DAIRY, EGG, PEANUT, TREE NUT FREE SHORTBREAD COOKIES!

1 c. dairy free margarine (I use Fleischman’s Unsalted)
3/4 c. granulated sugar
2 1/2 c. unbleached all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine the dairy free margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt and mix until the dough comes together and is fully incorporated.

Roll out dough onto a lightly floured board to 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutter. Place on baking sheet and bake 20-22 minutes or just until very lightly golden on top and bottom of cookie. The cookies shouldn’t have any brown color to it.

Once cooled you can frost with safe frosting or sprinkles, and candy.

Food Allergy Initiative

Each year food allergies kill over 150 Americans and send 125,000 more to the emergency room. Even more troubling is the fact that the number of Americans suffering with food allergies is dramatically increasing. With no known cures, medical professionals are still unable to explain why the number is rising.

The only known way to treat this life-threatening condition currently is avoidance of the food to which you or your loved one are allergic to. Sending our children to school can be a very frightening experience considering that even a tiny amount of allergen from another child's snack can trigger a severe allergic reaction.

Fortunately, researchers believe that a cure is on the horizon, but further research is necessary for this to happen. The Government has allocated only $17 million to the research and study of treatments for food allergies, compared to $107 million allocated toward attention deficit disorder research. We obviously need to educate Americans about the severity of food allergies and the importance of finding a cure for this life-threatening condition!

Learn what you can do to help raise awareness by visiting the Food Allergy Initiative at http://www.faiusa.org/ today. It could mean saving a child's life.


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Peanut Free Planet

Anyone who attended the November support group meeting had the opportunity to pick up some samples that Peanut Free Planet was kind enough to send us, including packets of Sunbutter, Doctor Kracker spelt crackers, and Honey Nutz which are honey roasted soy nuts. After visiting the website I was very pleased to find a one-stop shop which carried such a large variety of allergy friendly manufacturers and products. It was also nice to see that they strive to go the extra mile to reassure customers that they are getting a personalized shopping experience such as being able to shop by specific allergens, brands, or even price. And of course all products available from PFP are manufactured in facilities that are peanut free and tree nut free!

This would be an excellent site to keep in mind with holidays fast approaching!
http://www.peanutfreeplanet.com/


Here's what another member of our group had to say about Peanut Free Planet:

"Peanut Free Planet is a terrific company. Ordering from them is a breeze and I am never dissatisfied. Twice a year my friends and I group an order together and easily place it online. It is a joy to find such a plethora of peanut and nut free items that look and more importantly TASTE the same as the nut contaminated ones we have locally. Our favorite is the Quaker Oats chocolate chip granola bars. Others are the mass number of candy bars that are allergy friendly, too. Peanut Free Planet is one of the only places I can order Kit Kat candy bars for my daughter...and they are peanut/nut free, which is what she needs. My non-allergic son can go to the local store and eat any candy bar off the shelf. My daughter can't. What is so 'big' about a sugary, sweet candy bar? To me, not that much... but to my daughter, it's everything. Just to have the same as all the other kids, especially her brother.
Just to be the same, that is where I fell in love with PFP! They have the exact same allergy-friendly items that I need. Last year my daughter got a Kit Kat in her stocking, she knew right away....Santa shopped at Peanut Free Planet!"

Coupons, Discounts, & Special Offers

Many children (and adults) with food allergies also have environmental and/or seasonal allergies, asthma, and eczema. Which usually translates into lots of different medications! For example, both of my sons and myself suffer from all of the above ailments, so between the three of us we use about 20 prescription medications consisting of inhalers, nasal sprays, antihistamines, medicated creams/lotions/ointments, etc...which really puts a dent in the wallet. However, I have found that many medication websites offer great money-saving coupons! So next time you're given a prescription, be sure to check the affiliated website for special offers before heading to the pharmacy!

Here are the special offers that I have found so far. If you know of any others, please leave a comment!

~Nasal Sprays~

Nasonex:
https://www.nasonex.com/nasx/application?namespace=coupon&event=coupon&event_input=
Save up to $15 per refill.

Veramyst:
https://www.veramyst.com/optin/savings.jsp
Up to $25 off your prescription and refills. Can use up to 6 coupons per year.

~Inhalers~

Ventolin:
http://www.ventolin.com/coupon_special_offers.jsp
Offer limited to 4 prescription refills per year.

Advair:
https://www.advair.com/asthma/coupons-and-special-offers/coupons-and-special-offers.jsp
The coupon states it is for the Advair Discus (which contains a milk ingredient!), but I have verified with the company that the coupon is also good towards the Advair HFA inhaler. This coupon can be used monthly.

