanutbook.jpg" style="height: 251px; margin-left: 125px; margin-right: 75px; width: 316px;" width="316" /><br />
<br />
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/ok4me2eat.jpg" height="260" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/ok4me2eat.jpg" style="height: 260px; margin-left: 145px; margin-right: 100px; width: 260px;" width="260" /><br />
<h2 class="null">
<u><b>Other Local Canadian Support Groups:</b></u></h2>
<ul>
<li><b>Mississauga Anaphylaxis Support Group: Mississauga, Ontario</b></li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr">
Contact Penny Anderson: <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:pnbander@rogers.com" href="mailto:pnbander@rogers.com">pnbander@rogers.com</a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Toronto Anaphylaxis Education Grop: Toronto, Ontario</b></li>
</ul>
Contact Sarah at <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:info@taeg.ca" href="mailto:info@taeg.ca">info@taeg.ca</a><br />
<ul>
<li>Other Canadian Support Groups can be found on Anaphylaxis Canada's website <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/i_want/resources/support_groups.html" href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/i_want/resources/support_groups.html" target="_blank">here</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 11px;"><i>***If
we have missed yours, please add your support group information to the
comments section below the blog post to let us know! U.S. support
groups too please!</i></span><br />
<h2 class="null">
<b><u>Worth Considering:</u></b></h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/prashamanagoodhealth.png" height="70" src="https://d2q0qd5iz04n9u.cloudfront.net/_ssl/proxy.php/http/gallery.mailchimp.com/a46ee3ce05/images/prashamanagoodhealth.png" width="640" /></div>
<ul>
<li>Counseling
& Therapy Services -I offer counseling and support services in my
local area for individuals and families. These services include home
visits to help you make your home safer, support for newly diagnosed,
counseling on how to advocate and educate for "reasonable risk
reduction" and "educating for empathy". I also offer therapy for
dealing with the psychological stress. For more information visit: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.prashamanatherapy.com" href="http://www.prashamanatherapy.com/" target="_blank">www.prashamanatherapy.com</a>.
I work with clients locally and via skype. If you are suffering from
stress, anxiety, trauma, depression or other related psychological
distress, please contact me for more information.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="null">
<u>Virtual Support:</u></h2>
Here
are some links for support on the internet or via skype. Even if you
are not local, there is support for you! I know that this list is only
touching the surface of what's out there but here are a few of my
favourite online support sites. Please add your faves to the comments
section of the blog to share! Thank you!<br />
<ul>
<li><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theallergymom.com" href="http://www.theallergymom.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Allergy Mom Website & Blog</b></a></li>
<li><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.allergysafetytraining.com" href="http://www.allergysafetytraining.com/" target="_blank"><b>Allergy Safety Training</b></a></li>
</ul>
Both
of these are my websites -The Allergy Mom started as a support website
for parents of allergic children but has grown to provide information
and support for individuals and their families. Allergy Safety Training
is the website I have created to advertise the training services I
provide. I work with Peel Region to educate daycare and preschool
providers on Anaphylaxis and Severe Allergy Safety Training through the
Raising the Bar program. I offer training to individuals, families,
educational facilities, recreation centre staff, hospitals and anyone
interested in making the world safer for those with severe allergies and
anaphylaxis. If you would like a training for your family or child's
school, please contact me.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAllergyMom" target="_blank"><b>The Allergy Mom Facebook Page</b></a></li>
</ul>
I encourage you to use the facebook page for connecting with each other. There were many requests at the support group to create a page for the members but if it works for everyone, I would love to see the existing Facebook page for THE ALLERGY MOM used for this purpose. This is a great way to connect with each other, share stories, VENT!, share news articles, offer services or tell about good ones, etc... If you are cool sharing on that page I think that would be best as it will benefit all of those who like the page to see this information also! Thank you!<br />
<ul>
<li><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.severeallergyconnect.com" href="http://www.severeallergyconnect.com/" target="_blank"><b>Severe Allergy Connect</b></a></li>
</ul>
A
website for support -sharing of discussions, news stories, videos,
polls - a community driven website -membership is free. This is a great
place to post questions, share stories, and meet other people who deal
with similar allergies, eczema, asthma and anaphylaxis.<br />
<ul>
<li><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.allergysupportcentre.ca/" href="http://www.allergysupportcentre.ca/" target="_blank"><b>Anaphylaxis Canada Newly Diagnosed Support Centre</b></a></li>
</ul>
This is a great new website recently launched by Anaphylaxis Canada to provide support for those newly diagnosed.<br />
<ul>
<li><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.allergyfreetable.com/babysitting-course.php" href="http://www.allergyfreetable.com/babysitting-course.php" target="_blank"><b>Online Babysitting Course & More Online Courses from Allergy Free Table</b></a></li>
</ul>
I
love this course -it is informative, educational and comprehensive and
free! This is a wonderful way to educate grandparents and babysitters
on how to keep your allergic child safe while they are watching them.<br />
<br />
I
would also like to offer the<b> <a href="http://cai-allergies.ca/" target="_blank">Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI) Website</a></b> as a contact for Debbie Bruce -Debbie is the winner of the
Queen's Diamond Jubilee award for her work advocating and educating
others on Allergies & Anaphylaxis. The CAI is working hard to
implement their action plan for making Canada safer for those with
severe allergies and anaphylaxis. Check out their site and find out how
you can help them!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>That's enough for now!
Please let me know if you can (and I hope you will!) join me for the
upcoming meeting in Oakville, Ontario on July 29th! Thank you!</b></i><br />
<br />
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<br />The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-43084834473790565062013-06-19T15:09:00.004-04:002013-06-19T15:09:45.704-04:00NY Times Article on Food Allergy Bullying<div id="well">
<div align="left">
<h3 class="entry-title" style="text-align: center;">
In Bullies’ Hands, Nuts or Milk May Be a Weapon</h3>
<address class="byline author vcard">
By <a class="url fn" href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/author/catherine-saint-louis/" title="See all posts by CATHERINE SAINT LOUIS">CATHERINE SAINT LOUIS</a></address>
<address class="byline author vcard">
<br /></address>
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Any
difference can set schoolchildren apart from their peers and
potentially make them a target for bullying. But a severe food allergy
is a unique vulnerability: It takes only one lunch or cupcake birthday
party for other children to know which classmates cannot eat nuts, eggs,
milk or even a trace of wheat.<br />
<br />
It can take longer for them to grasp how
frightening it is to live with a life-threatening allergy.<br />
Surprisingly,
classmates may prey on this vulnerability, plotting to switch a child’s
lunch to see if she gets sick, for example, or spitting milk at a
child’s face and causing a swift anaphylactic reaction.<br />
<br />
<b>In a recent survey of 251 sets of parents and children with food allergies, <a href="http://bullied./"> published in Pediatrics</a>
in January, roughly a third of the children reported being bullied for
their allergies. Parents knew about the threatening behavior only half
the time.</b><br />
<br />
Dr. Robert Wood, the director of pediatric allergy at
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, gets “very frequent
reports” of bullying from patients and their parents, he said. Just last
week, one child’s face was touched with peanut butter, endangering the
child. Typically, bullying is not as extreme, but the phenomenon has
“been there the whole time,” he said.<br />
<br />
Now, however, the issue is
starting to earn attention. In May, Food Allergy Research and Education,
a nonprofit group in McLean, Va., released a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0AfuBAsJKY">public service announcement </a>highlighting
the issue that featured a pupil lamenting the cafeteria as a “scary
place.” It has more than 17,000 views on YouTube, has been shown on the
CW network, and spurred dozens of parents to share unnerving anecdotes
on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FoodAllergyFARE?fref=ts">the group’s Facebook page</a>.<br />
<br />
“Bullying
should never be regarded as a rite of passage,” said John Lehr, the
chief executive of the group. “It’s never a joke, but food allergy
bullying is really not a joke because someone can be taken to the
emergency room.”<br />
<br />
Children’s National Medical Center in Washington
just hired a psychologist to join its food allergy program, in part to
help young patients who feel isolated or are being bullied. Dr. Hemant
P. Sharma, the director of the program, said a third of the center’s
patients report being bullied.<br />
Every few months, a child recounts
being force-fed an allergen, Dr. Sharma said, adding, “Even if it’s just
a child who feels singled out because of their food allergy, it
compounds the emotional burden.”<br />
<br />
Indeed, some children with food allergies <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22244234">get distressed</a>
or anxious. Dr. Wood routinely sends children to a psychologist
“because they won’t touch a doorknob or use a bathroom, because they
fear inadvertent exposure to their allergen.”<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.mountsinaifpa.org/patient-care/practices/pediatrics---allergy-and-immunology/special-programs#empower">Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai Medical Center</a> in Manhattan not only offers children and parents counseling after bullying, but will call principals on a patient’s behalf.<br />
<br />
Victims
of bullying don’t always tell their parents. But Miles Monroe, 8, of
Bethesda, Md., who is allergic to milk, eggs and wheat, told his that he
didn’t feel comfortable in the lunchroom after a classmate held a Kit
Kat candy wrapper near his face and kept chanting, “You can’t eat this!”<br />
Miles
wasn’t “scared he would get sick from it, but he felt attacked,” said
Courteney Monroe, 44, his mother and the chief marketing officer for
National Geographic Channel. Miles’s understanding teacher nipped the
problem in the bud by talking to the yeller about what it would be like
if he could not eat his favorite food (bad), or got teased about it
(worse), or had to go to the hospital if he ate it (until then, that
outcome was inconceivable).<br />
<br />
Not every teacher is as concerned.
“Food allergy-related bullying does not always stem from peers, but from
adults, such as teachers,” said Elisabeth Stieb, a nurse at the Food
Allergy Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.<br />
<br />
At least 15 states have guidelines for management of food allergies in schools, and many tackle bullying specifically. <a href="http://www.tasb.org/legislative/legislative/reports/2012/2012-06-22/2allergies.html">Texas guidelines</a> urge “zero tolerance for bullying related to food allergy.” <a href="http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oeh/fses/pdf/allergies1007.pdf">Arizona’s guidelines</a> suggest cafeteria monitors be trained to “intervene quickly to help prevent trading of food or bullying activities.”<br />
<br />
Bullying
is distinct from ordinary teasing. What separates them is not only a
power differential between the children, said Dr. Rashmi Shetgiri, a
pediatrician and <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=22989731">researcher</a> at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, but that “someone is intentionally trying to harm someone else.”<br />
<br />
Just
as cyberbullies use electronic devices to hurt others, food allergy
bullies “are asserting their power using the allergen,” Dr. Shetgiri
said.</div>
</div>
</div>
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The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-17440908481404888562013-05-24T16:55:00.001-04:002017-04-22T23:38:44.179-04:00Canadian government recognizes Anaphylaxis and passes Motion 230!<br />
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<h1 class="null" style="text-align: center;">
Victory! After all of the hard work and advocacy,
Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative announces the passing of Motion M-230
with a UNANIMOUS decision in support of the Anaphylaxis Motion!</h1>
<br />
<h2 class="null">
Here is the press release from CAI:</h2>
<h1 class="single-post-title">
Members of Parliament pass Anaphylaxis Awareness Motion – May 22, 2013</h1>
<div class="single-post-meta">
by CAI on May 23, 2013</div>
<img alt="Parliament_building" class="single-post-thm alignleft wp-post-image" data-cke-saved-src="http://cai-allergies.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Parliament_building-300x199.jpg" src="http://cai-allergies.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Parliament_building-300x199.jpg" height="199" title="Parliament_building" width="300" /><b>Members of Parliament pass Anaphylaxis Awareness Motion</b><br />
<i><b>Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative pleased with “step in right direction”</b></i><br />
<i>May 23, 2013 – OTTAWA – </i>MPs’
votes in the House of Commons last night included the passing of Motion
230, a motion to raise awareness of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening
medical condition brought on by severe allergies. This is welcomed news
for family members of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI), a
volunteer network of concerned families who have been working with MPs
to raise awareness of severe allergies in Ottawa.<br />
The
anaphylaxis motion passed with unanimous, all-Party support. Niagara
West-Glanbrook MP Dean Allison initiated the debate in the House of
Commons, moving: <i>That in the
opinion of the House, anaphylaxis is a serious concern for an increasing
number of Canadians and the government should take the appropriate
measures necessary to ensure these Canadians are able to maintain a high
quality of life.</i><br />
“By
bringing more attention and awareness to the Canadian public, our debate
in Parliament has helped Canadians understand the signs, dangers and
consequences of an anaphylactic reaction,” said MP Dean Allison. “With
the passing of this motion, Canadians living with anaphylaxis receive
much needed recognition from our government. We stand with them in their
efforts to promote awareness of the condition.”<br />
“We
thank Dean, and MP Rick Dykstra before him, for raising our concerns
for a more focused approach to the issues of anaphylaxis in successive
Parliaments,” says Ms. Paskey, a CAI founder present in the House of
Commons gallery for the vote. “We are so pleased to have such
overwhelming support for greater awareness. It’s a step in the right
direction and we hope MPs and officials in Ottawa will follow through
with some important actions which can provide greater safety for a
growing number of Canadians coping with anaphylaxis.”<br />
The CAI has identified 5 policy areas that Ottawa can review that include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Federal Coordination – of programs and services dealing with anaphylaxis and food allergy information</li>
<li>Coordinated
Awareness Campaigns – of national, general public information
initiatives and accurate and targeted information to specific
professional groups</li>
<li>Long Term Commitment to Research – supporting a strategic response and more dollars for research</li>
<li>Improved Allergen Labeling – for foods, drugs, cosmetic and personal care products</li>
<li>Improved
Transportation Safeguards– relating to airline and public
transportation policies that reduce risks for food allergic passengers</li>
</ul>
“Our
group of families would like to see the increased awareness of the
condition spur progress on the 5 policy areas, all which are in line
with Motion 230.” Ms. Paskey adds, “There is a constituency of thousands
of families across Canada who will support MPs who wish to pursue
activities, whether it is with Health Canada, or in the MPs’ health
committee, or a more accommodating allergy policy for airlines.”<br />
<h1 class="null">
My hopes:</h1>
I am so hopeful that the passing of this motion will translate into action on the goals that CAI has outlined above.<br />
<ul>
<li>I
really hope to see awareness and education of the general
(non-allergic) public to help create understanding and empathy for the
reality and severity of life-threatening allergy and anaphylaxis. </li>
<li>Obviously
research is HUGE.... there is NO CURE for anaphylaxis and AVOIDANCE is
the only proactive strategy we currently have for preventing reactions.
