Peanut Allergy Kid

Posting Will Resume...and I Will Announce a Winner Soon!

2010-03-10T16:46:00.002-05:00

Hi fellow PA moms. Terribly sorry about the MIA. Between starting a freelance writing business and some health problems, this blog has been inadvertently put on the back burner. I will post a winner of the giveaway tomorrow and am starting a new series called "Taking Care of PA Mom." Once I share my heart, many of you will understand why I occasionally disappear from the blog.

Oatmeal Baths for Eczema

2010-02-15T11:03:00.004-05:00

After I wrote a whole series on getting rid of eczema, it made an ugly return to our home in the last few months. Just like any battle, you win some and you lose some. But we are experimenting with a new, natural treatment that seems to be very working.

Allergic dermatitis and eczema can be treated with a simple oatmeal bath recipe that can be made at home.

Oatmeal’s health benefits in a diet are well known. Incredibly, oatmeal is just as good for your skin as it is as a hearty breakfast. With this simple home remedy that can easily made for just pennies, allergic dermatitis and eczema flare-ups can be quickly treated with the simple act of taking a bath...

For the rest this article I wrote, check out: Oatmeal Bath Recipe For Allergic Dermatitis: A Treatment for Eczema

Two Peanut Allergy Kids?!?!

2010-02-11T07:30:00.001-05:00

Having a child with a peanut allergy kid can be overwhelming. Having two, well, I just can't even comprehend the level of anxiety that would bring.

Two weeks ago I thought I just might have two of them.

Despite the fact our church is peanut free, someone (who obviously was not aware of the policy) brought peanut butter candy to church and put it candy bowls all over the church. (Yes, I heard a few of you gasp. Trust me, I did, too!)

I have diligently trained Tyler over the years to never take candy without asking. Now that he is 5, he does not.

My younger child, Dylan, is 3. I had him allergy tested last year and his tests came back negative. But the peanut butter candy was there. And he ate it. The nursery worker who was caring for him was terrified when she saw the peanut butter in the middle. She is well-trained on EpiPens due to food allergies in her own family and was prepared.

By the time I arrived, there had been no reaction. I felt relieved. I was glad I did not know it was happening when it was happening. And I was glad there was no reaction. Yeah!

Nine hours later, Dylan broke out in a mysterious rash. I wondered if a reaction could be that delayed. I knew it would be unusual but nut allergies do not follow a text book example.

I took Dylan back in for allergy testing. The poor child had to go through the "back pricking" twice in a year.

I was thrilled there was, again, no reaction. Our allergist is very cautious. He also did blood work so he felt completely confident there was no allergy. Those tests also came back negative.

In the end, I only have one child with a peanut allergy. You can bet we have been doing the "happy dance" over that one!

Staying Organized for a Food Allergy Mom & a Giveaway!

2010-02-07T21:23:00.003-05:00

Few things can prepare you for what it will be like when you child is diagnosed with a life-threatening food allergy. Your mind whirls around, wondering how you will ever manage to keep your child safe.

For me the most important thing (besides checking food labels and other related issues) is staying organized. This does a few things for me:

It helps me know what is coming up and when I need to have food alternatives.

Exactly what safe foods I have in my pantry and in my deep freeze for those last minute frantic food needs.

It gives me a feeling of control in a sometimes seemingly uncontrollable situation.

Each week, I examine my calendar of what is coming up and make a list of all that needs to get accomplished in the upcoming week. Although I won't go into all the details here, I have a pretty elaborate (also a little neurotic) system that I use to keep up with my fast paced life.

So what do I use for to stay on top of things so that I make sure that I am always prepared and able to keep Tyler safe?

Carolina Pad products! If you have never heard of them, be prepared to fall in love (as much as you can with paper products!).

They have several lines of products like notebooks, planners, binders, post-it notes, and just about everything else you can imagine that all coordinate together. They are feminine (a big deal for me since I live with all men!) and so functional.

Did I mention that I love this company??

In most areas of my life, I am very frugal. I buy most of my clothes second hand. I buy in bulk when possible and buy generics.

But...when it comes to staying organized, I only use this one brand. In fact, for Christmas my husband, who is fully aware of my crazy obsession with this company went on Amazon and bought several of their products in bulk for me. I was doing back flips when I got them and happily showed him how they matched so many of my other products. (And, he lovingly rolled his eyes!).