Xopenex:
https://secure.xopenex.com/xopenexPromos/xopenex-offer.cfm
Not a coupon for the actual medication, but sign up here for a free Xopenex inhaler holder.

Proventil:
https://www.proventilhfa.com/phfa/application?namespace=coupon&event=coupon&web_program_id=00000304
$15 instant savings coupon

~Antihistamines~

Zyrtec:
http://www.zyrtec.com/econsumer/zyrtec/utility.view?body=/zyrtec/pages/special_offers.jsp
$2 and $4 coupons

Xyzal:
http://www.xyzal.com/patient_resources/freetrialoffer.aspx
5 day free trial prescription

Allegra:
http://www.allegra.com/rebate.aspx
$24 rebate

Claritin:http://www.claritin.com/claritin/offers/index.jspa$2 coupons

~Autoinjectable Epinephrine~

Twinject:
http://www.twinject.com/allergy-treatment-resources/injector-rebate.asp
$20 rebate

~Antileukotriene~

Singulair:
http://www.singulair.com/montelukast_sodium/singulair/consumer/r/for_adults/savings_offer_for_singulair/index.jsp
Save up to $20.


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Nick News online

The entire Nick News show, "I'm Allergic to my World", is now available to watch online!

Description:
What is it like to have a deadly allergy? Nick News investigates.

http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/nick-news-allergic-to-my-world-full-episode.html

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I'm Allergic To My World

On September 27, Dr. Robert Wood of Johns Hopkins will appear on "Nick News with Linda Ellerbee" to talk about kids living with food allergies.

Learn more here: I'm Allergic To My World

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Here We Go Again!

It’s back to school time again which means purchasing new school supplies, backpacks, clothing, shoes, etc… But for those of us with food allergic children it also means renewing all emergency medication to be kept at school such as EpiPens, rescue inhaler, and Benadryl and just as importantly, it means meeting with our children’s new teachers and making sure they fully understand the seriousness of food allergies, including how to handle an allergic reaction should it happen while your child is at school and hopefully how to prevent an allergic reaction from happening in the first place!

Linda Coss, author of several food allergy cookbooks, has written an excellent article about why it is important for schools to implement food allergy policies to keep our children safe. It also is written in a way so that parents of “all the other kids” can hopefully understand why these safety measures are needed rather then simply telling the food allergic children “just don’t eat what you’re allergic to”. I personally plan on forwarding this article to the principal at my son’s school in hopes that she will send copies home with all of the children in his class to pass on to their parents.

Click here to read "Attack of the Killer Peanut Butter Sandwiches":
http://www.foodallergybooks.com/Media_Files/attack_pb_sandwich.htm

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Pictures from the Food Allergy Walk

A big thanks to everyone who participated in the 2009 Food Allergy Awareness Walk on Saturday! We all got a little wet (okay, a lot wet) but it was well worth it!

Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Coupons

Betty Crocker now offers four gluten-free products which include a brownie mix, cookie mix, devil's food cake mix, and a yellow cake mix. To request a coupon for one free gluten-free mix, simply call 1-800-446-1898.

Researchers Find New Way of Reducing the Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock

A team of researchers from the University of Glasgow have pinpointed a molecule (IL-33) which plays a key role in the development of anaphylaxis.

"Our study showed that IL-33 plays a pivotal role in hugely increasing the inflammation experienced during a period of anaphylactic shock and led us to understand how to intervene to reduce its impact.

An anaphylactic shock prompts a massive inflammatory reaction which often is so severe that it constricts breathing. In our study we found that the severity of the shock is linked to the IL-33 molecule, which acts as an amplifier to the inflammatory reaction. This can lead to a fatal constriction of the airway and, ultimately, death.

Our study suggests that patients with the most severe anaphylactic reactions have very high levels of IL33 in their system.

In basic terms, without the IL33 molecule, the allergic reaction experienced would be far less severe, greatly reducing the risk of death."

Read full article here: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158771.php

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Website for Food Allergic Teens

As a parent of a son with multiple food allergies who is fast approaching his "tween" years, I often wonder how he will handle the full responsibility of his allergies when he is a teenager and young adult. I recently found this new website called www.whyriskit.ca , sponsored by Anaphylaxis Canada, which covers everything from high school, to dating, to partying, and plenty more with teens sharing their own personal experiences. I think this website will be a great resource for young people as they continue through their food allergy journey!

2009 Food Allergy Awareness Walk

I hope to see you all at the upcoming Food Allergy Awareness Walk. This is our yearly fundraiser so that FAAW can continue to help families with food allergies. If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate to the event you can go to www.firstgiving.com/foodallergywis and donate.