It will be great to have funding allocated to research!</li>
<li>With
regards to CAI's suggestions for airline travel, this is something I
would really like to see as I sit here typing in my hotel room in
Austria -visiting friends and family with my son but having left my
severely allergic daughter at home (she is very sad to be missing this
trip) because I did not feel that it would be safe for her to fly
overseas with her life-threatening dairy and nut allergies. </li>
<li>Federal
programs and services -I am hoping to be involved in some capacity to
offer my knowledge and expertise as an allergy advocate and educator to
support the development and implementation of new policies for
anaphylaxis safety in public venues and programs. I am the founder of
AllergySafetyTraining.com and offer education and training for allergy
and anaphylaxis safety. </li>
</ul>
I just want to take an opportunity to thank Debbie Bruce, Cindy Paskey and of course all of the MPs who made this possible.<br />
<br />
From the bottom of my heart,<br />
<br />
THANK YOU!!!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Melissa Scheichl<br />
(aka The Allergy Mom!)<br />
<br />
If you need support at your place of business, I do offer training! Please contact me for more information.<br />
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The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-48426856954277400402013-04-29T12:32:00.005-04:002017-04-22T23:47:21.205-04:00Letters that fall on deaf ears...I was recently contacted by a woman from Ottawa who is an allergy mom and looking to get some media involvement to share the stories of how parents are trying to work with school boards to make schools safer for children with severe allergies, asthma and anaphylaxis. I went through all of the letters and emails I have written over this past school year and thought I would share them with all of you. Many of these emails have been unanswered yet I persevere trying to get my voice heard. If you know of anyone interested in sharing my stories, please have them contact me. Thank you! Please share your comments below this post and let me know what you think about these emails. I want to hear from you! Thanks!!!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Emails and Letters from an Allergy Mom to keep her Child Safe at School. </b></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" /></a></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Date: April 23, 2013.</b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>To: Honourable Members of Parliament: Dean Allison, Leona Aglukkaq, Colin Carrie, Djaouida Sellah, Hedy Fry, Rick Dykstra, Tarik Brahmi, Stella Ambler.</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dear Honourable Members of Parliament,<br />
<br />
I have just read through the presentation of Motion 230 (Anaphylaxis) from the April 19th debate. As a passionate advocate and educator for Anaphylaxis and Severe Allergy in Canada, I would like to personally thank each of you for speaking to this important health issue. I have been personally affected by anaphylaxis as I have a mother who is severely anaphylactic to bee stings, a son with severe allergies and a young daughter who has had near-death reactions due to her anaphylactic food allergies to all dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. In fact, I believe her story was read at a previous reading of this motion to the house of commons. <br />
<br />
As you all know, anaphylaxis is not well understood by those not directly affected but with the dramatic increase in prevalence there have been more stories showing up in the media about this condition. I have been writing to the Minister of Health, Minister of Education, my local MPs and MPPs and appealing to Anaphylaxis Canada and the school boards for greater advocacy, education and reasonable risk reduction measures to be implemented. I run a website for allergic caregivers (www.theallergymom.com), I provide trainings (www.allergysafetytraining.com), primarily to preschool and daycare facilities in the region of Peel through the CRDC here, I have been asked to be the community advocate for Severe Allergy Connect.com which will be launched next month and I have lunched with the president and CEO of Sanofi Canada, Jon Fairest to discuss the launch of the new Allerject epineprhine autoinjector. I am very involved with this community and eager to educate. Unfortunately I often feel as if I am "preaching to the converted" so to speak. I would like to have a voice to speak to the greater public and am hoping that with your support we can make that happen.<br />
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I have been bounced back and forth from the school board telling me to contact the ministry and the ministry telling me to contact the school boards. I was very inspired by Ms. Fry's comments to take action and am writing to you today to offer my services in any way possible to formulate an action plan for educating the public on anaphylaxis, for developing policies and for supporting research. <br />
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I would be absolutely thrilled to hear back from any of you with your suggestions on how I can support the cause and work with you to make this happen.<br />
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Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.<br />
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Respectfully,<br />
<br />
Melissa Scheichl (f.Pearson)<br />
B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed.<b> </b></div>
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<b>Date:April 21, 2013.</b></h3>
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<b>To: mps, mpps, Minister of Education, Superintendents</b></h3>
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Hello there,<br />
<br />
I am not really sure who the best person is to get in contact with regarding these matters but thought I would start here and if any of you have recommendations for another party I should be contacting regarding these types of concerns, please do let me know.<br />
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First of all I would like to thank you for taking a moment out of your busy day to read this email. I have a few items I would like to discuss for your consideration.<br />
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1. There is an excellent video which I am sure you are already aware of but just in case wanted to share it here:<br />
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10 Tips for Managing Food Allergy in Schools - http://youtu.be/FzxUd-Ey8Xo<br />
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10 conseils sur la prise en charge des allergies alimentaires à l'école - http://youtu.be/MeME__KLVFs<br />
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Anaphylaxis Canada has sent this out as a mid-year reminder for staff and volunteers in schools and I am hoping this is being shared at every school. I really appreciated the points on the importance of supervision, proper cleaning after eating and of being empathic to parents of children with severe food allergies as to their fears of leaving their children at school. In the schools in my region (Peel), there is often only one parent available to supervise 4-6 classrooms during the lunch hour. This is a huge concern for parents of children with anaphylaxis and other life-threatening conditions surrounding food. In the U.S. children with anaphylaxis are deemed to have a disability and therefore have a 504 plan. In Canada, I would like to see these children also being provided with accommodations of supervision and cleaning for their special health concerns. As far as cleaning is concerned, Anaphylaxis Canada recommends that tables and surfaces should be cleaned yet schools are advising parents that this is not possible. They are told that it is neither the teacher's nor the custodian's responsibility to clean up after the children eat. This means that children are eating 3x per day in the classroom without cleaning of surfaces to provide a safe learning environment for these children. You can imagine the anxiety and risk to children with life-threatening allergies to be forced to work in a classroom contaminated by their allergens. I was told that the teacher at my child's school cannot clean the tables for risk of being liable if she does not do a good enough job and something happens to my daughter. I ask, "Who is liable if nobody cleans it at all?". <br />
<br />
2. Re: Epinephrine: I have been trying to contact the board (Special Programs) about this next point but my phone call was not returned. The policy really ought to be that the second epi-pen be taken with students when they leave the building for field trips etc. I was speaking with my paediatric allergist about this as well and she confirmed the necessity of this. The reality is that epinephrine has a 12 % failure rate and often a second dose can be required 10 minutes after the initial dose. You do not want to be away from the school with the second pen sitting in the office.<br />
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3. Allerject is a brand new epinephrine autoinjector on the market. It is fabulous. It has voice commands to guide you through the administration of the medication. I have trainers for these if you would like me to come in to schools (staff meeting) and educate your staff on how to use these new devices. Alternatively I could provide an online training video for you.<br />
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4. I would also offer free of charge an information session at the board office for parents of non-allergic students to address their questions and concerns regarding the requested accommodations at schools for children with food allergies. Please let me know if you are interested in this. I have been providing training for the past few years through the Region of Peel's CDRC (Child Development Resource Connection) "Raising the Bar" program for preschool and daycare educators in the region and the feedback has been extremely positive with teachers saying they feel much more comfortable after the trainings to have children with anaphylaxis in the classroom. I answer questions regarding administration of epinephrine and reasonable risk reduction measures to prevent reactions at school. The measures including cleaning, and identifying hidden sources of allergens (in craft materials, etc).<br />
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5. Exclusion is a very real problem for children with anaphylaxis in schools. As is bullying. There is NO OTHER DISEASE where schools would suggest that children be excluded because of their disability yet with allergy and anaphylaxis children are asked to leave the school on pizza days, or to be excluded from school-wide celebrations such as food parties. At my daughter's school on valentine's day, other classes in the school were having parties with cakes, and chocolates and candies and her class did not because of her allergies. While I appreciate this fully as her parent who wants to keep her safe, there is a problem with this approach. The kids in her class are aware of the other classes having these parties and they know that the reason why they don't have the same party is because of the allergic child. This puts this child in the horrible position of being blamed, teased or bullied by the other children who are upset that they do not get to have the same. I would like to see an emphasis on non-food treats such as books or pencils that promote literacy (pencil grams are a great fundraiser and non-food alternative). I understand that food is a big part of our social culture and that we all like to have treats but I do not understand why schools want the liability of providing treats to children that are homemade. There is no quality control or control over the ingredients with homemade products being brought in. As for packaged goods, there are choices that can accommodate all the children in the school when it is absolutely necessary to have food treats. For example, at my child's school they replaced the ice-cream party with freezies. I would like to suggest that the schools have only a child's parents feed their own children. I requested the following accommodation at my child's school and would love to see this put into policy:<br />
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For Celebrations:<br />
1. First consider a non-food alternative.<br />
2. Second consider a treat that is inclusive of all children.<br />
3. If this is not possible, notify the allergic children's families with enough time that the family could make alternative arrangements for their child (a comparable "safe" treat). <br />
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In my dream world as an allergy mom, children would not eat in the classrooms. There would be a cafeteria or they would eat in the gym and that space would be supervised and properly cleaned. I know that this means there are a lot more children in one space but if there was adequate supervision and cleaning, I think this would be a much better option than contaminating the classroom. I know that this is not financially possible but had to put it out there!<br />
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Thank you for your time and consideration of my suggestions. According to Allergen, the nation's leading Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research institute: There is an epidemic of allergies like asthma, hay fever, eczema, food and pet allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis facing the industrialized world, and Canada is near the top of the list of nations facing a growing problem. Nearly one in three Canadians now suffers some form of allergic illness. The health care and socio-economic costs are huge and the potential impact on our next generation is extreme. These allergies are not going away and are getting worse. EPIDEMIC. This is something we need to really address in our school system.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" /></a></h2>
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Date: April 12, 2013.</h3>
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To: Principal of Child's school</h3>
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Hi Greg,<br />
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Have you seen this video from anaphylaxis Canada? It is great. It would be great to share with staff.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/FzxUd-Ey8Xo">http://youtu.be/FzxUd-Ey8Xo</a><br />
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I was very happy to see this and thought the content was great! Loved the part recognizing the fears of parents to leave their child at school- very good for empathy. I also really liked seeing the direction to leave the child supine as that is very critical and many people do not know that. I liked the recommendation for cleaning. Personally I would like to see food out of the classroom altogether - cafeterias instead. That way the classroom could be a safer environment. I liked the recommendation for non-food treats- have to promote inclusion. I would have liked to see a comment about supervision as the reality is many of our schools have the children eating virtually unsupervised- 1 teacher or parent for 4-6 classrooms. I feel very strongly that this is inappropriate for all children with risks of choking and allergies, diabetes etc. <br />
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<br />
Melissa Scheichl (f. Pearson)<br />
www.theallergymom.com<br />
Sent from my iPhone </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" /></a></h2>
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Date: October 21, 2012.</h3>
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To: Principal of my child's school</h3>
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Hi _____,<br />
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I just wanted to get in touch regarding treats being given out to Kate's class. As you know it was gum day early last week and I was not notified ahead of time in order to provide a safe alternative for Kate. On Friday, there was a teacher in Kate's class (not sure who it was -a substitute perhaps -Kate forgets her name) who handed out chocolate pumpkins to all of the students in the class. Kate told her that she is allergic to that and the teacher replied "Oh, I won't give you any then." As you can imagine, I found it disconcerting that there was someone in the room who obviously was unaware of the severe life threatening allergies in the class and handing out chocolate which most certainly contains dairy and possible traces of nuts. Kate was very responsible in this situation and we discussed with her how proud we were of her good decision making and her ability to advocate for herself in this case. We had an incident however in the summer where Kate was in a similar situation and made a poor decision, choosing to eat the candy. Thankfully the candy was miraculously safe for her (it was a gummy) and she was o.k. The point here being that she is still a 6 year old child who could have possibly made a bad choice were very serious consequences. Fortunately that wasn't the case. The teacher told the children that they could eat it outside. According to Kate, the children told Mlle. Wald about the chocolates when she returned to the class. <br />
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I would like to confirm that the school will notify me ahead of time for any treats that will be given out at school as per my requested accommodations. By providing that information in a reasonable amount of time beforehand I could then a) suggest a safe alternative that would be inclusive for all children in the school and if that is not feasible then b) suggest an alternative that could be provided for those children excluded from the treat because of dietary restrictions due to medical or cultural/religious reasons. If this also proved to be impossible, then I would like at the very least to have the information so that I can choose to provide a safe alternative for Kate. <br />
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I received the newsletter and was aware of the upcoming freezie day for QSP. I really appreciate the Parent Council foregoing the usual ice-cream in favour of this alternative that would be safe for children with dairy allergies. I would like to have confirmation of the date that this will be happening please and to inquire about how the freezies will be opened. It would be dangerous for Kate if a knife or scissors were used that may have been used previously on other food items or food packaging containing her allergens (such as scissors used to open a yogurt tube, or a knife that may have been used to cut cheese or spread butter). I would be happy to come in and assist on the day that this will occur (hoping it is not a day that I'm scheduled to work).<br />
