Allergy Kidz Ware

My husband and I, like most first-time parents, welcomed our son Zachary into the world with great joy and excitement. As all first time parents you begin this journey in blind faith that the people you encounter and the advice you gather will be supportive and accurate.

Zachary was exclusively breastfed for the first 4 months. He had reflux and could only consume small quantities, which meant frequent feedings. This didn't overly concern anyone because he was thriving and happy. With the advice of the local baby clinic we started introducing solids and continued breastfeeding. As time went on Zachary loved food and consumed everything and anything, however the folds of his skin and his cheeks seem to be very red, raw and eventually raised, cracking and weeping. It was obvious something was wrong because not only was he showing signs of eczema he was very unsettled. I found myself at my local GP begging for a solution or some type of answer and all I got was "it's eczema and it's just something you'll have to live with". I went away many times knowing in my heart something wasn't right. My GP eventually referred me to a skin specialist who also dismissed my concerns and gave me a pile of steroid creams. Prior to my visit with the skin specialist I kept a food diary because I could tell that some days were worse for Zachary and I had a "gut" feeling it could be the food. These doctors are the people you hope will steer you in the right direction however it was good ol' fashion Mother's intuition that saved our son, and encouragement from our local baby clinic to keep persevering.   more.

Hidden Triggers on Kiddie Rides Make Fun Parks, No Fun!

Just got back from taking the kids on a weekend getaway, which went relatively smoothly considering we were in unknown lands, away from our tried and true, safe eating establishments. I did go out of my way to prepare meals myself just to ease my own anxiety.

But I was caught unaware! On our way out of town, we stopped to let the kids enjoy the kiddie amusement park, with toddler-sized rides. They were having so much fun that I noticed but didn't think much of the fact that Tanner started itching. On the five hour drive home, his skin got progressively worse. Every spot he touched with his hands became itchy enough for him to scratch until he bled. After about an hour or so of screaming, he cried himself into a fitful sleep. I was so distressed by his discomfort that I couldn't even think about a possible cause.

After an Aveeno bath and bedtime, my husband and I reviewed the day and he asked, "Do you think there was an allergen on those rides?" I had a flashback to the day at the park when the kids were practically smearing peanut butter on the playground equipment! Why didn't I think to wipe his hands?! If the thought had occurred to me, I would have wiped them after every ride! Of course, there's no proving that this is actually what happened but I did beat myself up about it for awhile.

Lesson learned... don't leave home without the wipes!

Ria Sharon  www.checkmytag.com

Peanut Allergies by Brenaya Hewlett

“May contain traces of peanuts” “Made in a facility that also processes peanuts.” These are two sentences I hate the most.” The one sentence I love the most, “made in a peanut free facility” Chairperson, honourable judges, ladies and gentlemen and fellow students. (as presented at her school) I’m going to share with you how a person gets an allergy, what anaphylaxis is and how challenging it is to live with a peanut allergy. Do you like peanuts? Well I sure don’t because to me, they are criminals. more.

Chris shares her stories traveling and eatting out with a child with peanuyt allergies. Follow her adventures arownd her own State then in to Niagara Falls and Toronto Ontario
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From Halloween with allergies to favorite holiday

Since the age of 8 months old Faith has had deadly food allergies. As she began speaking she learned to tell others certain things like, "milk and eggs make me sick". Faith has always had such a spirit about her. I remember her first Halloween out at 2 years old. She was given a snickers bar by a fellow Candy giver and she said so politely, THAAAAAAAAAAAAANK YOUUUUUUUUUU... that makes me sick! I was appalled. Much to my surprise, the elderly lady and her husband said, what makes you sick? Faith replied MILK and EGGS. The man and woman looked at each other, amazed by this little SNOW WHITE with such knowledge in her little brain and said, wait right here. They walked back into there kitchen, picked a banana and apple and came back to the door. I was standing there, just amazed, Faith was so nonchalant about this horrible burden I saw in her life. She couldn't even enjoy Halloween, I thought. Saddened, and getting ready to comfort Faith, they couple said do these make you sick? Faith replied no I LOVE THOSE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. They proceeded to place the fruit in her bag. I was just side swiped by this event, as well as so VERY appreciative. The couple closed the door, Faith looked up at me and said this is the best Halloween EVER. We proceeded around the neighborhood to continue our night. Went home, cut up the banana and apple and all laughed about what a fun Halloween this turned out to be.

Here is the kicker. By the following year, everyone in the neighborhood new about Faith. As Halloween approached, neighbors proceeded to call us one by one to ask, What can we have here for Faith? I gave them the list of Faith friendly candies...Starburst, Skittles, ect. This Halloween was also very special! We only went to the houses of Neighbors EXPECTING Faith. That night ended with Faith saying, "see Mommy, everyone knows I have allergies. They all love me so much."

Halloween for us has become very special. IT IS FAITH'S FAVORITE HOLIDAY. We are now living in a new community and we have gone to the neighbors explaining Faith's situation. We will deliver, just about 1 hour prior to taking Faith out, her SPECIAL candy sealed in packs to those houses we know. We mark the candy Faith friendly with a sticker. Then come Halloween trick or treat time, she feels just like all the other kids.

Faith's allergies have become a huge source of pride for her. She truly believes she is here to change the world and what they know about food allergies.

Linda Hall www.faithfriendlyworld.com  web site.

AllergiK ID Now Stat Kids

My son went off to camp for the first time last summer just after his second birthday. I provided his camp counselor with two Epi-Pens®, Benadryl®, dosing information and an Emergency Action Plan. We discussed the symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction and practiced using the Epi-Pen® trainer. I supplied safe snacks for the times questionable snacks or bakery items were brought into the room, and asked that a note be sent home with the other campers to let them know there was a peanut and tree nut allergic child in the bunk (one of three, as it turned out).

A few weeks into camp, I walked my son to his bunk and his counselor, by chance, mentioned that they would be making trail mix. I was astonished that after all the preventive steps I had taken, it was all worthless. He would have experienced hives and vomiting at best. At worst, he could have gone into anaphylactic shock. more.