Walk for Children, Teens, and Adults with Food Allergies

Saturday, August 8, 2009

9:00 A.M. Registration

Warner Park

2930 N Sherman Ave

Madison, WI

Join Us & Walk For A Child, Teen or Adult With Allergies!

Build Your Team or Register!

Six Easy Steps:

1. Go to www.firstgiving.com/foodallergywis

2. Click on "Register for an Event"

3. Select "Food Allergy Walk"

4. Select your registration type.

5. Log in or create an account.

6. Find a team to join or create a new team.

Or Contact:

Food Allergy Association of WI

2722 Union Street

Madison, WI 53704

Phone: 608-575-9535

E-mail: sheree@foodallergywis.org

Fax your registration and credit card information to:608-249-5215

Let your creativity run wild!

Great ideas: Create a t-shirt with your child's picture, dress up as your food allergy. Show your allergies with signs, posters, and team shirts.

Create a Fundraising Page!

Build your own online fundraising web page at www.firstgiving.com/foodallergywis

Send your friends, family members, and co-workers messages asking them to support your own fundraising efforts. Ask your company if they have a program to match your donation.

Email me for a link to download the brochure in PDF format.

Needle-Free Epinephrine Autoinjector

LONDON, 1st July 2009-- "The Medical House PLC (“TMH”), (AIM:MLH) the specialist drug delivery company, announces that it has now supplied Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, with an advanced needle-free jet injector system specifically designed and manufactured to their specification. The system, known as “cool.click?” incorporates a number of features not previously associated with needle-free devices, such as an innovative dose display. In addition, an enhanced security system allows for safe injection while the level of noise associated with the injection has been minimised..."

"In October 2008 TMH announced a non-exclusive development, licence and supply agreement with Catalent Pharma Solutions and Stallergenes to develop and distribute a variation of the company’s core disposable autoinjector technology for use with epinephrine. Under the terms of this agreement, TMH will customise its proprietary, patented ASITM disposable autoinjector device technology, according to an agreed specification and will be combined with epinephrine supplied by Catalent to create epinephrine autoinjectors for both adult and paediatric use.

These epinephrine autoinjectors are intended for the emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock, mostly due to hymenoptera venom or food allergies and for the use by patients themselves or by a person close to the patient in the event of an emergency. The newly-created product will be distributed exclusively by Stallergenes who are a European biopharmaceutical company, with annual sales in 2007 of ?? million, dedicated to desensitisation therapies for the prevention and treatment of allergy-related conditions. The Agreement covers 13 European countries, including the United Kingdom and incorporates provision for extension to additional territories."

Read entire article here... http://www.pharmalive.com/News/index.cfm?articleid=637156&categoryid=54

Swine Flu Vaccine Safe for Egg Allergy

Novartis is making an H1N1 vaccine in cells that should be safe for the egg allergic according to the following article.

"...the cell-based method "eliminates the rare but vexing problem of egg allergy" that means some people can't take a flu vaccine."

http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/SwineFlu/14684

Free Asthma Storybook for Children

Follow this link to receive a free asthma storybook for elementary age children from Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) and Schering-Plough!

https://www.asmanex.com/asmanex/application?namespace=coupon&event=storybook

Sof'ella Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

What's not to love about chocolate cake? Unless you're on a gluten-free diet, in which case most cake mixes leave quite a bit to be desired as far as taste and texture go. Last night I had the opportunity to try a gluten-free chocolate cake and frosting from Sof'ella Gourmet Natural Foods. In one word...Delicious! And I'm not even on a gluten-free diet! The cake was extremely moist and decadent with a creamy chocolate frosting. And the best part was no gritty aftertaste like I've noticed with other gluten-free cakes. In fact I enjoyed it so much that I even went back for a second slice and was tempted to take the entire cake home with me! Who knew gluten-free could taste so good!

Check this website for a store near you that carries Sof'ella products. http://www.sofellafoods.com/gluten.html

New Childrens Food Allergy Book - Give Away

There are some children s food allergy books that I like. Cody the Allergic Cow is a great story for a dairy allergic child, the Peanut Butter Jam is a nice book for school age kids with a peanut allergy. However this is the first book I have come across that talks about all 8 of the top allergens.

Amy Recob is a local author who wrote this book for her daughter who has food allergies. I stopped by her book signing last weekend and picked up the book.


Since I am such a fan of Amy and the Bugabees I am going to do a small giveaway.

A FREE BOOK!

I will give a FREE book to the 20th person to comment about this post. Please encourage your bloggy friends to check out this blog!