So, you can imagine my total excitement when the company asked me to share my experiences with their products in exchange for some samples from their new product lines and to give away some products to my readers!!

One lucky reader will receive the following fabulous products (the picture above is what the reader will receive):

"Ideal Portfolio" (This is what I use to list my weekly goals and other upcoming events)

100 sheet notebook (I use this for my day to day "To Do" list)

100 sheet composition book

Daily Notes Desk Calendar (one year's worth of weekly planning sheets)

Ultra thin calculator (polka dots...my favorite!!)

Card case (looks like a billfold but holds 24 business cards)

Stick on Notes and Flags (similar to Post-It's but waaaaay cuter!)

Do you struggle with staying organized so that you are prepared for whatever your child's food allergy throws your way? If not, this package is for you! Trust me, organization is key on keeping you child safe and keeping your own anxiety levels low.

If you would like to win the fabulous package above, just leave a comment. If you wish, tell us what you most challenging part of staying organized as it relates to your child's peanut allergy.

If you like Carolina Products, please join their Facebook group and follow them on Twitter.

Good luck!! The giveaway will end on February 17 at 7 a.m. EST. Please leave your email address in your comment so I know where to contact the winner.

February 4, 2010 edition of Living with Food Allergies Carnival

2010-02-04T09:35:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the February 4, 2010 edition of living with food allergies carnival.

Food Allergy News, Info and Commentaries

Kim, The Food Allergy Coach presents Interview with Allergy Author, Nicolette Dumke, Part 1 posted at The Food Allergy Coach, saying, "Author Nicolette Demke discusses her background and her best advice for people new to food allergies."

Kim, The Food Allergy Coach presents Interview with Allergy Author, Nicolette Dumke, Part 2 posted at The Food Allergy Coach, saying, "In Part 2 of the interview, Nicolette shares 3 recipes from her latest book in addition to hints about what she's working on next."

Food Allergy Assistant presents Food and Food Allergy Resources posted at Food Allergy Assistant, saying, "There are so many great resources on the internet related to food issues, including food allergies."

hall monitor presents Suit says teacher tried to sicken allergic boy posted at DetentionSlip.org, saying, "A teacher attempts to give a student peanuts to make him sick."

Dona Young presents Food Allergies and Birthday Parties posted at Allergy Kid Mom.

Lissa presents Focus Group on SLIT posted at Raising Food Allergic Kids!.

Lissa presents "Half Dead" posted at Raising Food Allergic Kids!.

Aly Co presents Allergy Dining (Food Allergies & Anxiety) posted at Allergy Dining, saying, "We'd love for you to share our new website at www.AllerDine.com"

Susan Weissman presents Susan Weissman: A Relucant Foodie Puzzles Out Peanut Butter And Jelly posted at The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com.

chupieandjsmama presents Food allergies, Epi pens and the school bus - WEGO Health posted at Janeen's Blog - WEGO Health.

chupieandjsmama presents Dr. Oz talked about food allergies today posted at Our Story.

Aaron Dwyer presents Back to School with Anaphylaxis – Episode #25 posted at Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Information - Blog.

Edwin Casimero presents Principles of natural eczema treatment posted at Eczema and Psoriasis Cure Blog.

Ruth Smith presents Support FAAN Walk & Receive Free Advertising posted at Best Allergy Sites, saying, "Please consider making a small donation to support the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and Best Allergy Sites in the FAAN "Walk Towards a Cure"."

Maria Hardy presents Get The Map Out - The Indigo Girls (Taking Opportunities Part 2) posted at Allergy Life in Loudoun.

Food Allergy Friendly Recipes and Cooking Tips

leah aharoni presents Non-dairy calcium recipes « Ingathered posted at Ingathered.

Chris Mathew presents How To Grow Morel Mushrooms Indoors posted at How To Grow Mushrooms, saying, "Learn how to grow mushrooms at home, indoors or outdoors. Mushrooms are a great sources of nutrition for people with food allergies!"

Kim, The Food Allergy Coach presents Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies - free from the top 8 allergens, corn, refined sugar, and gluten! posted at The Food Allergy Coach, saying, "These cookies are free of the top 8 allergens, corn, refined sugar, and gluten...and are very yummy!"

OCMomActivities presents Awesome Peanut Butter Substitute! posted at OC Mom's Activity Guide, saying, "Thanks for reading! I know a number of people who live with Peanut Allergies, so this very recent post was a huge find for us!!!"

