1. When a mother and her child came up to the table, I started talking about my book Allergies at School. She paused and then told me that her daughter’s classmate had a fatal reaction at school. Once she said Katelyn’s name, I instantly knew who she was talking about.

Tears began to fill her eyes as she briefly described what had happened. And even though a couple years had passed, the pain was still there. She said that she and others call Katelyn’s parents each year….just to check on them. I was incredibly touched by the compassion shown by others towards Katelyn’s family. To her and the other families that embrace and reach out to the parents who have lost a child…Thank You.

2. I saw many teachers at the expo looking to find out more information about food allergies. To all the teachers who were at the expo or who are researching information on their own, to help keep their students safe….Thank You.

3. A father let me know they were there because his son’s best friend had a severe food allergy and they wanted to find “safe” items. He mentioned how they always clean up and make sure unsafe items are put away before the friend arrives. To all the families that include children with allergies, and go above and beyond to help protect them…Thank You.

So many times we read negative comments or hear stories about someone being insensitive towards those with allergies…it’s always good to know there are TONS of people who are out there who do care, and are helping making this world a safer and better place for our children.

Is there anyone you know, who is out there making a difference? We’d love to hear about them!

Here’s what it looked like:

Kinda bummed that the most important thing I had to say about ALWAYS having your Epi EVERYWHERE you go…got misquoted. But otherwise, sooo glad they featured an article on food allergy awareness and safety!

You can read the article here: Canton Repository Article

Gordy And The Magic Diet is about a boy who starts feeling sick after he eats certain foods. He’s placed on a special diet and learns that he must follow it without cheating. Later he realizes that he has the power to overcome his cravings and the ability to make healthy choices.

Any child who has to make dietary changes and avoid certain foods will be able to relate to the character in this book. I think it would be a great addition, along with food allergy books, to help elementary and preschool children learn why some children must avoid certain foods.

The book’s authors and illustrator experienced health issues with their children, and after changing their diet, they found positive results. Please visit their site to find out more about the book and their story.

You can find the book at: www.gordyandthemagicdiet.com

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book to review

Hung out with some awesome authors – Colette Martin wrote Learning to Bake Allergen-Free and I’m looking forward to trying some of her recipes. April and Kim  have a book called Gordy and the Magic Diet that the kids really enjoyed. The Bugabees author Amy Recob was there and her book is great for teaching kids about allergies. One boy came up and was hoping there was a character in the book that had a milk allergy. When I showed him, he was totally engrossed in the page, so excited that there was someone that he felt understood him. Both of these children books I highly recommend. I plan on doing a review of Gordy and the Magic Diet at a later date.

I finally got to meet the adorable and talented Keeley McGuire - If you’re looking for fun peanut/nut free lunch ideas, you need to check out her site. I also met a new friend, Vegetarian Mamma, and her blog has healthy & peanut/nut free foods.

And of course, I got to meet some wonderful attendees as I promoted my book Allergies at School. I’ll post later about some of the memorable conversations and people that I met.

Try to make it to the expo in  Dallas or NJ this fall….you’ll be glad you did!

At the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo, you’ll be able to:

• Visit the 120 vendors to sample and conveniently purchase their products.
• Meet some of your favorite chefs, personalities, authors and bloggers.
• Attend free classes on topics including diet, health, and safety.

I’m so excited to join the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo as part of their Expert Author Team!  I’ll be there for my book Allergies At School – Be sure to visit me in the author area, especially if you have any questions you’d like to discuss about your child attending school.

I’m also VERY excited that I’ll be able to share tons of wonderful products, information & resources that I’ll find there. Visit our blog & Facebook before, during and after the event to find out all about them! 

Chicago’s Gluten & Allergen Free Expo:

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois

April 20^th – 21^st

9AM Early Bird Admission

10AM-4PM Open to Public

http://gfafexpo.com/chicago

If you’re unable to make it to Chicago, you can visit them in NJ or TX later this year.

I hope to see you in Chicago April 20-21st! 

Save time and stress by putting together a folder for babysitters/caregivers that contains vital information, like the Allergy Action Plan developed with your allergist. This is also very important to have in case of emergencies where you might have to suddenly leave and have someone watch your child.

1. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction
2. Steps to follow during an allergic reaction or anaphylactic emergency
3. How to administer epinephrine
4. Script containing what to say when calling 911 (including address)
5. Emergency contact numbers of everyone to notify
6. Medical release form
7. Label reading & cross-contamination info
8. List safe snacks
9. List daily routine

Have a medicine kit bag prepared with Benadryl, epinephrine, and any other medicines your child may need.

· Have a sheet showing how to use the EpiPen or other epinephrine auto injector.
· Auvi-Q gives verbal instructions how to use the injector.

Discuss with them why they shouldn’t hesitate on giving epinephrine. Show them how to use it and make sure they understand and are comfortable with the process. Don’t ever assume they do!

It might be very helpful for them to use an expired EpiPen or practice with a trainer. If you can’t physically show them, have them watch a video. Dr. Oz has a great video that clearly shows what happens when the needle gets injected.

List snacks they can have and where they’re located. Mark snacks that are safe to eat with a sticker the caregiver and your child can easily identify. If you have any foods that aren’t “safe” they need to be placed out of your child’s reach.

Consider having all items out for them in advance, so they can easily find them (snacks, dinner, and bath items).

You might prefer to leave after your child has lunch or dinner, that way the sitter doesn’t have to feed them. Other options are to have the meal already prepared or give them something simple to make with all the ingredients already set out.

Teach them label reading and cross-contamination. Provide a sheet printed out on label reading and cross-contamination safety they can review.

Before arriving, discuss any items they cannot bring into your home like snacks, lotions, drinks, etc. Let them know that they are welcome to enjoy any “safe” snacks and drinks at your home.

If they leave the home with your child, where are places they can go? Walk around the block or to the neighborhood park? Make sure they know they must take the emergency kit bag with them at all times and a cell phone.

Consider having a daily routine list, incase you might have to expectantly go somewhere or will be longer than planned. What would they need to know? What time is bath and bed? What lotions, shampoos and other products should they use on your child? What are meals you would prepare?

Never assume the caregiver understands and telling them 1 time is never enough!! Ask them questions or have them reinstate what you said, to make sure they understand. Ask them if they’re comfortable and if there’s anything you can show them. Go over safety rules often, especially in the beginning.

Being prepared in advance will make sure you have all the necessary information covered, and you won’t be wondering if there’s something you forgot. By having this folder, both you and the caregiver will feel more at ease and ready for a safe and enjoyable time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7541252

Allergy Action Plans
Peanut Free Zone’s: www.peanutfreezone.com
FARE’s: http://www.foodallergy.org/document.doc?id=125
Babysitter’s Form
KWFA’s: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/babysitter_form.html
Using EpiPen
Mylan’s: http://www.epipen.com/How-to-Use-EpiPen
Dr. Oz: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/warning-signs-food-allergies

Now is the time to start preparing for summer activities and the upcoming school year. By gathering resources now, you’ll have what you need available, when you need it! This chart is perfect for school staff, custodians, cafeteria workers, and anyone who needs a little guidance in increasing safety for those with food allergies.

Here’s some helpful tips on how to turn an area into an Allergy Free Zone!

Download the FREE chart here:

Affirmations are so important. We need to constantly be feeding positive words into others, especially our children. The words we choose to speak can help build their self-confidence during their youth and carry on into their adulthood.