Press Release

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Announces New Food Allergy Initiative Advocacy Steering Committee

Two Madison parents join forces with other leading advocates from across the country to advocate for more research funding to find a cure

WASHINGTON, DC – Today as we continue to mark Food Allergy Awareness Week, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., member of the Board of Directors of the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI), announced the formation of FAI’s Advocacy Steering Committee. The committee’s objectives are to help build a strong nationwide presence for the food allergy community in the public policy arena; and to actively seek to increase federal funding of food allergy research, as scientists believe that with proper funding, a cure can be found in less than a decade.

Meg Goss and Sheree Godwin of Madison, members of the Food Allergy Association of Wisconsin, have joined the committee of 16 leading parent advocates nationwide who confront the daily dangers of raising children with severe food allergies.

“FAI is tremendously honored and grateful to have such an esteemed group of parents who are willing to join our effort to find a cure,” said Kennedy. “These parents are proven advocates and support group leaders in their local communities. We are thrilled to add their energy and expertise to our advocacy program.”

Steering committee members include:

• Gina Clowes, Chair – AllergyMoms; Cranberry Township, PA
• Meg Goss & Sheree Godwin – Food Allergy Association of Wisconsin; Madison, WI
• 
  
Rhonda Riggott Stevens – Education & Advocacy Solutions; Durham, CT
• Denise Bunning – Mothers of Children Having Allergies; Lake Forest, IL
• Nicole Smith – Allergic Child; Colorado Springs, CO
• Sue Wagner & Carol D'Agnese – San Diego Food Allergy; San Diego, CA
• Debbie Hogan -- Parents of Children with Food Allergies; Tampa, FL
• Maria Acebal – Safe at School Partners, Bethesda, MD
• Nona Narvaez – Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota; St. Paul, MN
• Chris Hardy – Parents of Allergic Kids; Charlotte, NC
• Barbara Calluori – Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Coalition of New Jersey; Nutley, NJ
• Sari Canell – Food Allergy Educational Alliance; Scarsdale, NY
• MaryKay Hill – Vermont Food Allergy Organization; Shelburne, VT
• Sally Porter -- Food Allergy Initiative Northwest; Sammamish, WA

“I am very pleased to take part in FAI’s new steering committee,” said Committee Chair Gina Clowes. “For 11 years FAI has led the way in funding research to find a cure to this life-threatening disease. Nothing is more important to me and millions of other parents who wish they could take their children to restaurants, birthday parties and school cafeterias without living in constant fear of exposure to potentially deadly allergens like peanuts,tree nuts, milk, eggs and wheat.”

“My fellow committee members are the best and brightest advocates from all over the country,” Clowes continued. “Every day they are out in their communities making a difference for families with food allergies. As a group, we will devote their attention, resources and expertise toward making sure the federal government is on the leading edge to find a cure.”

About Food Allergies

There are no medications to cure or control food allergies. A strict diet and avoidance of the allergenic food is the only way to avoid a reaction, yet the most common allergens – peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy – are staples of the food supply and virtually impossible to avoid completely. Accidental exposure to even a minuscule amount of the offending food can cause an allergic individual to react within seconds, often leading to life-threatening anaphylaxis that causes throat swelling, a dramatic drop in blood pressure, vomiting and even death within a matter of minutes. Although researchers estimate that food allergies cause tens of thousands of emergency room visits each year, they do not understand why rates are increasing so alarmingly, particularly among children. As the CDC report indicated, in a recent five-year period, the rates of peanut allergies among children literally doubled, and allergies to other foods are similarly increasing.

About the Food Allergy Initiative

The Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds research seeking a cure for food allergies. It was founded in 1998 by concerned parents and grandparents to support: basic and clinical research worldwide; better public policies to make the world safer for those afflicted; and educational programs to make the hospitality industry, schools, day care centers, and camps safer. FAI is the largest private source of funding for food allergy research in the United States, contributing more than $60 million toward the fulfillment of its mission. For more information, visit www.faiusa.org, call 212-207-1974, or e-mail info@faiusa.org.

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

May 11 - 15 is Food Allergy Awareness Week.

We have received a proclamation from the Governor of Wisconsin recognizing Food Allergy Awareness Week.

Other celebrations during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month include:
World Asthma DayMay 5
Food Allergy Awareness WeekMay 11-15

National School Nurse DayMay 6

Top 10 List

In honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week, food allergy author Linda Coss has released her list of the top 10 things that parents of children with life-threatening food allergies want:

#10: Delicious and Easy Recipes - For those who must eliminate multiple and/or common ingredients, cooking can be an enormous challenge.

