Food Allergy Labels

You gotta love mom-inspired ideas!

Check out these simple and easy to make labels by mom and designer Kori Clark. They are simple to read and attention-grabbing- just perfect for grandparents, babysitters, older siblings and young children with food allergies.

Thanks for sharing Kori!

Food Allergy and 504 Plans at School

As I prepare for our annual 504 meeting with our school later this week, I am reminded about how far we have come. It was only in 2008, that Congress expanded the definition of who is eligible for federal protection. Now, individuals are protected- even if they don't suffer a disability all the time.

Prior to 2008, parents had to fight for any accommodations for their food allergic children at school. It was at the discretion of the school district how food allergy would be handled. When my child with food allergies entered school 5 years ago, we did not have any type of formal written agreement. The school did allow him to carry an EpiPen® (beginning in kendergarten) and a special food allergy table was established in the cafeteria. After a disappointing experience in 2nd grade, where he was excluded from making gingerbread houses with his grade due to his food allergy, we insisted on something more formal. We were offered an IHP, an Individualized Healthcare Plan.

The IHP was a document between us as parents and the school nurse. It was a good start, but not enough, as it didn't include key players within the school system like teachers, bus drivers and even the facilities and maintenance department (they're the only ones who knew the ingredients in the soap in dispensers near school sinks).

Enter last year and our first 504 Plan. We held a group meeting- parents, nurse, principal, guidance counselor, classroom teacher and head of facilities for the school district (also in charge of our bus company contract). Together we completed an individualized document to best meet my son's needs. This year my son will join the meeting and we will all work together to update the 504 Plan as needed.

The 504 Plan makes everything much easier because everyone, including the student, knows what they are responsible for. I like this recent article about 504 Plans for those who aren't familiar with federal protection for food allergic students.

 Are most of you using 504 Plans or do you use other documents or tools at school?

Food Allergy Ambassador Promotes FAAN Walks

Have you seen the 2010 Heart of FAAN Ambassodor, 7-year old Leandro speaking up about food allergies. He's got a PSA promoting the upcoming Miami Food Allergy Walk. While there, check out the 2010 Delaware FAAN Walk video.

FAAN walk events have begun.

The organization is 1/3 of the way toward their fundraising goal. Walks are scheduled in dozens of cities and there is even an online virtual walk.

Are you participating in a FAAN Walk this year? Let us know!

Food Allergy at School

Check out Linda Coss's article, "Attack of the Killer Peanut Butter Sandwiches". It offers a clear explanation to teachers and school administrators about how we all need to keep kids with food allergies safe. Linda encourages parents to share this piece with school officials when planning for the upcoming school year.

Allergy Book for Children

Allergy Tales: Making Friends

I recently had the opportunity to read Allergy Tales: Making Friends. This book is one of several written for, and about, children with food allergies. Author, Carey Shoemaker is the creator of ALLERGYONBOARD, an organization dedicated to promoting empowerment and positive self-esteem for children with food allergies.

Making Friends is the story of a young boy who moves to a new town. He worries that his food allergies may get in the way of making new friends.

I love the positive message in the story. Elementary school children will be able to read this book themselves- and it's not directed only at children with food allergies. It helps all children understand that food allergies are just one part of a whole person.

I think this book would be a great classroom or school library gift. It would also be a great tool for school nurses, guidance counselors or teachers who may be educating a classroom about food allergies.

We all work hard to balance the risks of food allergy with the message that our food allergic kids can, and should, participate in regular childhood experiences. Books like this one help show all children that food allergies are manageable, and that everyone has special things about them.

Has anyone else read Making Friends with their child?

Flu Vaccine Recommendations and Food Allergy

The FDA has approved flu vaccine for 2010-2011 in the United States. Vaccine is expected to be available beginning in September 2010. This year's vaccine will protect against 3 strains of influenza, including H1N1, which last year required a separate shot. The brand names and manufacturers are:

• Afluria, CSL Limited;
• Agriflu, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics
• Fluarix, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
• FluLaval, ID Biomedical Corporation
• FluMist, MedImmune Vaccines Inc.
• Fluvirin, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited
• Fluzone and Fluzone High-Dose, Sanofi Pasteur Inc.

As flu vaccine is cultured in egg, there are risks for those with egg allergies. I list the names and manufacturers here because the composition of the vaccine varies according to manufacturer. It may be helpful to contact your doctor's office to find out which brand they will use allowing you to check the manufacturer website and read the package inserts.

As stated in the recently released "Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices", "

hypersensitivity reactions after receipt of vaccine are caused by the presence of residual egg protein in the vaccine). Although influenza vaccines contain only a limited quantity of egg protein, this protein can induce immediate hypersensitivity reactions among persons who have severe egg allergy. Persons who have documented IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to eggs might be at increased risk for allergic reactions to influenza vaccine, and consultation with a physician before vaccination should be considered.

A regimen, involving desensitization, has been developed for administering influenza vaccine to those with egg hypersensitivity.