Annette Berlin presents Crustless Broccoli and Cauliflower Quiche posted at Craft Stew, saying, "This delicious and healthy pie doesn't have even a speck of flour!"

Shaunta Alburger presents Goal Met: GF Baking Without a Mix (sort of) « Live Once, Juicy posted at Live Once Juicy, saying, "This is an article about tackling gluten-free baking without a mix."

Alice presents Yellow Chicken in Red Sauce (Indian) (egg-, fish-, milk-, nut-, peanut-, shellfish-, soy-, and wheat-free) posted at Safe and Yummy, saying, "This is a recipe for a truly yummy Indian chicken dish that my friend Jenn made for us a week or so ago."

Sure Foods Living presents Make a gluten-free Valentine pizza! posted at Sure Foods Living - for celiac disease, gluten intolerance, food allergies, peanut allergy, nut allergy, gluten-free diet, gfcf diet, dairy-free, egg-free, soy free or other allergen-free living.

Ruth Smith presents Rich and Delicious Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Recipe | Your Food Allergy Resource Guide: Best Allergy Sites posted at Best Allergy Sites, saying, "This flourless chocolate cake is to die for and a great dessert for Valentine's day."

Food Allergy Assistant presents Nut Free Chocolate for Valentine's Day posted at Food Allergy Assistant, saying, "Time to order Valentine's Day chocolates. Check out these options for nut free and other allergen free choices."

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of living with food allergies carnival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

PA Kid Update: Pneumona & Ashtma

2010-02-02T08:54:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much for the emails and concerns for Tyler's pneumonia. He is recovering well. One surprising development is the fact, at least temporarily, Tyler has developed asthma.

We have purchased a nebulizer and have been giving breathing treatments. Many food allergy kids deal with the "triangle" of food allergies. This includes 1.) food allergies 2.) eczema 3.) asthma. I have always felt lucky that we only had two of the corners of that triangle. For now, we are dealing with all three corners.

I am thankful that Tyler is 5 when we started dealing with the asthma. This was all new to him but he has adjusted well. I can explain things to him and reason with him. I feel bad for parents that deal with asthma and a young child.

We are headed to the allergist in a few hours. At this point, we have dealt with the pediatrician. Yesterday our allergist called about some allergy issues with my youngest child (more on that coming soon) and I told him what was happening with Tyler's lungs. He wanted to see him today. (BTW, an allergist like ours, one that actually calls you and you have a personal relationship with is so important when dealing with food allergies and all that go with it. If you don't like your allergist - find a new one!).

I have some exciting posts coming up later this week. I will be introducing some video elements to this blog, too. This means I will be speaking with you face to face some days and not just communicating through writing.

I also have an exciting giveaway coming on Friday. I am sooo excited about this one. The value of the giveaway is around $75. This company is partnering with me so I can show you how I manage food allergies with ordinary products to stay on top of my hectic life and keep Tyler safe. Did I mention how excited I am about sharing this with you guys??

Stay tuned this week for some "catch up" posts from me about allergy-related things have been happening with my family. I will also keep you posted about the asthma developments. If this condition sticks around, I will follow our progress as we adjust to a new aspect of allergy life.

The PA Kid & Pneumonia

2010-01-25T13:36:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know why I am M.I.A. The PA Kid has pneumonia!!

While he is not asthmatic, I do think Tyler's allergies and eczema compromise his immune system. As a result, the winter months are a real struggle for him. It is amazing how pneumonia totally knocks a 5 year old off of his feet!

We are in excellent hands and have amazingly avoided the hospital. He is recovering and I should be back blogging regularly by week's end. I've got lots to share, just no time to write.

Thanks for your patience!

A Taste of the Forbidden

2010-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Last month I found out that my Grandma in Oklahoma was near death. As quickly as I could, I hopped on a plane and traveled home to be with my family. It was a long trip and I barley ate anything that day.

Sitting in the waiting room of the hospital that day, my family offered me some food that someone gave them. Quickly, I eyed a can of mixed nuts. I have a radar for nuts. This time, however, it dawned on me that I would not see any nut allergic people (Tyler and my husband) for 3 days.

Could nut residue last that long?

I knew it would be silly to think that what I ate that day could have any affect on people in Michigan! (I was in Oklahoma remember!)