#9: To Be Able to Easily Dine Out - We understand that it is not easy to prepare allergen-free food in the typical busy restaurant kitchen. But it would be nice if we could easily get correct answers regarding what's in the food.

#8: Nut-Free Flights - Airlines cannot control the food brought on board a flight by their passengers, but why must they serve little bags of peanuts? How about crackers, pretzels, raisins, licorice, tortilla chips, or just about any other popular snack food?

#7: Empowered EMTs - In many parts of the country emergency medical technicians do not carry - and are forbidden from administering - potentially life-saving shots of epinephrine. This is ridiculous.

#6: Appropriate ER Protocols - Because up to 40-50% of severe reactions are biphasic, those who go to the hospital for treatment should always be kept under observation for at least 5 hours. Unfortunately many emergency rooms discharge these patients as soon as they first stabilize.

#5: Understanding - We want the people in our lives to understand that we are not a bunch of paranoid hysterical oddballs who are making all of this up for the purpose of calling attention to ourselves and our children. Life-threatening food allergies are a very real condition. And yes, we really do have to take a lot of precautions to keep our kids safe.

#4: Knowledge - Currently the only treatment for life-threatening food allergies is complete avoidance of the offending allergens. Since food, and food residue, is everywhere, parents want to know exactly how to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. What steps do they need to take? What hidden dangers do they need to avoid?

#3: Clear Labels on Packaged Food Products - If there is a chance that a product may contain an allergen that is not included in the ingredient label, the package should say so. But if not, companies should not put "may contain" verbiage on the package.

#2: Safe School Environments - Our kids are not learning disabled and do not need "special education." But they do need a school environment that is not covered with allergenic food residue, and teachers who are prepared to recognize and treat an allergic reaction.

#1: A Cure - Most of all, we want a cure. A real cure - the type of cure that would result in our children being able to eat whatever they wanted to eat, without any risk of an adverse reaction.

Ms. Coss is the author of "How to Manage Your Child's Life-Threatening Food Allergies," as well as two popular food allergy cookbooks, "What's to Eat?" and "What Else is to Eat?" - both of which provide recipes for cooking without dairy, egg, peanut or tree nut ingredients. All three books are available at http://www.foodallergybooks.com/order.htm, at Amazon.com, and at various retailers nationwide.

Flourishing with Food Allergies

I was recently honored to read a new book out on the market A. Anderson’s new book, Flourishing with Food Allergies. I loved the fact that it covers more then one families story about how they learned they had allergies and how they started to cope with it. It also covers other diseases or problems that sometimes go hand in hand with food allergies. Such as asthma, and Autism. Anyone who has a family member with food allergies should take the time to sit down and read this book. A must have for your food allergy library.

A Anderson's new book, Flourishing with Food Allergies, helps families with food-allergic children in a totally unique way—by not just sharing a single parent’s or doctor’s perspective—but detailing twenty-two testimonials of mothers, fathers, pediatricians and an allergist, naturopath and psychotherapist, along with thorough research on the latest research, theories and findings. The book has been called “a support group in a book.

You can read more about the book at http://www.flourishingwithfoodallergies.com

Bleach Baths for Eczema Treatment

Recently a study was done looking at the role of bleach baths in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Click HERE to view the entire article.

"The treated group had improvements in several eczema scores compared to the untreated group, with improvements only seen in the body (submerged in the bleach baths) and not the head and neck. For example, compared to baseline, after three months the treated group had on average 24% less of their body affected by rash compared to a 3% improvement in the placebo group."


When my son was younger his eczema was so out of control that his entire body was red, scaly and constantly itchy. Both our allergist and dermatologist suggested adding bleach to his bath water twice a week to try to help kill the bacteria on the skin to reduce the chance of infection. Also, swimming in a chlorinated pool weekly was recommended. At first the thought of adding bleach to my little guy's bath water seemed like it would be torture on his already extremely sensitive skin, but actually we found it to be quite soothing for him. Luckily his eczema is under much better control now, but next time an eczema flare rears it's ugly head we definitely won't hesitate to pull the bleach out again!

Bugabees Book

A member in our support group has written a children s book about food allergies. I have seen the story and think it is a great story to read to children to teach them that just because you can not have a certain food, that does not mean you can not have a fun filled day.



Books are available for purchase online at www.thebugabees.com and also online through all major booksellers.

Retail stores in the area:

Oompa Toys in Middleton
Book signing event with free giveaways on Saturday, May 9th from 2 to 4 PM

Barnes & Noble West in Madison
Book signing event with free giveaways on Saturday, May 16th from 10 AM to Noon

An Offer From Cherrybrook Kitchen

Get $1 off every box of Arthur Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix that you order from the online store. Enter the code ARTHUR at checkout in the "Coupon/Promo Code" section. Offer expires on April 30, 2009. Limit 5 boxes per order.