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Finally I wanted to discuss the possibility of scheduling a workshop for your staff. My partner Tam and I would love to come in and present our allergy safety presentation. I am happy to share the content with you ahead of time to get your approval and to see if you think it would be beneficial for your staff. I met with superintendents and head of special programs last week and they had asked if I had presented to Whiteoaks yet and that has prompted me to try and schedule that with you! The presentation is 2 hours long.<br />
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Thank you for your continued support and understanding. With the recent death of a student in Aylmer Ontario, it is another reminder of the need to be diligent in taking reasonable risk reduction measures to prevent anaphylactic reactions. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" /></a></h2>
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Date: October 1, 2012.</h3>
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To: Principal of my child's school</h3>
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Good morning,<br />
<br />
Wow, October already! I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy some of the beautiful fall colours over the weekend.<br />
<br />
I have to teach this week on Wednesday and will be unable to come in for the lunch supervision and cleaning. Is there a person in the school (possibly t.a. Or volunteer) who could step in for me on such occasions? Patrick and I were wondering if we could hire someone to help us with this and what the costs would be? I still plan to come in most days but do have to work and will have other days when I cannot come in (due to travel or staying home if Andrew is sick for example).<br />
<br />
As I have been reflecting on Kate's previous school lunchroom procedures and what made it safe for her there, it was definitely the supervision and cleaning policies in place. We paid for an extra adult in the room (this cost was divided between allergy parents). All allergic kids sat separate from others and their tables were cleaned with paper towel to avoid spreading allergens onto their desks from contaminated cloths. Children were supervised to ensure they all sat down while eating and behaved properly so that food was not unnecessarily spilled or thrown. Children were reminded to wash hands immediately after eating and classroom was cleaned thoroughly- tables AND chairs wipes and floor swept. All staff at the school had taken my training workshop as well so were very knowledgeable on reasonable risk reduction strategies, how to identify reactions and respond accordingly. Students were educated in the importance of appropriate behaviour at lunch and having multiple allergy kids together provided peer moral support. <br />
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What are your thoughts on the feasibility of such measures in Kate's class?<br />
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I will be in at noon today if you would like to discuss. <br />
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Happy Monday! Thanks,<br />
Melissa Scheichl (f. Pearson)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" /></a></h2>
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Date: September 26, 2012.</h3>
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To: Concerned Parents of Peel</h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Hi there,<br />I received a forward email from your group -Concerned Parents in Peel, and was wondering if you could help me out. I have a daughter at Whiteoaks Public School with severe, life-threatening allergies and we are working to keep her safe at school. A letter went home asking parents to refrain from sending dairy, eggs, tree nuts and peanuts and this was very upsetting to many of the parents. We are trying to find solutions that can keep everyone happy and our daughter safe at the same time. I would be very appreciative if you could share the following with your parents and to have them contact me to offer any suggestions or ideas. I feel very saddened at the negative response of the community and truly do not want my daughter's health issues to affect other people negatively. I appeal to parents' empathies to imagine what they would do if tomorrow their child was in hospital dying due to exposure to milk and how they would handle it. I am open to all suggestions and comments. I am currently working with the school boards, MPPs and ministries of health and education to review policies and am looking for input of what's working in other schools and what's not. Thanks so much. Here is the email:<br /><br />Dear friends,<br /><br />I am writing this to you as I have been dedicating the past few weeks to trying to make classrooms safer for children with food allergies. I know that it is difficult for anyone to comprehend the severity of these allergies if you have not experienced this first hand. Please take the time to read this article and to understand what we are trying to prevent. Your support would mean the world to me :) Thanks! Please be advised that this article is frightening but I feel it is important for parents in the schools to understand the potential risk to a child with anaphylaxis at school. If you agree, please share this email. If you have any stories to share whether you are a parent of an allergic child or non-allergic child about anything to do with allergies please take the time to email them to me as I'm compiling a collection to study as I prepare to meet with board officials, mps, mpps, and hopefully representatives from the ministry of health and education. We need to find a way to accommodate these children without angering everyone in the community by working together with open hearts, open minds and empathy for both sides. The goal here is to prevent incidents such as this one: Deadly celebrations: How food in the classroom endangers your child and what you can do about it . http://www.allergymoms.com/classroom.pdf <br /><br />I really appreciate you taking the time to read this article and to contribute your thoughts, stories and experiences as to how we can make the schools safer for these children. I am looking for stories that share the following details in particular:<br />reactions that have happened in schools<br />accommodations that have been put in place to protect children and whether these were successes or failures<br />incidences of bullying of allergic kids<br />My goal is to find out what schools are doing, what works and what doesn't.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you so much for your support.<br /><br /><br /><br />Melissa Scheichl (f. Pearson)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" /></a></h2>
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Date: September 24, 2012.</h3>
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To: Minister of Education Honourable Laurel Broten & Minister of Health: Honourable Leona Aglukkaq</h3>
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Dear Honourable Laurel Broten and Honourable Leona Aglukkaq;<br />
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I am writing to you today to request your attendance at a meeting I am organizing for school board officials and MPPs regarding anaphylaxis safety in our schools. I have been reviewing the Peel District School Board's anaphylaxis policy as well as the document from Anaphylaxis Canada entitled "Anaphylaxis in Schools and Other Settings". I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss these documents and the accommodations being made in individual schools for students with life-threatening anaphylaxis. In particular, I would like to address the Board's policies on lunchroom supervision, cleaning of tables for reasonable risk reduction, training of staff, students and education for empathy of non-allergic students' parents. I would also like to look at policies on foods for celebrations, treats, etc. <br />
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I have worked as a teacher in Peel, and completed my Masters in Education degree in 2004. I have been providing Anaphylaxis Safety training for Educational environments in particular through the Region of Peel's Raising the Bar program for daycares and preschools in Peel Region in conjunction with the CDRC (Child Development Resource Connection) in Peel. The feedback from these trainings has been phenomenal with teachers expressing greater confidence for working with children with Anaphylactic allergies in their facilities. I am keen to work with Special Programs in the Peel District School Board to recognize these students as having special needs. I have contacted Special Programs in the past offering to help out with their information sessions for parents of students with special needs entering Kindergarten in peel schools. These programs are stated to be for children with documented developmental disabilities, ASD/PDD, physical disability, low vision, hearing impairment or others who may require specialized support or program modification in the school setting. I have been told that Anaphylactic students do not fit into this designation but I would strongly disagree. These children have a life-threatening condition surrounding food which is challenging to avoid in the school setting. They are at risk for life-threatening reactions from food, contaminated surfaces or unsafe craft materials. I would strongly encourage the board to recognize these children as deserving of accommodations to provide for a safe environment at school. <br />
<br />
In the newsletter that went home from my children's school at the start of this school year it states, "...they must be guarded from accidental exposure to allergens. A tiny amount is potentially fatal within minutes. A trace on a desk, or even a whiff of protein may be enough to cause a violent anaphylactic reaction in which vital body systems virtually shut down. You can help ensure the safety of these students by ensuring that your child does not bring the allergy causing food to school. This is necessary because if one child were to eat a food containing an allergen, then accidentally leave traces on objects in the school, there would be potential danger to the anaphylactic child." In this statement, the risks to these students are identified, however there are no standardized approaches to accommodating for the special needs of these children in the schools. Many non-allergic students are aware that nuts and peanuts are not allowed at school yet they are told it is o.k. to eat dairy next to a child with a life-threatening milk allergy. In the case of Sabrina's Law, we all recognize the risk of even a tiny amount of dairy being ingested by a child with an anaphylactic milk allergy. Anaphylaxis Canada clearly recommends cleaning of surfaces following snacks and lunches yet I am told that it is no one's responsibility to do that and as a parent of an allergic child, I am required to come in myself and clean the tables if I'm concerned. Anaphylaxis Canada also recommends supervision of young children while eating yet we have no accommodation in place for these children to have this supervision -there is one adult supervising four classrooms providing only intermittent supervision. The risks to a child with anaphylaxis of accidental contact or bullying (which is a very real concern for these children) during these times is a real concern. <br />
<br />
I have spoken to the MPP in Kitchner (Michael Harris) and am saddened to see the situation that has arisen there with parents suing the Catholic school board because of accommodations they were trying to provide to a child with anaphylaxis. The community has been divided and the situation has escalated out of control. I worry that leaving individual schools to decipher vague policies and enter uncharted waters will lead to more of these types of situations. I am eager to discuss how we can improve and standardize the policies for making our schools safer for these children.<br />
<br />
I would really appreciate your time and consideration of this matter.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Melissa Scheichl (f.Pearson)</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" /></a></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Date: September 19, 2012.</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
To: Director of Peel Board of Education Tony Pontes, Trustees, Superintendents, Principals, MPPs, MPs.</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hello,<br />
<br />
I have been reviewing the Peel board's anaphylaxis policy as well as the document from Anaphylaxis Canada entitled "Anaphylaxis in Schools and Other Settings". I would like to schedule a meeting with any or all of you to discuss these documents and the accommodations being made in individual schools for students with life-threatening anaphylaxis. In particular, I would like to address the Board's policies on lunchroom supervision, cleaning of tables for reasonable risk reduction, training of staff, students and education for empathy of non-allergic students' parents. I would also like to look at policies on foods for celebrations, treats, etc. <br />
<br />
I have worked as a teacher in Peel, and completed my Masters in Education degree in 2004. I have been providing Anaphylaxis Safety training for Educational environments in particular through the Region of Peel's Raising the Bar program for daycares and preschools in Peel Region in conjunction with the CDRC (Child Development Resource Connection) in Peel. The feedback from these trainings has been phenomenal with teachers expressing greater confidence for working with children with Anaphylactic allergies in their facilities. I am keen to work with Special Programs in the Peel District School Board to recognize these students as having special needs. I have contacted Special Programs in the past offering to help out with their information sessions for parents of students with special needs entering Kindergarten in peel schools. These programs are stated to be for children with documented developmental disabilities, ASD/PDD, physical disability, low vision, hearing impairment or others who may require specialized support or program modification in the school setting. I have been told that Anaphylactic students do not fit into this designation but I would strongly disagree. These children have a life-threatening condition surrounding food which is challenging to avoid in the school setting. They are at risk for life-threatening reactions from food, contaminated surfaces or unsafe craft materials. I would strongly encourage the board to recognize these children as deserving of accommodations to provide for a safe environment at school. <br />
<br />
In the newsletter that went home from my children's school at the start of this school year it states, "...they must be guarded from accidental exposure to allergens. A tiny amount is potentially fatal within minutes. A trace on a desk, or even a whiff of protein may be enough to cause a violent anaphylactic reaction in which vital body systems virtually shut down. You can help ensure the safety of these students by ensuring that your child does not bring the allergy causing food to school. This is necessary because if one child were to eat a food containing an allergen, then accidentally leave traces on objects in the school, there would be potential danger to the anaphylactic child." In this statement, the risks to these students are identified, however there are no standardized approaches to accommodating for the special needs of these children in the schools. Many non-allergic students are aware that nuts and peanuts are not allowed at school yet they are told it is o.k. to eat dairy next to a child with a life-threatening milk allergy. In the case of Sabrina's Law, we all recognize the risk of even a tiny amount of dairy being ingested by a child with an anaphylactic milk allergy. Anaphylaxis Canada clearly recommends cleaning of surfaces following snacks and lunches yet I am told that it is no one's responsibility to do that and as a parent of an allergic child, I am required to come in myself and clean the tables if I'm concerned. Anaphylaxis Canada also recommends supervision of young children while eating yet we have no accommodation in place for these children to have this supervision -there is one adult supervising four classrooms providing only intermittent supervision. The risks to a child with anaphylaxis of accidental contact or bullying (which is a very real concern for these children) during these times is a real concern. These are a few of the concerns that I have and would be more than happy to meet with any or all of you to discuss how we can improve and standardize the policies for making our schools safer for these children.<br />
<br />
I would really appreciate your time and consideration of this matter.<br />
<br />
Thank you,<br />
<br />
Melissa Scheichl (f.Pearson) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXFbZnoxNz2hDXkWRpO7qsVJ77n1sd9cVaUPRoENM8_WMNjGXtgUihOEG-qBWk8wab13hF9sHgW7-f1zTXtlfs1Bc_8XbnQ8XHJnumXcszLk-2qvCbl6iSw91-G6LoFg1m2NxTuNsBI/s1600/emailstamp.png" /></a></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Date: September 09, 2012.</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
To: Principal at my daughter's school</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hi _______,<br />
<br />
Hope you are having a relaxing weekend after what I'm sure was a crazy first week! As you know, I started my course this weekend and the workload is daunting. I am also meeting with clients throughout the week and have scheduled classes that I am teaching in between drop off, lunch hour and pick up. I am unable to come in the additional two times per day for the cleaning of the desks to accommodate the concerns of cross-contamination. I know that you are working for a solution to this problem and I appreciate that. In the meantime, what can we do? I will continue to come in on the lunch hours this week and in the future but there may be days that I have to go downtown or meet with clients and won't be able to. I also worry about days that Andrew could be sick from school or other unavoidable circumstances that could prevent me from coming in...I would feel more comfortable if we could have someone in the school who supervises the lunch room on those occasions (perhaps a TA could come into the room at that time?)....I know Wendy had concerns about the lack of an adult presence during the duration of the lunch time with Kate so perhaps she can help us think of something for this.<br />
<br />
As promised for the letter home to parents here are some items you could include:<br />
<br />
**See attached files -great documents from the government explaining and outlining how to accommodate milk allergy, egg allergy and nut allergies<br />
<br />
Or these tidbits I have taken from these docs:<br />
<br />
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reaction)<br />
occur when the body’s immune system strongly reacts to<br />
a particular allergen protein or irritant.These reactions<br />
may be caused by food, insect stings and medications.<br />
In Canada, the nine priority food allergens are peanuts,<br />
tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, fish (including<br />