So I laughed and took a few nuts. Some family members knew of my problem with nuts. Others had not seen me since Tyler's birth and had no clue.

As I ate those nuts I realized I had forgotten just how good they were! So I ate more. And more. And even more!

They were so good!

By the end of that day, everyone knew my story about nuts. It became a family joke: Pass the nuts to Robyn!

And, boy, did they ever!

I ate so many nut products I'm pretty sure I gained 10 pounds in 3 days!

Here is what I ate...and enjoyed every bite!

*Mixed nuts
*Pecan pie
*Nutter butter cookies (one of my former favorite cookies. Yummy!!)
*Peanut M&M's
*Chocolate covered peanuts
*Roasted peanuts
*Chocolate almonds

Here is a picture of me with several of the nut products I ate. Included in the picture are the family nuts: my dad and uncle!

OK, 'fess up. Who else has done this sort of thing!

THe PA Kid Turns 5!!

2010-01-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

Tyler and his dad

Tap...tap..tap...

Is anyone still out there?

Good, glad to know you are out there! You might have noticed I was M.I.A. here lately!

In the last month, I've had tons going on! My grandma passed away, I had a nasty cold, a headache that lasted 2 weeks (yes, it was awful!) and two people in my home had a birthday! Oh, yes, and there was a little something called "Christmas and "New Year's!"

Of everything that was going on lately, one of the positive things (or sad, if you are his Mommy!) is that Tyler, a.k.a. "The Peanut Allergy Kid" turned 5!

It is hard to believe all that the last 5 years has brought into my life. When he was born, I worried just about the fact he was my first child and I wasn't sure if I knew how to be a mom. Now, I have become a food allergy mom and it has actually been a journey I have mostly enjoyed (except something that involved peanut butter and the ER).

Last year for Tyler's birthday, I gave you a little more personal information about who he is. Really, not a lot of those things have changed. This year, I want to celebrate by sharing how much he has grown in his own food allergy awareness in the last year.

*Tyler now asks before he eats ANYTHING out of the home if it is "safe." If you are newly diagnosed, this comes in time. Remember he's 5 now and I remind him EVERY SINGLE DAY!!

*Tyler has made 2 playmates with a peanut allergy. Both moms contacted me after reading this blog. Obviously they are local. It is great to not worry about someone else "getting it" on these great play dates.

*Tyler was diagnosed with a cashew allergy in March through more skin testing. This, of course, was not a positive development. In fact, he had never even seen or heard the word "cashew" when he was diagnosed. (Can you say "nut free home??"). All it took was a quick Google search for a picture and an explanation. Enough said to him! Now he points them out in the grocery store if he sees them.

*Tyler's dad was diagnosed with nut allergies in the spring. This was certainly an "ugh!" moment for me! But, Tyler was thrilled! He was so excited when Daddy brought home his very own EpiPen. (Me?? Not so much...) Now he will tell his dad when things are safe or not. I still hate it that my husband is allergic to nuts but the bond it has created with him and Tyler has been great!

*Tyler is the only kid in his class this year with a food allergy. It's still hard for me to believe that of the 21 kids in his class, he's the only one, but he is! Last year there were several, including a little boy with a peanut allergy. He has handled himself with an incredible amount of maturity this year. After the initial shock wore off, his mom has, too!

Really, there is not a lot new to share about Tyler since I blog about most of his life regarding his peanut allergy (poor boy!) But, I still felt it important to post some milestones. I know some of you out there have much younger peanut allergy kids and feel like they will never be safe or understand their own allergy.

They will! This post is proof!

EpiPen Gets a Facelift!

2010-01-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

Guess who is sporting a new look for 2010? That's right! Our good friends over at EpiPen are rolling out a new version of that life saving shot we all love so much!

The new EpiPen design will include:

Improved needle protection to prevent needle exposure before and after use
A flip top carrying case
Blue safety cap to prevent accidental activation
Ergonomically designed grip for a firm grip

Now I will admit I never really thought the EpiPen needed much of a change in the looks department. As I wrote about loving those shots a while back, they are great. What I wish (really, really wish!) is they would make those shots withstand heat and cold. Now that would be a makeover I would really love!

But I know other peanut allergy moms out there like me don't do extremely well with change when it comes to our child's medications. Consider this your "heads up" on your next EpiPen refill...

Did You Read the Label Grandma?