CLICK HERE to order.

Asthma Medication Resource

This page from eMedicine.com is a helpful resource for anyone who deals with asthma, whether in yourself or a loved one. Not only are there pictures and information about all of the different asthma medications, spacers, and nebulizers available, but there are also diagrams demonstrating how to position a patient for dosing, and even a list of advantages and disadvantages of each type of medication and delivery device.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1413366-treatment?src=emed_whatnew_nl_0#CFC

Overall, a great resource for asthma medication information!

Table Topper

Parents of food allergic children know what it's like to worry about the possible cross-contamination from a table where the little one is eating. Well worry no more! Neat Solutions For Children has a great product available called the Table Topper. This new disposable adhesive placemat provides a barrier against food contamination, germs, and dirt that may be unseen on a table surface and is stationary so kids can't easily push or throw the placemat to the ground. And even better yet is the All-In-One Meal Kit which includes a sip cup, table topper, bib with crumb catcher, fork & spoon. Just grab and go!

Visit http://www.tabletopper.com/ to view all of the convenient products available. And check out this YouTube video for a demonstration of the all-in-one kit!

Ian's Snack Mix

If your tastebuds enjoy the combination of salty & sweet, then Ian's Rodeo Mix 2 Go is for you! This tasty trail mix is not only nut free, but is also produced on dedicated peanut and tree nut free machinery, in a peanut and tree nut free facility. These individual pouches are the perfect size for lunchboxes or to throw in your purse or child's backpack for a quick snack on the go and the yummy mixture of organic pretzels, organic raisins, chocolate chips and white chocolate chips will leave your nut allergic little ones begging for more!

Visit http://www.iansnaturalfoods.com/ to find out where you can buy these tasty treats near you.

Allergen Labeling Study

A study at the University of Nebraska found that peanut, milk, and egg proteins were found in products labeled with "may contain", "shared equipment", and "shared facility" warnings. Even more unnerving were the results from a separate study showing that a handful of products with no warnings whatsoever did indeed test positive for milk and/or egg protein.

The Nebraska study found that milk was commonly present in products with a variety of labeling terms:

23 of 50 labeled as "may contain milk"
13 of 57 with "shared equipment" language
9 of 40 with "shared facility" language
16 of 29 with milk listed as a "minor" ingredient
1 of 3 with other labeling terminology

In order to keep our food allergic children as safe as possible, we should all remember that if there is *any* type of may contain warning on a package to assume that it could, in fact, be contaminated and avoid it.

You can view the article in it's entirety here: http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AAAAI/13318

Surf Sweets - Organic & Natural Candy

We were lucky enough to have samples of Surf Sweets Gummy Bears and Gummy Worms at our March Support Group Meeting. Surf Sweets products are produced in a facility free of: wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish.

This is of course the biggest draw for a food allergy support group that they are free of the top 8 allergens but

Other interesting things to note about Surf Sweets:
~ Surf Sweets are Stage 2 Feingold approved. You can learn more about the Feingold diet at http://www.feingold.org
~ Four of their products are Vegetarian (Fruity Bears, Gummy Swirls, Jelly Beans and Sour Worms). Our Gummy Bears and Gummy Worms contain gelatin so they are not vegetarian.
~Three of their products are Vegan (Fruity Bears, Gummy Swirls, and Sour Worms).
~all of their products are both gluten-free and casein-free. Casein is the protein found in dairy.

How are Surf Sweets different from other gummy candies and jelly beans?

Surf Sweets products are made with natural colors and flavors, organic fruit juice and sweeteners, and provide you with your daily allowance of Vitamin C. We are also one of the only candies made without corn syrup.

They make Gummy Worms, Gummy Bears, Gummy swirls, Fruity Bears, Jelly Beans, Sour Worms. Check out their website for more information http://surfsweets.com/index.php

Everyone seemed to like the taste and texture. Price wise and availability wise these are a great find as well. They are carried at local stores and online and are less then $2.00 a bag at most places.
Here are a few quotes from some of the members:

The boys really liked the gummy bears. They are pretty picky and I like the fact here are no dyes and additives. I really enjoyed the taste and texture as well.

Mom of 7 and 4 year old boys

Kids seemed to like the sour ones best. I will be ordering these for the Easter Baskets.

Mom of 7,5,2 year old children.

I try to avoid dyes in my kids foods and I like the fact they have to dye in the products.