crustaceans and shellfish), soy, wheat and sulphites.<br />
<br />
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?<br />
When someone comes in contact with an allergen, the<br />
symptoms of a reaction may develop quickly and rapidly<br />
progress from mild to severe.The most dangerous symptoms<br />
include breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure or<br />
shock, which may result in loss of consciousness and even<br />
death. Severe allergic reactions can occur quickly and<br />
without warning. A person experiencing an allergic reaction<br />
may have any of the following symptoms:<br />
• Flushed face, hives or a rash, red and itchy skin<br />
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat and tongue<br />
• Trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing<br />
• Anxiousness, distress, fainting, paleness, sense of doom,<br />
weakness<br />
• Cramps, diarrhea, vomiting<br />
• A drop in blood pressure, rapid heart beat, loss of<br />
consciousness<br />
<br />
How are food allergies and severe food allergy<br />
reactions treated?<br />
Currently there is no cure for food allergies.The only<br />
option is complete avoidance of the specific allergen.<br />
<br />
In your child's class there is a student with life-threatening, anaphylactic allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. This child's previous reactions included loss of consciousness from a dramatic drop in blood pressure and a compromised airway to due to swelling of the throat. This reaction was life-threatening and unfortunately a future incident could likely elicit an even stronger reaction in the body. Even traces of these ingredients coming in contact with the skin or through inhalation pose a threat. We know that it is may seem difficult to make changes to the menus you plan for your child's lunches and snacks to accommodate these allergies in the classroom and appreciate your efforts to make the learning environment safe for this student. It truly can mean the difference between life and death for a child. Here are some suggestions for safe alternatives that you can send with your child for lunches and snacks.<br />
<br />
A person who is allergic to Dairy is allergic to all foods that contain milk ingredients. This includes yogurt, cheese, and butter. It may seem difficult to imagine alternatives for dairy but there are many delicious and equally nutritious substitutes. <br />
<br />
What is the difference between a milk allergy and<br />
lactose intolerance?<br />
When someone has a milk allergy his/her immune system<br />
has an abnormal reaction to milk proteins, which may be<br />
life-threatening. When a person is lactose intolerant, his/her<br />
body does not have enough of the enzyme lactase, needed<br />
by the digestive system, to break down the milk sugar<br />
lactose. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating and<br />
diarrhea after milk ingestion. <br />
<br />
How can I determine if a product contains milk<br />
or milk derivatives?<br />
Always read the ingredient list carefully. Milk and milk<br />
derivatives can often be present under different names: i.e., casein or whey. Fortunately the Canadian Government is now implementing new food labelling laws to have allergens clearly identified on ingredient labels. <br />
<br />
<br />
Do not forget that cross-contamination,<br />
e.g., using the same knife that was just used to spread<br />
butter, can also be a potential source of the allergen.<br />
<br />
Sample Snack & Lunch Ideas:<br />
All products named can be found at Loblaws in the Health food section.<br />
<br />
Substitutes:<br />
Use these in place of milk or butter in recipes in equal amounts<br />
coconut oil is an excellent substitute for butter and is delicious. Earth Balance brand margarine is also a great substitute for butter.<br />
Vegannaise is an alternative to mayonnaise that is made from soy and is delicious. Try it in Tuna salad sandwiches or anywhere you would ordinarily use mayonnaise.<br />
rice milk comes in regular, vanilla and chocolate and is a delicious and nutritious alternative to milk. It is fortified with calcium, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D and iron. It even comes in "juice box" sizes.<br />
Enjoy Life Brand has products that are free of the top 10 allergens and are great for school lunches. They havechocolate chips, cookies, granola bars and trail mixes.<br />
Safe Snacks:<br />
<br />
popcorn cooked with coconut oil (tastes just like the movies) -add some sea salt -yum!<br />
home-made trail mix (cheerios -not nut ones!, enjoy life chocolate chips, raisins, shreddies, -can omit chocolate & bake with oil and seasonings -garlic or other for savoury)<br />
apple sauce<br />
fruit<br />
veggies<br />
soy puddings (chocolate panda one in health section of loblaws is yummy)<br />
fruit snacks (Welch's, Fruit to Go, raisins etc.)<br />
ritz crackers with wow butter (Wow butter is safe-for school peanut butter alternative made from soy -it is delicious and a great source of protein)<br />
melba toast crackers with hummus<br />
chips and salsa<br />
plain potato chips<br />
pretzels (Loblaws Blue Menu alphabet ones are fun for kids)<br />
Safe lunch ideas:<br />
<br />
pasta with red sauce and ground beef<br />
pasta salad with olives, peppers, cucumbers and lemon & olive oil dressing<br />
wow butter sandwich (Wow butter safe peanut butter alternative)<br />
tuna sandwich made with vegannaise (try adding raisins -yum!)<br />
cold cut sandwich with mustard and vegannaise<br />
all beef wieners<br />
grilled chicken strips with veggies & poppy seed dip (renee's brand)<br />
wrap with grilled chicken, tuna salad with vegannaise, cold cuts and vegannaise, wow butter & honey or wow butter & jam or wow butter & banana)<br />
pizza! -pita with pizza sauce -pepperoni, olives, diced green peppers, pineapple, any other veggies and daiya dairy free (rice) cheese substitute <br />
chicken souvlaki style with pita and hummus -cucumbers, red peppers too!<br />
sheppard's pie using rice milk in place of milk and earth balance in place of butter <br />
chicken nuggets (use panko crumbs and rice milk for breading)<br />
soup: tomato (Imagine brand is cream of tomato without milk -delicious), chicken noodle, habitant pea soup</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I would be very happy to offer a workshop for parents in coordination with a nutritionist if they have concerns about what to send their child to school for lunches. If you think this would be of interest. Alternatively I could have a table at the open house for questions which I have done at pheasant run last year. I am happy to provide more recipes also. Let me know if this is enough or you would like any more information. Thanks.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Date: September 03, 2012.</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
To: Trustees, School admin, School board officials, mps, mpps</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To Whom it may Concern,<br />
<br />
My name is Melissa Scheichl (f.Pearson). I have worked for the Peel District School board for many years and sadly handed in my resignation last week. The reason for my resignation is that my daughter begins grade one tomorrow in a Peel school and I am concerned for her safety. <br />
As I sit here thinking about the kids off to school in the morning, I feel fear and sadness -Kate will be starting grade one and instead of worrying about her meeting new friends and liking her teacher, I worry if she will be safe. No parent should have to fear for their child's safety at school. I will be there in the morning having volunteered to supervise her classmates washing their hands in case they had peanut, nuts, dairy or eggs for breakfast which likely most children will have had. I have also volunteered to supervise on the lunch hour. Sadly, the school has informed me that it is nobody's responsibility in the school to wipe the tables after snacks before the two recesses and if I wish the classroom to be cleaned after eating, I will have to do it myself. So now I will be spending a good portion of the day, traveling back and forth between home and school. I worry about the craft materials used. I worry about Kate putting something (the tip of a pencil etc.) in her mouth that has been contaminated by butter or yogurt hands. I worry about her having a reaction and going to the bathroom and fainting. I worry about all the what-ifs and other fears that are associated with life-threatening food allergies. I plan to appeal to the Ministry to view these children as disabled and to lobby to get support for a teacher's assistant to supervise Kate. The reality is she can die. Because of food. Which is everywhere. Shouldn't that be considered a disability? Reading the current issue of Allergic Living magazine, I relate to the mom's story entitled "The New Kid" - She describes the challenges she has faced advocating for her son (in the States) to be viewed as disabled for his allergies. At a new school this year she states: "I feel back to square one in trying to ensure my son is protected and included. Starting over is tough; I feel like I did when John was first going to school. I've baked, cooked, been room mom, gone on field trips, attended parties,donated food and snacks, had countless meetings with teachers, and school administrators. It's exhausting to think I need to roll up my sleeves once more. But my life's purpose is to protect my children... and I'll do whatever I can to ensure my food allergic child's health and safety. EVERY SINGLE CHILD DESERVES TO HAVE A SCHOOL EXPERIENCE THAT IS HAPPY, SAFE, INCLUSIVE AND WORRY-FREE". Kate told me today she is scared to start Grade One because of her allergies. No child should feel unsafe or excluded at school.<br />
<br />
My name is Melissa Scheichl - I run a website called The Allergy Mom (www.theallergymom.com) and have resigned my position with the peel district school board (as of last week) to devote my time to volunteering in my daughter's school to keep her safe as well as providing anaphylaxis and allergy safety workshops for teachers and daycare providers in Peel Region as part of the "Raising the Bar" Program for Peel region daycares and preschools. I plan to appeal to the Ministry of Education to view severe life threatening allergies as a disability and provide assistance and support as well as individual education plans for these children to keep them safe at school. If you can support me in anyway, please let me know.<br />
<br />
Thank you,<br />
<br />
<br />
Melissa Scheichl (f.Pearson)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-47571406129093395852013-04-21T08:49:00.000-04:002013-04-21T08:53:02.895-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h1 style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32) !important; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
Allergy Skin Testing & Food Challenge:</h1>
<br />
Today I am very emotional. I am baking two cakes. One with an <strong>egg</strong> in it. One with a cup of <strong>milk</strong>
in it. It is so bizarre that this meaningless act to most people is so
heavily fraught with emotion for me! Imagine being asked to bake a
cake in your kitchen with a cup of poison? That is what it feels
like. I am scrubbing my hands and so cognizant of the measuring spoons
and everything being "contaminated" by these ingredients.<br />
<br />
<strong>WHY AM I DOING THIS?</strong><br />
<br />
Today my daughter is having her annual <span class="il">allergy</span>
skin testing and our Paediatric Allergist has asked me to bring in these
two cakes to perform skin testing with baked goods that contain two of
her <span class="il">allergens</span> -egg and milk. So many emotions come up as I bake these cakes and prepare for her appointment:<br />
<br />
FEAR: It is frightening to bring these ingredients into the kitchen
-coming in contact with my bakeware and utensils. My daughter is
fearful of the test but I assured her it was less risky than the usual
testing where they use straight milk or egg.<br />
<br />
EXCITEMENT & HOPE: Every year I get my hopes up that maybe (PLEASE
GOD) this year will be the year she outgrows at least ONE of her severe
<span class="il">allergies</span>.<br />
<br />
Sooooo I just put a chocolate cake in the oven with a cup of milk in it -I <em>may </em>have
licked the spoon ;) and just pulled out the Carrot cake I made with
an egg in it -MAN does an egg make a difference! That cake is so light
and fluffy -sigh...I've missed eggs. But I do have to say I can REALLY
taste the egg and I only used one instead of the three the recipe called
for so I think it would taste really EGGY to me with the regular
recipe....<br />
<br />
<em>The Carrot cake recipe comes from the cookbook: <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Everyday-Dairy-free-Cookbook-Emily-White/dp/190230473X?utm_source=The+Allergy+Mom+Newsletter&utm_campaign=65e6b281ea-April_News4_19_2013&utm_medium=email" style="color: teal; word-wrap: break-word !important;" target="_blank">The Everyday Dairy-Free Cookbook </a>by Miller Rogers and Emily White. (Carrot and Raisin Cake with Lemon and Orange Frosting). </em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<br />
<h1 style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32) !important; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
</h1>
<h1 style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32) !important; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
The <span class="il">Lucky</span> <span class="il">Bone</span></h1>
<br />
<h3 style="color: rgb(96, 96, 96) !important; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
"Hey Mom, Don't you Remember about the <span class="il">Lucky</span> <span class="il">Bone</span>?" </h3>
<br />
First of all, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all
of you who took the time to send me a message today and to tell me you
had Kate in your prayers, and fingers crossed and all of the positive
vibes as we went to her testing appointment today. I just wanted to
quickly update everyone on how it went this afternoon.<br />
<br />
As you know I was very emotional all day as I baked the two cakes for
her testing. I picked her up from school and in the car ride to the doc
office, Kate asked me if she could eat the cakes after her
appointment. I didn't want to be negative but I replied "probably
not". I tried to explain to her that there was a good chance the test
would come back positive again and that she still wouldn't be allowed to
have eggs or milk. That's when she replied, "Hey Mom, Don't you
remember about the <span class="il">lucky</span> <span class="il">bone</span>?!!". I had forgotten.<br />
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The <span class="il">Lucky</span> <span class="il">Bone</span></h1>
<div>
<span class="il"><br /></span></div>
Last Thanksgiving, we saved the wishbone from the turkey and explained
to the kids how they could both pull on an end while making a wish and
whoever got the larger "half" would have their wish come true. Kate had
"won" and told us that her wish was for her allergies to go away. She
has been waiting patiently all year for this day and for her "<span class="il">lucky</span> <span class="il">bone</span>" wish to come true. Man, that just killed me when she said that! I said to her, "oh yeah!! The <span class="il">lucky</span> <span class="il">bone</span>!" but then I continued..."you know honey, sometimes <span class="il">lucky</span> <span class="il">bones</span>
don't work RIGHT away....sometimes they take a few years before your
wish can come true" ...I also explained that it might work that her
allergy would be better but not totally gone.... to which she responded,
"No, mommy. The wish was for the allergy to be GONE."<br />
<br />
We kept on driving and I am just thinking in my mind, PLEASE GOD, give
us this gift of her having outgrown her allergies!!! And then she says
-"Oh mom, I forgot to tell you -my teacher wrote a note in my agenda
because I broke out in large hives today at school". Oh no. Just
knowing that her allergies are enough to cause her to break out in hives
from skin contact dashed my hopes of any good news today... :(<br />
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The Testing:</h1>
The doctor informed me that we would not actually test with both cakes
today and that I had to pick one. We decided to go with the egg cake as
her egg allergy has always been milder compared to her severe milk
allergy. We figured that of the two, the egg is the most likely to have
improved.<br />
<br />
Kate
was VERY apprehensive about the skin pricks -she cried and refused to
submit her arm for for the test. We had to talk her into it but she did allow for the testing -but not without tears and upset.<br />
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We were so happy to see that the egg was not reacting!!!<br />
<br />
Kate kept asking when she could eat the cake. Then the doctor brought
her the cake and said she could eat a small crumb of it. Kate's eyes
welled up with tears and she told us she was afraid to eat the cake. Of
course she was! She has been in the hospital with life-threatening
anaphylaxis, with her throat closing and her blood pressure dropping and
vomiting and all of it... but the doctor comforted her and said that
her skin test was showing no reaction and that she would be fine. That
if it bothered her she would get an itchy throat and feel nauseous but
she would be ok. What a terrifying thing to ask someone to try some
food that they have been told was poison for their whole life.<br />
<br />
Kate
tried the cake and she was fine. Then she tried some more. Then she
ate the whole piece. Wow. I can't begin to describe the joy -the look
on her face, the magic of having eaten a piece of cake with one egg. We
were overjoyed.<br />
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What happens Now:</h1>
The doctor has advised us to next try a cake with 2 eggs and then 3. If
she is fine with that, then we can try cookies that are baked for 10-12
minutes (shorter cooking time then cake at 30 min). Then we would
progress to pancakes that are cooked for 2 min approx. If she tolerates
all of that, we are allowed to try a scrambled egg! Wow!<br />
<br />
Kate and I were singing and dancing and so happy -we celebrated with our
family all night. When she told her brother the news he hugged her so
tight and it brought tears to my eyes. This means so much to our
family. Yes she still has life-threatening allergies to milk and
peanuts and tree nuts but this opens up the door to new foods and a
wider repertoire of choices. We are celebrating this!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4272219344331115269" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4272219344331115269" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4272219344331115269" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4272219344331115269" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4272219344331115269" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><strong><br />When Kate went to bed tonight, she was scared. She said,