2009-12-23T08:16:00.001-05:00

Welcome to "The Best of 2009!" This post was originally published on January 4, 2009

New Year's Eve something monumental happened in terms of Tyler taking more ownership of his peanut allergy. And, let me tell, nothing could make me have a happier new year!

As our family gathered that evening to indulge all the treats that saying goodbye to the previous years brings, my mother-in-law asked Tyler if he wanted a cookie. She is very, very allergy aware and has my permission to offer him food without asking me first.

When she offered him the cookie, the following conversation occurred:

"Did you read the label on these cookies, Grandma?"

"Well, Tyler, I made them from scratch. They are safe."

"Oh, thank you Grandma!"

Now, for some people, this may not sound like much, but it was better than any Christmas present I could ever receive. One of my greatest fears has always been that someone would offer him something unsafe without me around. My goal since his diagnosis nearly 3 years ago has been to have him ask the questions himself.

This didn't happen overnight, of course. We have several conversations in the course of every week of how to stay safe. One thing I always mention is asking people about the safety of a food before he eats it.

We will still continue to work diligently to train him of how to take more ownership of the allergy himself, but this was a BIG step forward for me. He, not me, asked the question!

The Best of 2009 Coming!

2009-12-22T08:55:00.002-05:00

Starting tomorrow, I will be running a "Best of 2009" series, highlighting my favorite posts from the year. If you are new to the blog, you might be seeing some of these for the first time. If you've been around all year, these are the posts that many of you liked (and commented on!) the most.

I have several new series coming in the new year that I am excited to share with, as well.

Here's hoping you have a happy and reaction free holiday!!

Your Input Needed!

2009-12-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

I'm a planner. I love having everything mapped out so I know what is coming. As a result, I am busy making a blog schedule for what this blog will cover for the first half of 2010.

Here is where you come in: What would you like this blog to cover in the next several months? It can be something simple or even a complex series of discussions. I just want to make sure I cover what you need and want to read.

The same goes for my Examiner column on allergies in general.

I will also be running a series of posts called"The best of 2009" for the last week or so of the month. Is there a post on this blog this year that you really enjoyed? Let me know and I will include it in the series. It will be fun to revisit some of our favorite posts for the year.

Thanks so much your help! Please email me or leave me a comment with ideas for future articles or to tell me about your favorite post of 2009!

photo courtesy flickr

My Writing Campaign to Raise Awareness

2009-12-16T07:15:00.000-05:00

I am on a mission! At times I am totally dumbfounded at the lack of information there is online about food allergies! Seriously, are we the only people that have allergic kids?

While I had this on my mind, I also had the desire to get back into "the work world." My dream has always been to freelance write from home while my kids were young so that I could still be the PTA mom, dropping off and picking up at school, caring for them while they were sick...well, you get the picture.

So, into my little brain popped an idea! What if I could combine raising awareness about food allergies (and really, allergies, eczema, and asthma in general) into my desire to return to work as a freelance writer?

OK, you saw this coming, didn't you? I have been applying all over the place for online jobs to be able to write about my passion. And people are actually hiring me!

I am so excited to share with you the link to a column I have been writing for a few weeks now. It is all about allergies (not just food either!).

Check out my Examiner articles here! You can subscribe via email or RSS feed just like you can here. In fact, I would love for you to do that and leave me some comments, too. I'm the new girl over there and I miss my allergy moms!

I also got a job at Suite 101. That is the site I talked about on Saturday. Check out my stuff here. I can write on anything I want to over here. You can also subscribe over there, too. If you do and you wonder if I have any interests outside of allergies, you will see that I do. (Plus, you'll find out what a nerd I am about things like organization and cooking.) You are also welcome to leave comments over there, too. I just started over there so I'm still building my content. (Another reason to subscribe.)

So, there you have it! One mom's mission to help raise awareness about allergies online!!

photo courtesy of flickr

Benadryl Strips - A Great Solution for Reactions

2009-12-15T06:30:00.000-05:00

I was listening to a local allergist speak recently that made me totally rethink the Benadryl options I tote around to keep Tyler safe.

He told us if our child has a history of vomiting during an allergic reaction that liquid Benadryl will do them no good during an allergic reaction. (because they will throw it up, of course!) I won't go into detail, but let's just say that we fall into the "vomiting during a reaction" category.