Mom of 5 year old twins

Now for the best part... If you would like to try a FREE sample bag of these treats, send me a note and I will mail you a bag. First five to respond.

Home Free - Treats You Can Trust

Anyone who came to the February support group meeting had the opportunity to sample several varieties of Home Free cookies including Organic Oatmeal, Organic Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Organic Chocolate Chip Minis, and Organic Chocolate Chocolate Chip Minis that the company was gracious enough to send us. These cookies are made in a dedicated bakery and are free of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and egg.

Our members gave positive feedback and everybody seemed to have their favorite. Overall the most popular flavor seemed to be the Organic Oatmeal Cookies with the Organic Chocolate Chip Minis coming in a close second. We all agreed that it is wonderful to have a company that is able to supply our food allergic children with a variety of safe treats which goes a long way in helping them feel included in every day life.

Please stop by www.homefreetreats.com to check out their line of allergy-free cookies, coffee cakes, and baking ingredients to fit your needs!

Living With Food Allergies news clip

Great job Sheree & Diane!

Review of Skin Free Soap

Our group was lucky enough to be able to try some samples of a newer product out on the market. Skin Free Soap. This is a very nice gentle soap that works great on sensitive, dry, itchy, skin.
Our members really liked this soap, they found it was gentle enough for use on eczema prone skin. Did not leave any residue on the skin and was overall a nice product. Many we purchase this soap for their family.

So you may be asking what is Skin Free Skin Care products well....

Skin Free™ Skin Care Products

Recommended for individuals with:

• Extreme Dry Skin
• Skin or Fragrance Allergies
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Pregnant Moms
• Babies
• The Elderly
• Diabetics
• Renal Patients
• After Radiation or chemotherapy
  

Pharmacist formulated and doctor recommended patented formulas for delicate, sensitive and very dry or damaged skin.

• All Natural, Vegan Ingredients
• No Perfumes
• No Petroleum Products
• No Harmful Chemicals
• No Steroids
• No Colorants
• No Greasy feeling
• No Animal Testing, Cruelty Free

Some of the products you can get are:

• Extra Moisturizing Soap & Shampoo Bar™ - 3.5 oz - $3.99
• Super Moisture Butter Creme™ - 8 fl. oz - $12.99
• Lite Moisture for Blemish Prone Skin - 50 ml - $15.99
• Whipped Tamanu Body Butter™ - 8 oz - $18.99
• Super Moisture Body Balm™ - 8 fl oz - $12.99

But there are many more to try and use.

You can purchase these items online http://skinfree.net/ or at Walgreens.

Airline Policies

Is your family thinking of taking a vacation where you will be flying with your allergic child? Click on the link below to view a handy chart from AllergicLiving.com listing the allergy policies of some major airline carriers.

http://www.allergicliving.com/documents/airlines.asp

Candy Heart Contest

Enjoy Life Foods is having a Candy Heart Phrase contest on the Enjoy Life Facebook page.

"All phrases must contain a nod to an Enjoy Life product or one of the common food allergies. All entries are due by February 14, 2009. Winners will be chosen the week after Valentine's Day."

So put on your thinking caps and sign up now for a chance to win a FREE Enjoy Life Foods t-shirt!

Disposable Wristbands

I recently stumbled across this website (MabelsLabels.com) which offers a product called "My 411 Wristbands". These disposable wristbands can be customized to relay important information about your child.

“My 411 Wristbands” are designed to give parents peace of mind when dropping off children at birthday parties or field trips, or even when taking them to amusement parks. Other adults or caregivers have a means to contact the child’s parent or to learn vital information by looking at their 411. The disposable wristbands include the child’s first name, the parent’s first name and cell phone number and any allergies or special needs the child may have. These can be customized to fit any parent’s needs.

Valentine's Giveaway!

Head over to One Frugal Foodie before Sunday, February 8th, for a chance to win a Valentine's Day box of chocolate hearts from Premium Chocolatiers which is a company that makes gourmet dairy-free and nut-free chocolates!

"Premium Chocolatiers supplies the finest gourmet truffles and chocolates to all chocolate lovers including those with milk or nut sensitivities. Vegetarians, Lactose Intolerant, Food Allergy sufferers, as well as Kosher Pareve consumers can now also enjoy quality milk like, though dairy free chocolates! "

Combining Forces To Find A Cure

"For a number of years, FAI and The Food Allergy Project have worked toward a common goal of finding a cure for life-threatening food allergies," said Todd Slotkin, FAI's chairman and president. "After partnering on many important research and advocacy initiatives, our two organizations have now formally joined together with a renewed commitment to bring families affected by food allergies the treatments that we are all so eager to find."
Food Allergy Project and Food Allergy Initiative Merge To Find A Cure

The dilemma of the Epipen Case.