"Mommy, what if I am still allergic </strong><br />
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<strong>to eggs?" I comforted her and said I
would check on her all night and not to worry. If a reaction was going
to happen it would have already. It breaks my heart that a little one
should have such fears. I am afraid myself! This seems too good to be
true. I will check on her all night and I will be scared to feed her
eggs as we continue this food challenge but I have to have faith ...</strong><strong>
|</strong><strong>
|</strong><strong>
|</strong><strong>
in the <span class="il">lucky</span> <span class="il">bone</span>.</strong><br />
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<h1 style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32) !important; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
May 31st: Milk Testing</h1>
<br />
Kate will be going back next month for her next round of allergy
testing for her dairy allergy. I wish I could be hopeful after today's
great news but I am not -her milk allergy has always shown up the worst
of all her allergies in skin testing... dear God is it possible for
another miracle??<br />
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</h1>
<br />
the test. We had to talk her into it but she did
allow for the testing -but not without tears and upset.<br />
<br />
We did the skin test using the cake baked with one egg at 350 degrees
for 30 minutes, and also for egg white and a positive and negative
control.<br />
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The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-15643970917148082162013-03-08T12:14:00.000-05:002013-03-08T12:14:33.710-05:00Inspiring Blogger Award pour moi?! Aw shucks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<i>Wow! What an honour! I was touched today to receive this award from <a href="http://thefoodallergychronicles.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Food Allergy Chronicles</a>, a blog sharing "One Family's Journey on the Road to Surviving and Thriving with Food Allergies." </i><br />
<br />
<b>I love this for two reasons:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Who doesn't like to win an award?!! Woot! Woot!</b><br />
<b>2. This is a great and frankly ingenious way to encourage collaboration and sharing amongst the mom bloggers! </b><br />
<br />
Now for some reason, they ask you to write 7 things about yourself when you accept this award. Talk about myself? Who me? Aw yeah! lol For some reason most of my points below are confessions.... So here you go:<br />
<br />
<b>1. I eat "unsafe" foods.</b><br />
<br />
It's true. It's my dirty little secret. When I go to parties, don't even bother trying to talk to me because I'm standing at the cheese tray jamming as many dairy filled delicacies and nuts into my face as I can! If for some reason I am away from my children eating out at a restaurant I take every opportunity I can to indulge in nuts. It's bizarre..how can a food that is completely harmless to me wreak such havoc on my little one? I remember a fellow allergy advocate and I were out for coffee and she was shocked when I ordered a muffin with nuts in it. She said that witnessing her child's reaction to nuts was enough to make her never want to eat one again. And I felt weird about it...was I a bad mom for eating these foods when away from my allergic child? I thought about it and decided that I am cool with it. In fact, talking to my doctor she told me that while there is a propensity to allergies if there is a family history, it is to allergies in general -not to specific allergens. That means that while allergies may be hereditary, the actual allergens are not -meaning you can have one kid with a milk allergy and then other will be allergic to soy.... So the way I see it is that different people have different allergies and banning one food from the world (i.e., nuts) doesn't help the people who are allergic to sesame. Now we can't ban all the allergenic foods or there would be nothing left to eat so we have to have avoidance in other ways. And that is through REASONABLE RISK REDUCTION measures to prevent cross-contamination and accidental exposure. For me personally this means that I do not enjoy allergens that are unsafe for my daughter in our shared space (our home) but that I do indulge when away from her. This gets tricky when you are in larger shared spaces like a school. It doesn't make sense to ban something from the whole school if nobody in that school is allergic to that allergen and then to have people consuming tons of dairy -pizza days, milk days etc when there are children with life-threatening dairy allergies in the room. This is something I have really struggled with and could write pages on... to sum it up, my basic suggestion would be to get food out of the classroom. In our schools children eat in their classrooms -2 snacks and lunch -Ideally if children didn't eat in their classrooms this would mean the classroom environment would not be a risk for students with food allergies. What do you think? Comment below and let me know!<br />
<br />
<b>2. Sometimes I disappear from the Allergy Community</b><br />
Every once in a while I get upset by all of the information and check out for a bit. It causes anxiety and depression to read about the risks and the realities of a life-threatening allergy and sometimes I just need a break from it all. This doesn't mean I let down my guard at home or anything like that -it just means I get off the internet and take a break from all the media and information for a bit. I do this when needed and then hop back in... it's my passion to advocate and educate but everyone needs a mental health day from time to time! When I am not advocating for allergies and anaphylaxis, I work at <a href="http://www.prashamanayoga.com/" target="_blank">Prashamana: Good Health for Body, Mind, Heart and Spirit</a>. Check it out!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3. I have used the word "burden" to describe having a child with allergies</b><br />
I'm hesitant to share that with you. What an awful thing to say but it's the truth. I feel sometimes that it is a burden and just wish I didn't have to deal with this!!! I feel a HUGE BURDEN OF RESPONSIBILITY to keep my child alive and I fear that if I let my guard down or make a mistake, something could happen to her and I would never forgive myself. Isn't that a horrible weight to carry? And we all do. Being an allergy mom can be isolating and stressful and frankly really challenging. Flying with my daughter over the holidays, she had her head on my lap asleep and I felt very worried if she was breathing ok as the smell of cheese and eggs wafted through the cabin -she is highly anaphylactic to dairy, egg, peanuts and tree nuts and they are heating cheese omelettes and passing out almonds to the first class travelers. I felt hugely anxious and worried whether she was going to be ok. I thought to myself, no mom should have to feel like this! I should be relaxing and enjoying a movie and instead I'm a bundle of nerves worrying if my daughter is going to make it home safely! So yes, from time to time I play the self-pity card.<br />
<br />
<b>4. I am so proud of my kids.</b><br />
My son is amazing -he is only 8 years old and so responsible and caring about his sister with her anaphylactic food allergies. Sometimes I look at him and think no kid should have to worry about protecting his younger sibling from danger but he does and I am amazed that someone his age could be so caring and responsible and nurturing (aren't they supposed to be egocentric at this stage?)...melts my heart. <br />
My daughter is a fierce little thing and despite her small size she is mighty! She is 6 and plays hockey with the boys and totally holds her own! She is responsible about her allergies and is so gracious about eating out in public or watching others indulge in things that she can't have and it makes me so proud of her every day. I can't imagine a child that age having to think about being safe or avoiding foods or any of that. Kids shouldn't have to worry about that kind of stuff but she handles it all so well and is a vivacious, amazing kid! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>5. When I was a kid I used to lie to neighbours and say I was allergic to milk and peanut butter because I didn't like them.</b><br />
Isn't that crazy? So what is this? LIke Karma or something? Or perhaps maybe my body didn't like those things for a reason and maybe somehow I was telling the truth? I was allergic to eggs and had a lot of seasonal allergies as a kid so maybe in fact my body didn't like those things and that's why I made up lies so I wouldn't have to eat it! Interesting......<br />
<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>6. I am so touched by all of the people I have met on this journey!</b><br />
As I say on the first page of my website, there have been some silver linings to this journey and one in particular has been the amazing people that I have connected with over the years. When I first created the website and wrote out my big long story of how I became an allergy mom, my husband asked who on earth would read that?! lol Well it turns out a lot of people! And I am so grateful for those who take the time to share their stories with me and to connect in any way.... So keep 'em coming! I love hearing from you! <br />
<br />
<b>7. My first experience with anaphylaxis occurred when I was in grade 5. </b><br />
It was summer holidays and I was at home with my mom. She was gardening and got stung by a bee. She started to feel ill and went to lay down. Then she asked me to go to the store to get her some medicine as she just felt awful. I rode my bike to the corner variety store and when I got back my mom was gone! My neighbour had taken her to the hospital! It was a very frightening experience. After that, my mom had a syringe and vial of epinephrine in a kit in the fridge and we were very afraid of bees! Ironically, my name means honey bee.... I digress... :)<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange;"><b>OK so enough about Me!!!! Now it's my turn to recognize other amazing bloggers out there! Here they are!!! Please check out these fabulous blogs! </b></span></div>
<br />
1<a href="http://thedailylove.com/" target="_blank">. The Daily Love</a><br />
<br />
Nothing to do with allergies or anaphylaxis but easily one of my favourite blogs and so I had to put it here! Inspiring blog? Oh yeah! It's all about inspiration and a daily dose of feeling the love....you won't be disappointed if you subscribe to this one! Mastin Kipp is amazing!<br />
<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://holisticwellness.ca/" target="_blank">Holistic Wellness</a>: Nourish Your Mind, Body and Spirit<br />
<br />
Samantha Gladish is AMAZING!!! I consult with her all the time and she is a wealth of knowledge. She is continually expanding her training and always sharing new information, recipes and tips. Check her out and subscribe to her blog...you won't regret it!<br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/InnerBling/info?ref=ts" target="_blank"> Pramilda.Com: Ignite Your Inner Bling. You got it... so Rock it!</a><br />
Pramilda is currently updating her website so I have sent you the link to her facebook page instead but do check back soon because this woman is AWESOME!!! A fabulous speaker and coach.<br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://theallergymommy.blogspot.ca/">http://theallergymommy.blogspot.ca/</a> Recipes, Products, & Help for Gluten, Egg, Soy, & Dairy allergy kids and moms! This sweet blog offers tips, advice, encouragement and recipes. Check it out! I found out about this blog when a friend of the author's contacted me to share her story and tell me how much she appreciated my site. This is what is all about! Sharing with each other! Awesome.<br />
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5. <a href="http://kjscupookies.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Cupookies</a> The girl I was telling you above is the author of this blog. Kjersti is an allergy mom whipping up yummy recipes that are dairy-free, egg-free and soy-free. Check it out!<br />
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6. <a href="http://www.deliciousalternatives.com/" target="_blank">Delicious Alternatives: Finally....Food I can Eat!</a> This lovely lady also contacted me through my website...see what I'm saying about meeting all these great people! Shirley Plant has even generously offered to donate a copy of her book to one of my lucky subscribers so stay tuned for that!! Shirley is also a wealth of knowledge and has published various articles for food and allergy blogs, publications and presented at the Ottawa Environmental Health Clinic on food allergies, intolerances and rotation diets. Check her out!<br />
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7. <a href="http://emilylevenson.com/" target="_blank"> Emily Levinson</a> I love this lady! She calls herself a Rainbow maker, Magical Mentor, Life Stylist, and Game Changer and frankly I just enjoy her blog. Recently she has been doing blog posts on the different colours and I am loving them. Check her out to find out more about this neat lady.<br />
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8. <a href="http://cybelepascal.com/" target="_blank"> Cybele Pascale: The Allergy-Friendly Cook</a><br />
I came across Cybele Pascale's book <i>The Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook </i>on a sale rack at a bookstore downtown and could not believe how awesome the recipes were! What a score! I wasn't surprised to hear that she recently became a contributor to Allergic Living magazine. She rocks!<br />
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9.<a href="http://www.foodallergymama.com/" target="_blank"> Food Allergy Mama</a><br />
Most of you probably already know about this one. Kelly Rudnicki is the author of <u>T</u><i>he Food Allergy Mama's Easy, Fast Family Meals,</i> <i>The Food Allergy Mama's Baking Book,</i> and <i>Vegan Baking Classics. </i>Well done!<br />
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10. <a href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/media/hot_topics.html" target="_blank">Anaphylaxis Canada Hot Topics</a><br />
Not sure if this constitutes a blog or not but as a Canadian, this is an important place to keep your eye on to see what is happening with this national registered charity.<br />
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11. <a href="http://www.allergyfreetable.com/" target="_blank">Allergy Free Table</a><br />
Allergy Free Table seems to be constantly at work, tirelessly advocating and educating. Their online courses are great for caregivers, babysitters, grandparents. Check them out!<br />
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12. <a href="http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/contentList.areaCollection/4668036237941107" target="_blank">Kids with Food Allergies</a><br />
This place is insane! Soooo much information...a massive community....great contributors of professionals and experts...if you have somehow missed this one, you gotta check it out.<br />
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13. <a href="http://whyriskit.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Why Risk It? Teen Allergy Blog</a> My kids are still small but I'm hoping that they will have something like this for their teenage years. Stories and experiences about living with allergies. By teens, for teens. Teens are known for risk-taking and when severe allergies are involved...it's just not worth the risk!!<br />
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14. <a href="http://foodallergiesrock.com/" target="_blank">Food Allergies Rock! Kyle Dine's Blog</a><br />
When I first met Kyle I had to ask him -why on earth do Food Allergies Rock?!! Kyle is an amazing guy and truly inspiring. He seems to be smiling all the time and has such great energy. He has such an impact on the kids.... check him out! <br />
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15. <a href="http://allergyalli.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Allergy Alli </a><br />
Saved one of the best for last here. Alli is great and I love sharing her blog with my daughter. This 14 year old shares her experiences with food allergies and I love to read her posts to my daughter. She talks candidly about her temptations and it is such a good model for my daughter to relate to. Way to go Alli! You rock!<br />
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Phew....This post has officially taken me hours to write but I'm so excited to share this award with these bloggers! <br />
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As always, I encourage you to comment below! What do you think about my 7 points about me? Did you check out any of these blogs? What did you think? DO TELL!!<br />
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<br />The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-53126586455396318472013-03-05T13:32:00.004-05:002013-03-05T13:34:01.326-05:00Balancing our Fears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Music credits: Barenaked Ladies "Allergies"</i></span></div>
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Allergies and Anaphylaxis are scary, no doubt about it. Whether it is an acute fear at the time of an emergency or a more chronic fear of the risks, this has a profound affect on us. How does this fear change the way we interact with others, the way we behave, the way we carry ourselves? Where does this fear manifest itself in our physical bodies? How would we act differently if we didn't have this fear? These are the questions explored in this short video clip. With a discussion of our sympathetic nervous system which hardwires us to be fearful and the balancing effects of the parasympathetic nervous system, the Allergy Mom goes deeper....the issues truly do lie in our tissues. If you are suffering from fear or anxiety and would like to connect with the Allergy Mom to discuss this or for a referral to someone in your local area, please contact via: melissa@theallergymom.com. For other offerings related to yoga and therapy, visit <a href="http://www.prashamanayoga.com/">www.prashamanayoga.com.</a></div>
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<b>If you like where I am going with this, you may be interested to read these blog posts here:</b><br />
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<b>Live your life from the Neck Up Much? </b><br />
<a href="http://prashamanayoga.com/index.php/expand/item/80-live-your-life-from-the-neck-up-much?">http://prashamanayoga.com/index.php/expand/item/80-live-your-life-from-the-neck-up-much?</a><br />
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<b>The Issues are in the Tissues:</b><br />
<a href="http://prashamanayoga.com/index.php/expand/item/78-the-issues-are-in-the-tissues">http://prashamanayoga.com/index.php/expand/item/78-the-issues-are-in-the-tissues</a><br />
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<b>Yoga for Stress and Migraines:</b><br />