This is a tough call for parents of egg allergic children and adults with egg allergy. There has been a lot of chatter on the topic on this blog and others.

Last year, our family got the vaccine, except for my egg allergic son. Instead, we chose to request a prescription for an antiviral drug (like Tamiflu®) to have on-hand in the event of the sudden appearance of flu symptoms. Another option is prophylactic use of antiviral agents, where antiviral drugs are taken over a period of time to protect against the flu.

This year...I don't know what we're doing. Recent reports indicate low risk of reactions when the flu vaccine was administered to those with egg allergy.

...uh huh, but this is my child....

Where are all of you with this decision?

Egg-free vaccines are available, but not yet approved in the U.S. Soon we may not have to make these tough choices.

Food Allergy Conference

FEAST (Food Allergy, Eczema, Asthma, Support Team) will hold their first food allergy conference on Saturday September 25, 2010 in Seattle Washington.



Linda Coss will  be giving the conference keynote address, “What You Need to Know about Food Allergy Management.” In this presentation she'll talk about some of the things that are in her “How To” book, such as recognizing and treating an allergic reaction, avoiding the dangers of cross-contamination, and more. In addition, she'll be discussing how parents can handle all of the day-to-day issues in such a way that their child grows up “well-adjusted” in spite of having potentially fatal food allergies.

Please spread the word about this conference. For more information, or to register, visit the conference website.

I received a related note directly from Linda:

As with all of my talks to the food allergy community, I will not be asking for a speaking fee for my participation in this conference. If you know of another volunteer-run food allergy support organization such as FEAST that needs a speaker for a conference, please let them know that I consider it an honor to be able to help other parents. All I ask is that the organization pay for my actual travel costs.

Food Allergy Desensitization Programs

Okay, its controversial, but I'm keeping a close eye on this. Dr. Richard Wasserman, a pediatric allergist in Dallas TX, has been using desensitization to treat food allergy in his private practice. Some patients have had great success, others, not so much. Food desensitization is handled in much the same way as traditional allergy therapy. Someone allergic to cat, dust, mold or oak trees is given increasing amounts of their allergen in the form of an allergy shot. Over time, most people can better tolerate the allergen. In Wasserman's practice, someone allergic to milk or eggs can be given tiny doses of the offending food in increasing amounts.

Dr. Wasserman admits that many allergists find his food allergy treatment too risky. There are a few other practices throughout the U.S. who perform oral desensitization for food allergy. However, most desensitization studies are currently in clinical trials.

Wasserman reports that the program takes place over many months and costs about $5000. A few insurance companies cover the cost.

Does anyone have direct experience with this treatment for food allergy?  I'd love to talk to some food allergy families who've contemplated, or gone through, a program like this.

Food Allergy and Dietitians

A new study by Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, at Mount Sinai School of Medicine concludes that pediatric dietitians self-reported their proficiency is only moderate when it comes to food allergy. Dietitians would prefer, and certainly benefit from, more training on food allergy.

Several years ago, our allergist's office hired a dietitian for individuals and families with food allergies. I set up an appointment looking for information on calcium and protein sources for our dairy, egg, nut allergic child. At the time we were also avoiding wheat, soy and corn and I was struggling with preparing balanced, nutritious meals and snacks. During the appointment, I was given hand-outs on specific food allergies. That's about it. She offered little helpful information and I felt like I educated her more than the other way around.

I'm not blaming the dietitian. I just think she was hired due to her credentials and wasn't given satisfactory training in food allergy. There is a need for dietitians who are food allergy savvy. Fortunately ELL and other organizations are stepping up to train dietitians.

Recent similar studies of school nurses and pediatricians have also shown they have limited, and sometimes incorrect, knowledge of food allergies. Those of us in the food allergy circle can help by educating our own school nurses and doctors. Rather than feel upset over their lack of knowledge, pass on relevant research, books and food allergy conference/workshop information. We can all play a role in education.

Food Allergy Back to School Guide

Yeah, yeah, I know it's still July, but it really is time to think about back to school if you're sending a food allergic child to school this fall. Here are some steps to take now:

• Contact the school to find out what paperwork is required for your child to have access to life-saving medication.
• Schedule a check-up with the allergist. Bring required school paperwork to the appointment for the allergist's signature. It's easiest if you fill out the portions pertaining to emergency contact information in advance. Many schools require the doctor to complete the treatment portion. Some doctor's offices charge a small fee to complete and sign forms.
• Get prescriptions for epinephrine as extra medications will stay at school.
• Meet with the school principal and nurse before school begins. Let them know what you need in terms of staff training, access to medications, lunchtime procedures and access to special foods for school celebrations or emergency situations.
• Use this time to make sure your child is educated about his/her food allergies. Review the rules of eating away from home and how to identify when extra help is needed. Make sure your child knows who to go to within the school if they need help dealing with their food allergy.

Have I missed anything? Do you have other ways to get ready for school?

So, get that paperwork, schedule those appointments and sit back and enjoy the rest of summer vacation with your kids!