His suggestion was this form of Benadryl:

I quickly did what any good allergy mom does when she finds something that might be more effective for her allergic child: ran to my nearest drug store!

I quickly found them and love them! I'm sure you have seen things like this before. You just stick them on your tongue and they dissolve within seconds. There is no stomach absorption involved.

I also have a "big kid" with food allergies, too. (My husband!) I have been wrapping two Benadryl tablets in foil and putting them in his wallet. He complains that he can feel them in there and doesn't like them. Problem solved with our new Benadryl strips! They are as thin as paper. I just stuck two in his wallet (the equivalent of two tablets) and he does not know they are there unless he needs them.

I love solving an allergy problem this simply!

'Tis the Season to Give...Without Food

2009-12-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

Do the visions of sugar plums dancing in your child's head this holiday season send shivers down your spine? After all, what's in those "sugar plums" and what else was processed in the facility near them?

Having a child with a life-threatening food allergy can be down right scary during the holiday season. Christmas parties pose dangers that can steal any joy the season promises to offer.

This year, instead of a food-focused holiday, why not look to the true meaning of the season: giving to others?

Here are a few suggestions to keep the focus where it should be this holiday season while keeping children with food allergies safe:

Find a peanut-free food kitchen in which to serve.

Feeding the needy is such a rewarding experience; even young children can feel the joy. Even though your family or group will most likely not be eating the food, inquire about the meal before serving to ensure it does not pose any hazards to your child.

Find a service project to involve the whole family in.

Contact a local service agency or church to see if there is a project, such as making cards for the troops or quilts for the needy. Pick a project that appeals specifically to your food allergic child (as well as your entire group) and show them they can make a difference, regardless of what life-threatening food allergies they might have.

Adopt a needy family.

Families in need can be found a variety of ways, including angel trees at the local mall or at a church. Put the emphasis on providing for the needs of the family and the joy that it brings, rather than trying all the limits that the holiday brings. Helping others can take the focus off of the dangers the holidays present and all the joys that it can brings.

Sing Christmas carols at your local nursing home.

This can be done with a few members of your family or a group of children. Nothing lights up the face of an elderly person like young lungs belting out Christmas tunes! Contact the management of your local home and I think you will find they are more than willing to let your group sing to their hearts' content.

photo credit flickr

Christmas Gifts for the Food Allergic

2009-12-12T06:30:00.001-05:00

Today I am posting about food allergies on a new website I am working for!!

Gift giving can feel overwhelming when food allergies are involved, particularly when someone has more than one food allergy. Allergens can be hidden in innocent gifts such as lotions and toys. But, research and forethought can allow for a fun, personalized gift to someone, no matter what their food allergy might be...

Read the rest of the story here

Review of "Taking Food Allergies to School"

2009-12-11T06:30:00.000-05:00

As any parent of a food allergic child knows, children attending school is one of the more difficult parts. That is why I was intrigued by the book "Taking Food Allergies to School." It is written specifically for children about this issue.

Synopsis of the Story

The story is about Jeffrey, a child with multiple food allergies, including milk, peanuts, corn, strawberries, and wheat. The book opens with Jeffrey being ill from something he ate. Through this, the author describes Jeffrey's symptoms, including breathing problems, a stomach ache, and hives.

The authors stresses the fact that Jeffrey is "just like every other kid" since he play sports and other fun activities. Jeffrey, however, does have food allergies. From this, the author goes into a rather detailed explanation of an allergic reaction on a level that a child (depending on their maturity level) would most likely be able to understand on an elementary level.

The the story continues with how Jeffrey stays safe at school, including calling home if he is unsure of the safety of a food.

At the end of the book there are several bonus features:

A pizza recipe that is free of several allergens.
A quiz for students to take to help reinforce their food allergy knowledge after hearing the story
10 tips for teachers to help further their food allergy knowledge

My Analysis

First, I will say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The story itself is not spectacular. However, the extra information the book provides is.

I really enjoyed the detailed explanation of what happens during an allergic reaction. There were terms like "mast cells" and "histamine" that are the correct terminology.

The book is listed as a target age of 5-10 years. At first, I thought it might be a little deep for Tyler (he will be 5 next month) but, on second thought, he is a very aware kid. He asks intelligent questions all the time about health issues and about his peanut allergy. Giving him terms and a more detailed explanation in a language that he can relate to might not be a bad thing.