<a href="http://prashamanayoga.com/index.php/expand/item/77-yoga-for-stress--migraines">http://prashamanayoga.com/index.php/expand/item/77-yoga-for-stress--migraines</a>The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-70100840608026528762013-01-24T23:26:00.000-05:002013-01-24T23:36:10.409-05:00Allerject - A brand new Epinephrine AutoinjectorSanofi Canada launched Allerject this week and I was very excited to have the opportunity to meet with President and CEO, Jon Fairest for an interview!<br />
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Allerject contains the same trusted medicine that has been prescribed for years for administration to a patient in the event of a severe, life threatening allergic reaction (known as anaphylaxis). The difference with Allerject is with the device itself. Here is why I think Allerject is going to be very popular:<br />
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1. <b>Its Size:</b> It is so compact! Designed to be the size of a credit card and the width of a mobile phone, Allerject is compact and therefore much more discreet. I was amazed at how small it really was when I had the opportunity to get my hands on it at the interview. It is small yet also sturdy and I feel that in an emergency situation, with possibly shaky hands and nerves, it is just the right size -fits in the palm of the hand but not so small or flimsy that you would drop it.<br />
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Studies have shown that most of the deaths that occur due to life threatening allergies happen to people who knew they were allergic but failed to use their epinephrine autoinjector. The reasons stated for this were either failure to carry the epi-pen on their person or failure to use their epi-pen. I am hopeful that the design of this new alternative will encourage more people to carry their medicine on their person at all times. The device fits easily in a pocket or purse and is very discreet. I think this will be appreciated in particular by tweens and teens who may have been a little more self-conscious about carrying around their medicine to school etc.<br />
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2. <b>It talks! </b>Allerject is the first talking epinephrine autoinjector. It is very cool! Remove the cover and a calm voice guides you through what to do next. Rather than having to refer to the written instructions in fine print as your hands shake and you are probably very nervous, you have a calm, lovely voice assuring you that you are handling the device correctly and instructing you through the process. The device tells you how to remove the security cap, where to place the device on the body (still the outer front thigh as we are accustomed to), which end of the unit to place there and how to inject the medicine. There is no stabbing or swinging movement required. Simply press and hold the button at the top of the device as you are instructed to do and the unit counts down the administration of the adrenaline...5-4-3-2-1. "Injection Complete". I really like that the device does the counting and tells you when the injection has been successfully administered. I feel that in the panic of the moment, it would be comforting to have a voice telling you that you have in fact administered the medicine for the appropriate amount of time and that the full dosage has been given. The unit then reminds the user of the need to seek immediate medical attention. Very important. We all know that epinephrine is emergency supportive therapy and that follow up in hospital is required. <br />
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As a mom, what appeals to me about Allerject is that I feel it will do the talking for my daughter if I can't be there myself to help her. I find it frightening to imagine her having a reaction and having to trust that another person will know how to adminster her medicine correctly. The fact that Allerject will guide them through the process helps to comfort me and put my mind more at ease. </div>
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In my experiences training teachers on allergy safety in the classrooms, I am always amazed at the stories I hear of parents not knowing how to use the epi-pen. I feel that this new device will help to make everyone more confident and hopefully we won't hear any more stories of people failing to administer this much needed medicine because they didn't feel comfortable or confident to use it! </div>
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3. <b>It was developed by one of us!</b> The inventors of Allerject are twin brothers, Eric and Evan, both with food allergies. <u><i>They get it.</i></u> They designed Allerject to be the device they want to have on hand in the event of an emergency anaphylactic reaction. </div>
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More interesting facts about Allerject:</div>
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<li>Allerject is available in two dosage strengths </li>
<li>Choice of language for voice commands in English or French</li>
<li>There is also an LED light to signal when the injection is complete</li>
<li>The needle will never be seen -it is retractable. You do not see it before, during or after the injection. Great for anyone with a phobia of needles! And less scary for children (or big children) of course.</li>
<li>Trainers are currently free! In fact it is encouraged! Follow this link: <a href="https://www.allerject.ca/en/free-autoinjector-trainer?returnUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.allerject.ca%3A80%2Fen%2Fepinephrine-autoinjector" target="_blank">Free Allerject Trainer</a><b> </b></li>
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<b>The interview:</b><br />
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Having the opportunity to sit down and talk about allergies and anaphylaxis is always a great experience for me and I was so impressed with the discussion I was able to have with Mr. Fairest. He recognized the need for training teachers in schools, and other important members of the public to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and how to administer the epinephrine. His passion for this new device was evident and I have to say I am very excited to fill my perscription when the devices become available at my pharmacy (should be available beginning of February). Here are a few other points that we discussed about Allerject:<br />
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<b>The Battery:</b> The injection and the device is battery-powered. The device has undergone rigorous testing and the battery should last well beyond the shelf-life of the epinephrine inside. This means that your epinephrine will expire well before the battery runs out. The studies showed that the battery typically lasts for 2 years with the device being opened every day for the duration of those 2 years. I'm sure the novelty of hearing the lovely lady's voice will be over much before that! Good to know however and even better...the device can still be operated manually if the battery does run out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxF277-ToJbVqURWa8uqmSabjJ7rx1_8q2iIdQ39EZZMWLMx2dL1gV1wP7hVIUu17K5yEHcjiO95UQkxQE3ht5s7Ffg5LQ5Hc1YcsvhBH1Aex1-_63OyvCVpiMhLVAbN2eiz83e0isEw/s1600/Back-of-MedicAlert-Emblem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxF277-ToJbVqURWa8uqmSabjJ7rx1_8q2iIdQ39EZZMWLMx2dL1gV1wP7hVIUu17K5yEHcjiO95UQkxQE3ht5s7Ffg5LQ5Hc1YcsvhBH1Aex1-_63OyvCVpiMhLVAbN2eiz83e0isEw/s200/Back-of-MedicAlert-Emblem.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Too Discreet? </b>One concern with the discreet size of Allerject was<br />
how would people know to find it on a person if they were unable to speak for themselves or retrieve it from their pocket or purse? Did you know that medicalert allows you to list the drugs you require for treatment of your condition right on your bracelet. I believe that in a medical emergency where a person was unable to speak or communicate what was happening to them, the helpful bystander would look for a medicalert bracelet. An example of what could be written on the bracelet: Allergy Anaphylaxis to all dairy, eggs, nuts. Carries Allerject medicine. You can see from the image here that there is room to include that information. Medic alert will also be able to advise anyone who phones in on your behalf of your medication. For children, there will be carrying cases available for purchase. Most schools require that children wear their device on their person and a second injector to be kept in the office.<br />
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<b>Cost & Expiration:</b> Allerject will cost the same and have the same shelf-life as the epi-pen. It is not more expensive. Well thank goodness for that because in actuality we should all be carrying more than one epinephrine autoinjector on our persons. The reality is a second dose could be required. <br />
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<b>The Future:</b> As an advocate for people with life-threatening allergies, I am keen to speak with anyone that I feel can have an influence on improving safety, quality of life and raise empathy and awareness around anaphylaxis. It was a pleasure to discuss the potential for a new, standard First Aid Kit -Shouldn't every first aid kit have an epinephrine autoinjector inside? How about public places such as schools, community centres, arenas, airplanes, etc. I would love to see training, education, awareness and public access to this device in all public places. It has happened with the defibrillator and now that we have a talking device, I believe it can happen with epinephrine for allergies. As sad as I have been to see the dramatic rise in food allergies over the past 11 years (from 1% of the population to 7.5%!), and the increase of stories in the media about food allergies I hope there is a silver lining...I hope that there will be an increase in understanding of the severity of food allergies and the real danger and risk for people suffering from them. I hope that people will be educated to recognize the signs of a reaction and know how to handle an emergency situation by administering epinephrine. I also hope that with this education there will come empathy. <br />
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Ask your doctor about Allerject and be sure to sign up for one of the trainers! I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. Let me know if you plan to try it out!The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-28656142936248684582011-08-26T21:52:00.001-04:002017-04-22T23:53:30.064-04:00Camping with a Food Allergic Child<div style="text-align: center;">
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Tomorrow we are venturing on our first family camping trip! Last year we went to Maine for our summer vacation, and if any of you remember it was quite an adventure with a food allergic child. Traveling with stays in hotels proved to be less than ideal for our family (setting off the smoke alarm and having the fire marshall arrive due to a smoky hot plate was quite embarassing!)..... </div>
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This year we are embarking on a new adventure....Camping! I thought I would share with you some of the planning I do to try to ensure that it is a safe experience for my daughter who is anaphylactic to all dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts.</div>
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<b>Before you do anything else, make sure you have your Epi-Pens (more than one -remember that an epi-pen only lasts for 10-15 minutes and you may be required to administer additional dose(s) depending on the response rate for emergency medical care where you are traveling). I personally bring 4-5. Bring Benadryl as well. Make sure your medications have not expired and are good for use (have not been damaged by exposure to extreme temps etc.) <br />
Having an epi-pen on hand is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you need in the case of an anaphylactic reaction.*****</b></div>
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First thing I do (after learning the hard way) is to scope out the destination and to make sure I know where the nearest hospital is. I inquire about the response time for ambulances in case of an emergency and the location of the nearest hospital. I also make sure that I know the correct address and location information for where we are staying so that if I did have to call 9-1-1 I would be able to accurately describe my location. Preparing to have a cell phone that is charged and ready to use if needed is a must. If camping in a remote area where cell phone signals may be compromised, you should have another plan for contacting 9-1-1 if required....where is the nearest landline phone?</div>
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Second of all I plan for cross-contamination of surfaces. I alway pack my daughter's own pillow when she travels (it may be crazy but I worry about someone having nut saliva on the hotel pillow!).... I pack wipes (if there is not an issue with lanolin, choose lanolin based wipes as they are effective at removing protein from surfaces). I bring my <a href="http://allergyfreecleaning.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=1">antibac Norwex enviro cloths </a>these are great for cleaning surfaces using water alone. They even have a <a href="http://allergyfreecleaning.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=7">travel pack </a>which comes with 4 mini enviro cloths. I also pack my own dish soap, hand soap and other toiletries (such as lotions, toothpaste, sunscreen and bug spray)....this is to ensure that all products are safe for my daughter.</div>
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Now for food...the most important part! Here is what I pack for food and food-related needs:</div>
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<li>table cloth or placemats to form a barrier between possibly contaminated surfaces in restaurants (now this time we are camping so I am just bringing a table cloth for the picnic table)</li>
<li>cleaning cloths and dish towels and dish soap (I already mentioned this :)</li>
<li>plastic plates, bowls, cutlery and sharp knives -I got great ones with covers for travel from my mother and sister-in-law </li>
<li>napkins</li>
<li>allergy safe foods for all meals and snacks & lots of it! I have been chided for over packing but when you have a child with food allergies, you want to make sure that you have more than enough -it is not easy to just go and grab something as other parents could for their non-allergic child.</li>
<li><b>Note: **I refrain from being any new food products with us when we travel. I try to bring only foods my daughter has had before that have been proven safe for her. Sometimes packages neglect to mention the possibility of traces of allergens having contaminated the food or have undeclared food allergens in them. I would prefer not to experiment when on vacation!** </b></li>
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Ok so here is a sample menu of what I have packed for one day of camping:<br />
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Breakfast:<br />
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<li>Cereal</li>
<li>Rice Milk Drink Boxes -don't need to be refrigerated and small portion size is great for this</li>
<li>fruit (fresh fruit or apple sauce -as luck would have it, my daughter refuses to eat most fresh fruits so we usually do apple sauce with cinnamon)</li>
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Morning Snack:<br />
<ul>
<li>Ryvita Crisp Bread or allergy safe bread with <a href="http://wowbutter.com/">Wow Butter</a> or Sunbutter, honey, jam etc.</li>
<li>fruit (grapes, oranges)</li>
</ul>
Lunch: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK-NxY_Iy5oKCA0r1roosL8KFKL3pOw9mc67guka7gmFIgPrp938RUtnOmTtOZ-NPX8lUF01nBJxD3Cv6mOLRGlUVn9fgTgdw6mTzpjnV6MK7akbYJeCKugxXhA0U4gQrv6vQFkLyZPU/s1600/372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK-NxY_Iy5oKCA0r1roosL8KFKL3pOw9mc67guka7gmFIgPrp938RUtnOmTtOZ-NPX8lUF01nBJxD3Cv6mOLRGlUVn9fgTgdw6mTzpjnV6MK7akbYJeCKugxXhA0U4gQrv6vQFkLyZPU/s320/372.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_893691611">Allergy Safe Summer Pasta Salad</a><a href="http://www.theallergymom.com/component/rapidrecipe/allergy-safe-summer-pasta-salad"> (click for recipe)</a> with assorted veggies, and chicken or beans for protein</li>
</ul>
Afternoon Snack:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_0SBYatWwrYxgZ3oL3dhavLxQcGlkQQexdzzcw31t-msPKiGT511CeuGBqfL0zRG4zoRc0D-2u-mV5WhsiCeJ7SZGrftb3lbcFNU-pRkxz0WVOJ46Y9QqkY31M7y8BuQ4IVdsGCzrWM/s1600/cosmic-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_0SBYatWwrYxgZ3oL3dhavLxQcGlkQQexdzzcw31t-msPKiGT511CeuGBqfL0zRG4zoRc0D-2u-mV5WhsiCeJ7SZGrftb3lbcFNU-pRkxz0WVOJ46Y9QqkY31M7y8BuQ4IVdsGCzrWM/s1600/cosmic-cookies.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Nacho chips with salsa or</li>
<li>Rice Crackers with Hummus</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theallergymom.com/component/rapidrecipe/planet-organics-cosmic-cookies">Cosmic Cookies</a> (these are AMAZING and very fulfilling) </li>
<li><br />
</li>
</ul>
Dinner:<br />
<ul>
<li>Campfire cooked hot dogs</li>
<li>veggies and allergy safe dip</li>
</ul>
Dessert:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACI2bD_5jvU_Cx1t1Iqioi-O7NxbWoNxy4CZB-_zMmWzvKObqI2_J9SjnfHa5_pLAdZDYghX8V8ekTA_mj1elbwJzCWrzpd-p4_N_4D7lvC4gz9KPq1fzZynFACxvxTEhc51wzZwcAq8/s1600/371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACI2bD_5jvU_Cx1t1Iqioi-O7NxbWoNxy4CZB-_zMmWzvKObqI2_J9SjnfHa5_pLAdZDYghX8V8ekTA_mj1elbwJzCWrzpd-p4_N_4D7lvC4gz9KPq1fzZynFACxvxTEhc51wzZwcAq8/s320/371.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Smores! We are going to have our first ever smores tomorrow! Very exciting. Marshmallows are safe for our daughter and so are graham crackers but unfortunately we have a hard time getting chocolate bars and find chocolate chips that are dairy and nut free much easier to find. The problem is that chocolate chips will just fall out all over the place in a smore so to solve that problem I have melted the chocolate chips at home ahead of time and spread the chocolate over graham crackers on one side. Refrigerating the graham crackers with chocolate results in a hardened chocolate covered graham cracker...add a toasted marshmallow while camping and enjoy a smore!!</li>
</ul>
Beverages:<br />
<ul>
<li>water -I purchased larger bottles of water and am bringing our reusable stainless steel water bottles...I figure this is somewhat less plastic than buying individual water bottles and hopefully helping to reduce our waste somewhat!</li>
<li>juice boxes (totally negating what I just said but at least they can be recycled???) -I should have purchased larger container of juice but cut me some slack...I have a lot to think about here! :)</li>
<li>chocolate rice milk juice boxes</li>
<li>treat: pc 100% fruit sparkling fruit juices</li>
<li>adult beverages of your choice -how else are you going to sleep crammed in a tent with your whole family? :) ha ha</li>
</ul>