The other thing I really enjoyed was the bonus features at the end. The pizza recipe did not look outstanding but is a great starting point for people that have never been introduced to food allergies.

The quiz for kids was very good. If this was read to a classroom of kids, it would be a great tool for reinforcement about the new information they just learned.

The information for the teacher was also good. Even though I think a lot of teachers are more aware of these things than they were even a few years ago, I am often shocked at stories I hear of how some don't get it in the least. The culprit is probably a lack of education.

My Recommendation?

This book is certainly worth buying. I think having several food allergy books in the library of a child with a peanut allergy is important.

I think this book would also be a great donation to your peanut allergy kid's classroom. It is a way to educate the whole class without being "the mean food allergy mom."

For the Love of the Epi Pen

2009-12-09T15:16:00.012-05:00

It seems like when you have young children everywhere you turn some product or brand is competing for their attention. As a parent, I have deliberately guarded the things to which I let my children be exposed.

It's inevitable, though, in today's society that something will capture their attention and imagination. It is just the world live in today.

In our home, one thing that is adored is an Epi Pen!

An Epi Pen has accompanied Tyler everywhere he has gone since he was 13 months old. Since its arrival in our home nearly four years ago, we have made many memories. Some good and some bad. But all of them have been with an Epi Pen within arm's reach.

So it should have come as no shock to me that Tyler has grown to love it as dearly as some as of his favorite cartoon characters.

And, really, the company has done a great job of marketing to my family. Between our charity work with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and my role as a support group leader in the Detroit area, our family has been on the receiving end of a few promotional products from the company.

But, Tyler's love of the product and the logo itself still baffles me!

At our last appointment with our allergist, Tyler noticed one of the logos in his office. He got terribly excited, saying "Look Mommy, Epi Pens! I love Epi Pens!"

The nurse got quite a kick out of it and gave him a new holder for his Epi Pens. As you might have guessed, it has the logo. And, as you also might have guessed, it is very, very loved by Tyler.

But I like this thing, too. Check it out the inside that holds all of his allergy "stuff."

My favorite part is the hook there on the side. I just clip it on my purse and it doesn't actually take up room inside my purse (that's prime real estate in there!)

Only in our home would Cookie Monster get a ride in an Epi Pen backpack.

And only in our home would my three-year-old (who has no food allergies) look lovingly at his brother's Epi Pens and ask me, "Mommy, where are my Epi's?"

(The picture below is Dylan sporting Tyler's old medical alert bracelet around the house. I call it ""Medical Alert Bracelet Envy." And, yes, only in our house!)

I told Dylan he did not need Epi Pens and that fact was a very good thing. But he still seemed sad. He does, however also have 2 Epi Pen shirts just like Tyler. They come down to his knees (he sleeps in one with sweatpants) but he loves it just like Tyler does.

And, when I think about, I love those little annoying "I wish I didn't have to lug these things around" shots. Because they are about much more than just a fun brand from which we get promotional items. Those two shots could save Tyler's life.

Come to think of it, I think I love those shots, too!

Note to the Epi Pen company: If you are giving away promotional laptops or cookware, this food allergy mom is accepting!! I promise you will not hear one word of complaint. That is, of course, unless Cookie Monster insists on taking a ride in them...

N-Style ID Sale - Great Gift Idea!!

2009-12-08T08:30:00.004-05:00

Its not secret that I love N-Style ID for your medical alert bracelet needs. If you missed my recent review of this company, click here. That's why I had to let you know about an amazing holiday sale they are having!!

From now until December 15, they are having a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE sale on children's medical bracelets! When you purchase one of their children's jelly bands or ultra-light children's band and an ID, you get another bracelet free. This is a great deal because their ID's are interchangeable with different bracelets. We have two that we switch Tyler's ID with. I love that part!

Plus, they will send you a free gift box with any order placed until December 15, too.

One other sale they are having on adult bands is a FREE stainless steel link bracelet when you purchase a leather or beaded bracelet and an ID.

This sale (as far as I can tell) is not advertised on their website. But I spoke with the company yesterday and they said it is available to my readers. If you have trouble with this sale showing up on your order, email the company and tell them you are a reader of Peanut Allergy Kid. (They usually answer email within an hour.) If you are still having trouble, contact me and I will help you.

These bracelets make great gifts for any peanut allergy kid!!