Please remember that I am not a medical or dietary expert and am only sharing my experiences and advice as a fellow allergy mom. You should consult your medical professional, dietician, naturopath or nutritionist if you are unsure about any of the advice I have given in my blog. If you have any additional comments, tips, corrections etc...please let me know! My intention is to provide support (emotional and experiential) to other parents with food allergic children.<br />
<br />
All the best and happy travels!<br />
<br />
Melissa Scheichl<br />
The Allergy Mom<br />
xoxoxo<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-12957392757174686702010-12-20T11:14:00.000-05:002010-12-20T11:14:24.082-05:00Allergies on the Red Carpet! Allergy-safe lunch and travel kits will be shared with Celebrities at the Academy Awards!<h1>Local women heading to the Academy Awards</h1><span class="td-EndPageBody"> <br />
<div class="td-PhotoPlayer" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 66%;"> <img alt="" class="td-Frame" src="http://media.mmgcommunity.topscms.com/images/cc/79/9b6a0665466e81224277d19f995b.jpeg" /> <div class="desc"> <strong>Local women heading to the Academy Awards.</strong> Crystal Paulitzki (right) and Nicole McMullen of NFYC (Nutrition for Your Condition) display a sampling of the lunch bags they will be taking to L.A. in February 2011, to be used as part of the goodie bags for Oscar recipients. <em> Ted Brown</em> </div></div>Two local women will be in Los Angeles schmoozing with the Hollywood stars and getting some valuable exposure for their company’s products in February.<br />
Crystal Paulitzki and Nicole McMullen, owners of Nutrition for your Condition, will be taking part in the Secret Room Events Academy Awards Red Carpet Style Lounge Feb. 26 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.<br />
Oscar nominees and other celebrities, musicians, directors etc. will be invited to visit the lounge to get their gowns, jewelry, spa services and drop by an exclusive trade-type show featuring booths from approximately 20 different companies including Paulitzki’s and McMullen’s to check out their products.<br />
The women launched their company in 2009 selling travel kits for families that have children with severe or life threatening allergies. They have expanded their product line, which now also includes their eco-friendly litter-less lunch kits, selling them online at <a href="http://www.nutritionforyourcondition.com/" target="_blank">www.nutritionforyourcondition.com</a>, some retailers, school fundraisers and trade shows in the GTA.<br />
Amy Boatwright, an owner of Secret Room Events, said Nutrition for Your Condition, was invited to exhibit at the Red Carpet Style Lounge after she found it on the Internet.<br />
“I was searching Google for new and different products and found that their product line was different,” said Boatwright. “A lot of celebrities have children, so kids’ products are very popular.”<br />
Many of them are also interested in the environment. Boatwright thought the Georgetown women’s products, including their litter-less lunch bag, were different and “liked their idea”.<br />
So she sent the company an e-mail. Paulitzki said she didn’t know what to make of the e-mail and initially ignored it suspecting it might be junk mail, until they researched a little further and discovered the offer was a legitimate opportunity for them.<br />
They’re both excited to be taking part.<br />
“We feel it’s going to be an amazing opportunity to promote our business and showcase a product that’s needed in the marketplace right now.”<br />
And meeting some celebrities is a plus.<br />
“It’s right up our alley,” joked Paulitzki. “We’re very excited about meeting the stars,” she added.<br />
Boatwright said the Georgetown company will be announced in press releases promoting the event, and the women will have the opportunity to show their products to the celebrities and give them to those they want to.<br />
Boatwright said the ideal outcome would be for Paulitzki and McMullen to see their product featured in a publication like OK magazine for example in the hand of the child of a celebrity.<br />
She welcomes inquiries from other Canadian companies interested in having their products included in this Style Lounge or other events. Contact <a href="mailto:secretroomevents@yahoo.com">secretroomevents@yahoo.com</a>.</span>The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-11538879943355953852010-12-07T16:44:00.000-05:002010-12-07T16:44:06.094-05:00Allergy Moms and Dads! We need your help to IMPROVE CANADA's FOOD LABELING REGULATIONS BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR!<b>In response to the appeal from Anaphylaxis Canada, I am asking allergy moms, dads and advocates to please contact Minister Aglukkaq immediately regarding the need to pass the proposed food labeling regulations. I tried to contact his office today by phone but was referred to email by reception. The email address is: minister-ministre@hc-sc.gc.ca</b><br />
<b>If this is not done by the end of the month, we will have to start all over again!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>This appeal from Anaphylaxis Canada:</b><br />
<br />
Dear Registrant,<br />
<br />
As you know Anaphylaxis Canada, together with other members of the allergy community, have been actively lobbying the federal government and the Ministry of Health to act on the proposed food labelling regulations. These regulations were first put forth in July 2008 and have still not been passed.<br />
<br />
Thank you to all of you who have written to the Prime Minister's office and the Health Minister as part of our campaign. However, we still need your help. To date, we have not received reassurance from Health Minister Aglukkaq that these regulations will be passed as promised and this is not acceptable.<br />
<br />
We encourage you to act today and ask Health Minister Aglukkaq when these regulations will be passed. "As soon as possible" is not an acceptable answer. <br />
<br />
Here's what you can do:<br />
<br />
· Call the Health Minister's office directly at 1-613-957-0200 AND<br />
· Join the letter writing campaign on the Allergic Living website: http://www.allergicliving.com/petitions/food-labelling/<br />
<br />
Accurate and clear food labelling is such a critical part of keeping allergic individuals safe. Help Health Minister Aglukkaq understand she needs to do her part and take action today!<br />
<br />
Thank you for your help.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Anaphylaxis CanadaThe Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-11382385887956399052010-12-07T16:35:00.000-05:002010-12-07T16:35:22.075-05:00My letter to MPs to gain support for Motion 546<i><b>Today, December 7th, my letter to MPs was shared in the House of Commons by Debbie Bruce to gain support for Motion 546. It was an honour to know that my daughter's story would be shared in hopes of shedding some light on the realities of anaphylaxis for our children. I thought I would share my letter here:</b></i><br />
<br />
Dear Mr Szabo,<br />
I am writing to you to bring to your awareness a motion (#546) that will be presented at the House of Commons this Fall. <br />
*Motion 546 reads:<br />
<blockquote> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia,serif;"><strong><em>That in the opinion of the House, anaphylaxis is a serious concern for an increasing number of Canadians and the government should take the appropriate measures necessary to ensure these Canadians are able to maintain a high quality of life. </em></strong></span></span></blockquote>I am requesting your support for this Motion. At 9 months of age, my daughter was diagnosed with anaphylactic allergies to milk (including all dairy products, milk, cheese, etc), eggs, tree nuts and peanuts. As an infant she was exposed to these allergens through nursing because I was ingesting these foods. Her skin was raw with eczema and she would break out into hives after nursing. The doctors did not identify the allergies immediately but after a severe reaction that landed us in the emergency room, she was diagnosed by skin testing. <br />
<br />
Our daughter is now 4 years old and the impact of these allergies on our daily life is immense. The anxiety that it causes our family and the accommodations that we make on a daily basis are challenging. Our daughter had a near death reaction shortly before her 3rd birthday after ingesting one bite of a food that had tree nuts in it. I was driving in the car when she began to react with sneezing and then passing out. I pulled over and called 9-1-1. She began vomiting. When the ambulance finally arrived, the attendants were not knowledgeable about food allergies and anaphylaxis. They advised me to take my daughter home and to give her some benadryl if I was concerned. I questioned them regarding her fainting and if that should be a cause for concern. They told me that fainting is not a symptom of an anaphylactic reaction. I mentioned that I had read that a dramatic drop in blood pressure can result from the anaphylactic response and so they agreed to take her into the ambulance for assessment. Once we were in the back of the truck, she began to pass out again and they decided that in fact, she should be transported to hospital. They insisted that I drive my own car and would not allow me to travel with her in the back. So I followed behind, and upon arriving at the hospital, the ambulance driver rolled down his window and told me to park the car in the parking garage and meet them inside. By the time I parked 4 stories up and made my way to the Emergency ward (assuming all must be fine as the Ambulance driver was so calm), my daughter was in acute resuscitation. I had nurses yelling at me for not administering the epi-pen and I was shocked because the ambulance attendants had told me to take her home. You would not have believed the sight before you to look at how my daughter had deteriorated over the course of that ambulance ride. When I saw her in the E.R. she looked like she had been in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson. Her face was bright red and swollen, with eyes completely swollen shut like she had been beaten. Her armpits and groin were covered in hives that she had scratched raw while in the ambulance. Her voice was hoarse and her breathing laboured. It was the most frightening experience to see my child in that state....and all from one bite of a food that she is allergic to. <br />
<br />
I think it is so important to raise awareness to the real medical issue that anaphylaxis represents for Canadians. We need to teach the public, educators and the medical community how to recognize, diagnose and respond to these reactions. We need to spread awareness that anaphylaxis does not just mean uncomfortable gastrointestinal upset or itchy hives, it can mean a life-threatening drop in blood pressure that can result in heart attack or a swelling of the airway that can cause the child to stop breathing. <br />
<br />
I have had incidents flying with Air Canada, where my daughter reacted to cross-contamination from touching the movie screen and the chair handles. You can imagine how terrifying it is to know that an epi-pen may only work for 5-20 minutes and you are up in the air with your child wondering if the plane would be able to land in time if there was an anaphylactic emergency. <br />
<br />
I recently paid $350 for lab tests that are not covered (RAST blood testing) only to find out that the results are inconclusive and not predictive of future reactions!<br />
<br />
I have been amazed at the lack of education that doctors, nurses and ambulance attendees have had.<br />
<br />
The facts are clear that allergies and anaphylaxis are increasing at an alarming rate in our country.<br />
<br />
I hope that you will share in my passion for raising awareness of Anaphylaxis at the federal level.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for your time.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Melissa Pearson<br />
<br />
<b>What next? <i>I am anxiously awaiting news to see how the motion was supported and will post as soon as I know more. In the meantime, please see my post on contacting the Canadian Health Minister to help get important food labeling regulations passed before the end of the year. We need your help to accomplish this!</i></b>The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-6002692390741709382010-11-05T14:29:00.001-04:002010-11-05T14:30:46.191-04:00Allergy Safe Advent Calendar!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqykIR15xzFY3see8l-dmru0zIinLd4LFpxDtWqHFJovT4434cVz9q0I6uMfIT_9dvd1B2pWte-lCMepvxBYpwTM_vimtr7T87Hzak5RVf-UQA6Tlaeuah98JiWvnmJCy6uZlwUKLPRg/s1600/calender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqykIR15xzFY3see8l-dmru0zIinLd4LFpxDtWqHFJovT4434cVz9q0I6uMfIT_9dvd1B2pWte-lCMepvxBYpwTM_vimtr7T87Hzak5RVf-UQA6Tlaeuah98JiWvnmJCy6uZlwUKLPRg/s320/calender.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>I am beyond excited about this one! For the past few years, we have done the non-chocolate variety ...we have an advent calendar with little decorations which is really quite cute. Low and behold, EVERY YEAR, without fail, someone would buy our kids the chocolate kind! How do you tell one child he can't have it because it isn't fair for his sister with food allergies? We would offer her other treats in lieu of the hidden chocolates behind the doors but who were we kidding? We all know the excitement and fun of an advent calendar isn't the actual chocolate as much as the thrill of getting to open it every day and then eating the chocolate! In fact, I've never found the chocolate to be that good in one of those things (not that I wouldn't eat it anyways!).<br />
<br />
Blah, blah, blah...(hence the name of my blog!).....the point is...<b>this year my milk, egg, peanut, tree-nut allergic daughter gets to have an advent calendar!</b>!!! yay!!! Only an allergy mom can relate to this kind of excitement!<br />
<br />
The last time I was this excited was when she got that Easter bunny from <a href="http://www.bluebearaware.com/">Blue Bear Aware </a>on Easter morning....that is still a great memory!<br />
<br />
I have just ordered 2 calendars from <a href="http://www.alimentsangegardien.com/guardianangelfoods/">Guardian Angel Foods</a> and I can't wait for them to arrive! The shipping charges are reasonable (they come from Quebec) and will ship within Canada. Not sure about the U.S... Check out their site and see all the great stuff they have cooking there:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alimentsangegardien.com/guardianangelfoods/food-allergies/productdetails.php?produit=38"> GUARDIAN ANGEL FOODS</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Love the slogan: "May Contain Traces of ....happiness").</div><br />
I bought one for my son as well so that they both have the same (sibling rivalry and all) and for safety reasons so that I don't have to worry about them getting mixed up!<br />
<br />
Well that's my first gift of the season! :)<br />
<br />
Melissa<br />
The Allergy Mom<br />
<br />
P.S. Check this out! Blue Bear Aware has a special promotion on right now: Buy anything from Blue Bear Aware for $45 or more and you can purchase one of these Allergy Safe Advent Calendars for only $1.99!<br />
<br />
Here's a copy of their ad from their <a href="http://kidsallergies.blogspot.com/">blog</a>:<br />
<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://kidsallergies.blogspot.com/2010/11/chocolate-advent-calendars-have-arrived.html">Chocolate Advent Calendars have arrived!</a> </h3><div class="post-header"></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535469162742766018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQx-SIbL1y9vrCdhPyukc4r4jNtCLMxZE0-cQL6SMBTwYtquY9p099Seesordn7sCHmPBRTzJgDhGowfo_QLO1eZZwjhRVRyj3klS3_jjpPtDaTxjwQE2ckgphilunuHvFsgu63Su5w/s200/F10-XMAS-1-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /><br />
Behind every door on your <a href="http://www.bluebearaware.com/Advent_Calendar_p/f10-xmas-1.htm" style="font-weight: bold;">Advent Calendar</a> is a peanut free, nut free, egg free and dairy free chocolate! A wonderful way to count down the Holiday Season, especially if your son or daughter has never been able to have such a calendar in the past!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: lightcyan;">When you place an order of $45.00+, purchase an advent calendar for $1.99 at <a href="http://www.bluebearaware.com/">Blue Bear Aware</a>. This offer is valid until November 8th, 2010. Place the code</span><span style="background-color: lightcyan; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"> XAC10</span><span style="background-color: lightcyan;"> in the coupon box at the check-out.</span>The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-3944723012564285322010-09-24T19:30:00.000-04:002010-09-24T19:30:47.484-04:00RAST Testing for Allergies....What's the Point?This is my rant about the RAST test....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What's the Point?!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilK-h858gVaT0gtUDr56uv1f23OUYTWqes06clHAtY_frbs5aeuCFQDBbM5_zv3mo5LjWd17ZkqlJgrw5Igo3i33ODeTDtTrP5OMsbhH9uiqjjLha5XdZfL8I4M7919ssmx3ucBC9j-ng/s1600/bloodtest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilK-h858gVaT0gtUDr56uv1f23OUYTWqes06clHAtY_frbs5aeuCFQDBbM5_zv3mo5LjWd17ZkqlJgrw5Igo3i33ODeTDtTrP5OMsbhH9uiqjjLha5XdZfL8I4M7919ssmx3ucBC9j-ng/s320/bloodtest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">When my children were diagnosed with allergies (both environmental and food allergies), these diagnoses were made with the skin test. I had heard other parents talking about their child's RAST numbers from blood testing and asked my doctor why she was not recommending these tests for my children. Her explanation was that the skin test in itself was a reliable, accurate test for allergies and the positive skin test was enough of an indication to diagnose the allergy. She explained that the RAST test would not really provide any more valuable information. Apparently, the numbers are meaningless in that they cannot predict the severity of future reactions. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Over the last year, we have been through a lot with my daughter's food allergies. A life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to almonds really shook us as a family and we were humbled by the threat that these types of allergies pose. We met with our peadiatric allergist for retesting (apparently the negative skin test to tree nuts was inaccurate)...the retest confirmed her allergy. We tried several BIE treatments through our naturopath to "clear" her allergies. I will write another post about that experience soon!.... Even skin contact causes our daughter to react and she has had hives on several occasions from touching something that was contaminated. So...at our last peadiatric allergist appointment we decided it was time to do the RAST test. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were unclear as to the severity of her allergies with the skin tests...the doctor explained that for some children with very sensitive skin and eczema, they can have false positive skin tests because their skin simply over-reacts. Even the negative control scratch would have some reaction. Hopeful that perhaps one of her food allergies could be negative after the BIE and another year passing, I said "Let's do it". My doctor prescribed EMLA cream to numb the area prior to the blood testing. Unfortunately, the pharmacist convinced me not to use the cream because she said the bandaid type sticker that you put on with the application of the cream is actually more painful when removed than the needle would be itself. This was bad advice according to my friends who have used the cream for their children and found that they didn't even flinch when given their needle. My poor daughter found the blood test excruciating. 7 viles of blood were taken, a bill of $315 (can you believe that this is not covered by OHIP for a life-threatening condition?), and a three week wait for the results.....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHUbs2LvKcPE9l3BUldMmmIIKyhfSQXjY8-7V0OQS-2bx1YTl1bOO9ZtcWGEZOn4CxvLISi9Yh3bVZhjlC6Nnh3bqHD-e6iNlbgIxkhS36jnIWMKmq5QusGL3YeblPu8juEIMvsvKA4Q/s1600/Waiting+for+phone+to+ring1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHUbs2LvKcPE9l3BUldMmmIIKyhfSQXjY8-7V0OQS-2bx1YTl1bOO9ZtcWGEZOn4CxvLISi9Yh3bVZhjlC6Nnh3bqHD-e6iNlbgIxkhS36jnIWMKmq5QusGL3YeblPu8juEIMvsvKA4Q/s320/Waiting+for+phone+to+ring1.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, the doctor called with the results....and guess what?! They were USELESS! The test provided me with a bunch of numbers that basically mean nothing and although some foods that we believed she was allergic to came up negative, new ones that we didn't think were a problem were positive. How disappointing. My doctor explained that her numbers were considered moderate and that meant that there is a chance she can outgrow the allergies perhaps in her teens....</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Frustrated with the seemingly wasted effort and pain of getting this test performed, I googled for information regarding the results of these tests and their significance. I found a site called <a href="http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/allergy/test.html">Lab Tests Online: A Public Resource on Clinical Lab testing from the laboratory professionals who do the testing.</a> Here are some snippets of the article on RAST testing: (for the full article <a href="http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/allergy/test.html">CLICK HERE</a>)</span></span></div><blockquote><h1 class="analyte_title">Allergy Blood Testing</h1><hr class="analyte_rule" /> <div class="aka"><strong>Also known as:</strong> RAST test; Radioallergosorbent test; Allergy screen </div><div class="aka"><strong>Formal name:</strong> Allergen-specific IgE antibody test </div><h3>How is it used?</h3><div class="paragraph"> The allergen-specific IgE antibody test is a blood test used to screen for an <a href="http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/allergies.html">allergy</a> to a specific substance or substances if a person presents with <a href="javascript:%20optionsdisplay('../../../glossary/acute.html')">acute</a> or <a href="javascript:%20optionsdisplay('../../../glossary/chronic.html')">chronic</a> allergy-like symptoms. This is especially true if symptoms are recurrent and appear to be tied to triggers, such as exposures to particular foods or environments, and if other family members are known to have allergies. A variety of different types of allergy tests may be performed by exposing a person to different substances under careful medical supervision (see <a href="http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/allergy/faq.html">Common Questions</a>). The usefulness of these tests, however, can be affected by skin conditions, such as significant <a href="javascript:%20optionsdisplay('../../../glossary/dermatitis.html')">dermatitis</a> or <a href="javascript:%20optionsdisplay('../../../glossary/eczema.html')">eczema</a>, and by medications, such as histamines and some anti-depressants. With some tests there is also the potential for severe reactions, including a severe reaction that may be life-threatening. In these cases, the allergen-specific IgE antibody test may be ordered as an alternative, as it is performed on a blood sample and does not have an effect on the person being tested.</div></blockquote><blockquote> A test may also be ordered occasionally to help evaluate the effectiveness of immunotherapy or to determine whether a child has outgrown an allergy.</blockquote><blockquote><div class="paragraph"> The allergen-specific IgE antibody test may also be done to monitor immunotherapy (desensitization) or to see if a child has outgrown an allergy. It can only be used in a general way, however, as the <b>level of IgE present does not correlate to the severity of an allergic reaction, and someone who has outgrown an allergy may have a positive IgE for many years afterward. <span style="color: #990000;">So what's the point?</span></b></div></blockquote><blockquote><h3>What does the test result mean?</h3><div class="paragraph"> Negative results indicate that a person probably does not have a "true allergy," an IgE-mediated response to that specific <a href="javascript:%20optionsdisplay('../../../glossary/allergen.html')">allergen</a>, but the results of allergen-specific IgE antibody tests must always be interpreted and used with caution and the advice of the doctor. Even if an IgE test is negative, there is still a small chance that a person does have an allergy. Elevated results usually indicate an <a href="http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/allergies.html">allergy</a>, but even if the specific IgE test is positive, a person may or may not ever have an actual physical allergic reaction when exposed to that substance. The amount of specific IgE present does not necessarily predict the potential severity of a reaction. A person's clinical history and additional medically supervised allergy tests may be necessary to confirm an allergy diagnosis.<br />
</div></blockquote><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you can explain to me the point of this testing, please leave a comment to share! I would love more information!</span> </span></b> </div>The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-83709794014139838732010-09-23T17:18:00.001-04:002010-09-23T17:20:54.510-04:00Don't be scared of Hallowe'en!<b>Hallowe'en can be especially scary for parents of children with food allergies.</b> This year, you need not be afraid...check out these amazing treats for Hallowe'en. They are DAIRY, EGG, GLUTEN and NUT free!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDbIBIpE_ihU8zQMI-A2n9bO8YLBaMyfq2nq-8KCr70Wqf3Es5Us6dzo-keRdnp1F8M5ieC6gerB54bW8rkeSScMHlYEY_j5BoCfgkuCopKeFHo2cFQ3uEROVdkNxzpdFe0ZElIf9qp8/s1600/safehalloweentreats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDbIBIpE_ihU8zQMI-A2n9bO8YLBaMyfq2nq-8KCr70Wqf3Es5Us6dzo-keRdnp1F8M5ieC6gerB54bW8rkeSScMHlYEY_j5BoCfgkuCopKeFHo2cFQ3uEROVdkNxzpdFe0ZElIf9qp8/s400/safehalloweentreats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now that's not so scary is it?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1724185896"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=9526e58f22c750b09cd234943&id=a815aebcbd">Click here to find these treats online</a></div>The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-67762681715751818942010-09-23T14:18:00.002-04:002010-09-23T14:18:15.097-04:00The Environment & Our Children<div class="art-postcontent"> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Focus on the Environment and our Children</b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj29IXGr_M6GNDcDW85PIrOp2ZunPvuglImPOE4yFwCuUj55HlDGg_FtmOOBRIcIu-9ZIBvVGtNFbKtyUX3OZIr7oI-t9jXt_FgSd0AHqBtXdxrpjNPdycP3o_LD6aBWxicmoXt5Eg6k/s1600/babiesenviro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj29IXGr_M6GNDcDW85PIrOp2ZunPvuglImPOE4yFwCuUj55HlDGg_FtmOOBRIcIu-9ZIBvVGtNFbKtyUX3OZIr7oI-t9jXt_FgSd0AHqBtXdxrpjNPdycP3o_LD6aBWxicmoXt5Eg6k/s320/babiesenviro.jpg" /></a></div>We all went the best for our children -the best schools, the best doctors, the best foods...<br />
<b>As our Planet becomes more toxic, we must consider the environment where our children live and the quality of the air they breathe and the water they drink.</b><br />
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All things are interdependent....what we do has consequences. If we make positive choices, we are able to affect the future. Also, by <b>teaching our children about caring for the environment...we are influencing their actions as they grow into decision-making, independent adults.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOUFkstHJMmCYXxkJhACC4Y0Z0CKFP7qMlyL8braGbpF5n-EGsSX1NxdQvnzgzfzXZRam8e4a9rlQ-QojcFyAg685Wwg3Kavcomx3kXNRmDSDLA9eldzJaYk3ADJuKA7w6x9KFnYUq4w/s1600/woman_reading_ingredient_label_on_cleaner_bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOUFkstHJMmCYXxkJhACC4Y0Z0CKFP7qMlyL8braGbpF5n-EGsSX1NxdQvnzgzfzXZRam8e4a9rlQ-QojcFyAg685Wwg3Kavcomx3kXNRmDSDLA9eldzJaYk3ADJuKA7w6x9KFnYUq4w/s320/woman_reading_ingredient_label_on_cleaner_bottle.jpg" /></a></div>There are more than a billion households on earth. <b>Homes surpass industry in how they contribute to water pollution</b>. T<b>he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3x more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air. </b>In the last 50 years, over 80 000 new chemicals have been produced and the majority of them have not been tested for their long-term impact. A consumer product safety commission study in the U.S. found that <b>150 chemicals found in the average home are linked to allergies, birth defects, cancers, psychological abnormalities, etc.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EYaB78pV8E9YE5nOAMuZM4TzgptereJ73xMl-dnvqoK0iOXfU4rlmuUUENftgapoRWyUUMgsRPoTTo3rNbWizO86QwgEGKjvA86ye4ybRPACdKUBqiwGk_wPEcKZaaO2TKFCfFZEAw0/s1600/babyincupboardchemicals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EYaB78pV8E9YE5nOAMuZM4TzgptereJ73xMl-dnvqoK0iOXfU4rlmuUUENftgapoRWyUUMgsRPoTTo3rNbWizO86QwgEGKjvA86ye4ybRPACdKUBqiwGk_wPEcKZaaO2TKFCfFZEAw0/s320/babyincupboardchemicals.jpg" /></a></div>Toxins that enter our environment are ravaging our lives -and even more so the lives of our children.<br />
<b>Because children are smaller and still developing, they are far more vulnerable to toxic exposure than adults.</b><br />
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Knowing that Norwex offers a healthier alternative for cleaning and knowing that children mimic every action... has led to the development of the new Norwex kids line!<br />
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<b>Kids love to help out and now you can provide them with their own cleaning tools that are safe and non-toxic. With Norwex, it is actually safe and educational to let your child touch the cleaning supplies!</b><br />
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<b>When you share your passion for chemical-free cleaning with your children, you are teaching them about making educated decisions as a future consumer, how to protect the environment and how to make decisions that affect health and well-being.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXW9TbizLXQhWr_gRKCNGDqJh2PnZgJA0gSGVQofFIHKDgeZWjVsnuoomv0hmUsnZ6B_NdHt-2PoflFNB3TXkV58Fqcns6CLrRpkv_0e2i5uNWV7n9yumWSm9DbyklP_T9gOR_iCYBYM/s1600/environmental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXW9TbizLXQhWr_gRKCNGDqJh2PnZgJA0gSGVQofFIHKDgeZWjVsnuoomv0hmUsnZ6B_NdHt-2PoflFNB3TXkV58Fqcns6CLrRpkv_0e2i5uNWV7n9yumWSm9DbyklP_T9gOR_iCYBYM/s320/environmental.jpg" /></a></div>Our mission to save the planet can start with children by offering kid-focused products. This early focus will teach them to grow up cleaning without chemicals. Cleaning with microfiber and water is how you clean.<br />
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Happy Cleaning!<br />
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The Allergy Mom </div>The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-42877138457227129862010-09-23T14:08:00.000-04:002017-04-23T00:00:49.456-04:00Is My Apple Washed?<h2 class="art-postheader">
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<a href="http://allergyfreecleaning.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=119" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh2IcvtJHNT59RzJHR6s8HU6EIfNOUVv1xI6RWFBYLFNcwAesHCaD9NzeMcINcpVAJqmdVZWmjyIV-hbE9vL86fb-AvTfqFe5UxO5ESQOw7Hyrnyqfkjl960UR_wiM1jM0fvrUVI4EAc/s320/Fruit-and-veggie-cloth.jpg" /></a></div>
Fruits and vegetables are sprayed with toxic chemicals to protect them from pests and fungal attacks. <b>They are <u>coated</u></b> with a wax/oil to prevent the produce from decaying and to preserve the quality and appearance of the produce during transportation. This waxy layer is also a host for microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Also of note for persons with food allergies...the wax that is used on fruit may contain SOY or MILK ingredients. <br />
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The Norwex Veggie cloth is back! It has a rough side for scrubbing and smooth side for polishing. It cleans the dirt off potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and debris from fruits and vegetables. This cloth has been scientifically proven to remove the coating and nasties from your fruit and veggies!<br />
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<a href="http://allergyfreecleaning.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=52" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVVVwTP1nGoe0N9utBt513gyelq_KO_hTQUoyjx8n2K5LszWOKhq9ysodkMjKur23vgDc-2jtQR0W1XNjXeA-1Zl24cf0GOYXdcovVpTuwa6SwPcvIkt2pHGplWtN03CfImscbdE4Gw8/s320/fresh-wash.jpg" /></a></div>
Norwex also offers a Fruit and Veggie Wash called Fresh Wash. This specifically formulated fruit and veggie wash is a safe, effective alternative for cleaning fruit and vegetables. This product will also protect fruit from damage during storage or transport and extends produce shelf life by 2 to 3 times. To use: Mix one capful in 500 ml of water, soak your fruits or veggies for 5-10 minutes, rinse well and enjoy!<br />
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Want these products? Check out my Norwex website: <a href="http://melissascheichl.norwex.biz/" target="_blank">http://melissascheichl.norwex.biz </a><br />
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Check out the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's information on their<br />
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<a href="http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/microchem/resid/reside.shtml"><span style="font-size: small;">Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Chemical Residue Sampling Program.</span></a></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now go and enjoy the wonderful Fall season and pick some apples!</span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sincerely,</span></h1>
<h1 class="alignCenter" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Allergy Mom</span></h1>
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The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272219344331115269.post-68092464933208986472010-09-18T17:16:00.003-04:002017-04-22T23:58:57.669-04:00Fall Cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_OgsyHfvVWTK_lfxVSG7bWSb97AQJuMYRt-RqZf_YsdCVu7ZGJn2NQbxP0z5uKZ7eYrPDBMMBquavoSjuSCvY2IanVbghMJQcQM5qhU9tkK_9MmdrFvK0KKCXX-8_tFN7tGoc1_LD8Y/s1600/fallleaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_OgsyHfvVWTK_lfxVSG7bWSb97AQJuMYRt-RqZf_YsdCVu7ZGJn2NQbxP0z5uKZ7eYrPDBMMBquavoSjuSCvY2IanVbghMJQcQM5qhU9tkK_9MmdrFvK0KKCXX-8_tFN7tGoc1_LD8Y/s200/fallleaves.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Did you know there is such a thing as </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">"Fall Cleaning?"</span> </div>
.... it seems that with the change of seasons we are inspired to refresh our spaces and clean house! I personally am feeling the itch to get out my Autumn decorations and put away the Summer clothes, shoes and toys.<br />
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Have you ever heard of Norwex? I am a huge fan of their chemical-free, non-toxic, natural cleaning products. If you are a fan or have been wanting to try Green cleaning without chemicals, this is a great time to try it out! Check out my norwex website at: <a href="http://melissascheichl.norwex.biz/">http://melissascheichl.norwex.biz</a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOhWO4l812cY-WsBclBbvVN9y4w-oLp8eLA5lOU5CXRyUmKHR7pADM7xyl3pTd7QZepjLbE1EDa0oL9mDpdIk6sKIer38-e8dVIChuBQnct3I_rQKHm3gr3-6RPI_Hp-c8C9ZQQ3mkHA/s400/chemicalcleaners.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional chemical cleaning products are expensive, TOXIC and less effective than Norwex</td></tr>
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I was very excited and proud to see the interest in Norwex at my friend Carrie's "<b>Women's Expo</b>" that she hosted last week. As always, Carrie threw a great event with fun, prizes and of course yummy nibblies and bevies! Thanks Carrie! Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a salesperson and my approach as a Norwex consultant has always been as a teacher to share my love and passion for <b>chemical-free and allergy-free living.</b> Carrie's event was great because the guests were so interested in Norwex and had heard of it before.<br />
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The word is out....<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Norwex rocks!!!</b></span> </div>
The hot items were the mop (if you have hardwood floors you will LOVE the mop!), the Fall Dishpack (which I am recommending as a teacher gift for Christmas this year because it is such a great deal! and great bang for the buck), and the Fall Cleaning Pack (my favourite!).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interested in FREE NORWEX?</span></b> </div>
Host a party! A Norwex party is simple to organize and it is a lot of fun! My friend Carrie earned all of these items FREE for having me at her Women's Expo: <br />
<ul>
<li>1 Makeup Removal Package <br />
</li>
<li>1 Car Wash Mitt </li>
<li> 1 Spirisponge </li>
<li>1 Washing Net</li>
<li> 1 Grey Kitchen Scrub Cloth</li>
<li> 1 Superior Cloth (Green/Blue) 40cm x 40cm </li>
<li>1 Travel Pack, antibac enviro cloths(set of 4) <br />
</li>
<li>1 Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent </li>
</ul>
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She also earned a credit of over $50 to buy anything she wants from Norwex! Don't have time to host a party? Have a <b>Virtual Party</b>! You can bring a catalogue and order forms to work, when you visit family or friends, or advertise on your Facebook page and email, etc., and any orders you receive will allow you to earn FREE NORWEX products and Norwex credit!<br />
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Please contact me if you are interested in finding out how you can host a real or virtual party!</div>
The Allergy Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14860359282456404944noreply@blogger.com0