Join Us for the "Holidays with Food Allergies Twitter Party" Tonight

2009-12-04T16:39:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the "Holidays with Food Allergies Twitter Party!" The live discussion will be tonight, December 4, 2009 at 7:30pm - 8:30pm EST tonight. Feel free to jump in on the discussion using the hashtag "#foodallergy."

If you don't want to contribute but still want to eavesdrop on the conversation, you can do so on the “blidget” posted below.

If it does not live update for you, you can refresh the screen to stay live with the conversation. I may be live at the end of the conversation as we have a last minute Christmas party to attend. My user id is "thepakid."

#foodaljavascript:void(0)lergy - Twitter Searchgreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

If Twitter parties are new to you like they are to me, please check out Jennifer’s great post here.

(If you are reading this post after the conversation takes place, you should be able to still read it by scrolling through the above "blidget.)"

Holidays with Food Allergies Twitter Party Coming on Friday

2009-12-02T16:45:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be great if you could talk with people all over the country and even the world that have food allergic children like you?

Well, Friday is just your opportunity!

Jennifer at Food Allergy Buzz and Ruth at Best Allergy Sites are teaming up to have a one-of-a kind Twitter party called "Holidays with Food Allergies Twitter Party" at 8:30-9:30 p.m. Friday night.

I admit I new to Twitter but Jennifer has prepared an amazing "Twitter Party Tips" on how to participates. It is also a great guide to Twitter in general, too.

Don't use Twitter and don't want to? No problem! You can "eavesdrop" if you want. I will post (or at least attempt to!) a wonderful "blidget" that Jennifer created so that you can see the conversations unfold on my blog. All you need to do is visit my blog and read! (You will need a Twitter account if you want to participate, though.)

I know that this can seem like a lot of "techie" stuff, but its not. I promise! There will be prizes to win during the conversation and new food allergy mom friends to make.

Check back on Friday night. Watch the conversation unfold and jump in if you want. I would love to see all of you guys out there chatting with each other!

"Project: Food Allergy Friendship" Match Up Begins

2009-12-01T06:30:00.000-05:00

Remember a couple of months ago when I ran the "Project Food Allergy Friendship?" This was something I dreamed up to connect people all over the country and the world who have a child with a peanut allergy.

The response has been tremendous!!

So why did I seemingly put this on the back burner? Well, I wanted to give as many people who wanted to be a part of the project to email so I had a large group of people to connect. This means that there is a better chance of finding people in the same geographic location to connect!

I have two moms in my area who have peanut allergic boys that Tyler loves playing with. Plus, I love hanging out with another mom who deals with many of the same fears and frustrations that I do.

This weekend, I will be matching up all of the moms who have emailed me with their request to be a part of this project. If you have not done so yet and would like to, please email me at peanutallergykidATgmailDOTcom. Don't forget to include the following information:

Name:

Location:

Email address:

Food Allergies in Your Home:

What you would like in a food allergy mom friendship:

Other information you would like to share:

I will start matching up people this weekend and will notify everyone when I have a match over the next couple of weeks.

Were You Thankful for Thanksgiving?

2009-11-30T09:15:00.001-05:00

How did your Thanksgiving go? Did you leave it, wishing the Pilgrims that started it all had stayed on their side of the "pond"or did you leave with more confidence and security in handling your child's peanut allergy?

I love to cook so my volunteering to cook for the 12 people in our family who would be celebrating shocked no one. My mother in law who cooks sometimes understands food allergies so her cooking would not stress me out.

Our family get togethers are "nutty" but never involve actual nuts. In our family, 4 people (including Tyler) are allergic to tree nuts. (Can you "genetics??") Tyler is also allergic to peanuts and coconut. It might seem intimidating to cook for that many people with life-threatening food allergies but it is so "normal" to us, I rarely even give it a second thought.

Here is what I served:
Roasted Turkey
Stuffing (made by my mother in law)
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Turkey Gravy
Macaroni & Cheese
Green Bean Casserole
Corn
Sweet Potato Casserole (brought by my mother in law)
Fresh Pineapple
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Deviled Eggs (made by my mother in law)

Desserts (my fav part!)
Pumpkin Pie
Sunbutter Cookies
Cookies & Cupcakes (brought by my sister in law)

The funniest thing was the fact everyone said how the Sunbutter cookies tasted better than peanut butter cookies!!

How was your Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T06:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Here's hoping you have a reaction-free holiday!!