My husband took my 5 year old to his first Badger Hockey game last weekend and when he was about to leave he asked for the Epipens. I am always happy when my husband remembers to ask for the epipens without me having to remind him. So I hand him the Epipen case with two Epipens in it and he gives me the look.
You know the look of that will not fit into my pocket and you are going to make me carry that thing arent you. I said what? He proceeds into it is pink and flowery, so I change the case for him. That made him happier and this one fit into his pocket.
This makes me start to wonder... what do other families use to carry epipens???? We do have a few different types of cases for the epipens I never seem to find just the right one that will work for all situations. Plus I have three children all with food allergies. I need epipens at school for two of them, then we have church, Awanas, home, playdates, and of course I carry a set in the diaper bag and a set in my purse.
But here are a few I have come across. I would love to hear others opinions on what they use.

Here are a few I found interesting.

ALLERGYKIDS
Allergykids has a cute one, this is what I have at school for each of my two oldest. It holds two Epipens, allergy alert cards, and Benadryl in it.

http://www.allergykids.com

The AllergyKids Med Case measures 6”W x9”L and comes in black, water repellant, europrene with the AllergyKids symbol and trademark on it in fluorescent green. The AllergyKids Med Case has a front zipper, as well as a clip and a carrying strap for easy handling and access, and is big enough to hold two epinephrine injections, your child’s Benadryl®, his inhaler and anything else that you may want to include.


PEACE OF MIND ALLERGY
Here is one I found that I thought my 7 year old daughter would like. She basically likes anything pink and sparkly. The only thing I don't like is that it only holds one Epipen and we ALWAYS carry two per child.

http://www.peaceofmindallergy.com


ActiveAide
I actually have this one, but ended up not liking it at all. It again only holds one pen, and it actually it so tight holding just the one it is hard to get the pen in and out of it. I liked the fact it was lined, so it may keep it better insulated in severe temps but it just was to small for me.
http://activeaide.com/



Allergy Haven

Here are two more I have gotten. The pink flowered one works good, and my daughter thinks it is pretty which is nice. This is the one we carry for her in her backpack, and to playdates. The blue one we ended up not liking because the belt was HUGE and could not be made small enough to fit any of my kids. We did give it to some friends whose daughter loves it and uses it for school epipens.
http://www.allergyhaven.com







Take in Case
This one I am actually kind of excited to see. In the summer the kids, my hubby, and I like to go bike riding and for walks. We of course always bring the epipens and my husband is usually the one that will stick the Epipens in his pocket or I bring my purse to carry them. I found this website and I think this would be great for our summer activities. I may be ordering this one before summer. I will let you know how it works out if I order one.

http://www.takeincase.com

Protectube Auto Injector Case

Someone in the support group told me about this one. They used it when they went to a hotel with a pool and needed to take the epipens down to the pool and wanted to make sure they were safe and did not get wet.

The doctor-recommended Protectube offers the ultimate protection for anyone who must carry an auto-injector. Made of extremely strong and durable material, it is lightweight, water-proof, and UV protected. The easy-to-open PVC cap is quickly removed for speedy access to your auto-injectors. Discharged auto-injectors can be stored in Protectube until proper needle disposal can be obtained. Tube is "see through" for easy identification, with room to include instructions.

Let's Do Lunch

If you have a school-aged child with food allergies (especially multiple food allergies), then most likely you’re sending your child to school with a lunch box every day. And if your child is anything like mine, then when it’s time to eat he/she tends to take everything out of their lunch box and spread it out all over the table in front of them so they can see what they have. So I’ve been on the lookout for some fun ways to pack a school lunch, preferably with cross contamination safety in mind. I’m always worried that my little guy will take his sandwich out of the plastic baggie and set it right on the table between bites. Even though he sits at a peanut-free table in the lunch room, he does have several other food allergies to think about and who knows what has been touching that lunch table before he sat there.

Here are a few of the nifty ideas I have come across thus far. Click on the product name to view each of the websites.

Wrap-N-Mat
This is a reusable sandwich wrap and place mat in one!



Laptop Lunches
A cool design features a thermal, zippered carrying case that houses a large snap-shut tray, five reusable microwave safe food containers, a sport bottle, and a stainless steel fork and spoon.

Check out this blog for lots of ideas of what to pack in the Laptop Lunch Box! Vegan Lunch Box

Lock & Lock
I actually just bought this divided container for my son's lunch box. So far I'm quite happy with it as he can remove the top and leave all his food right in the container to eat out of.

As a bonus, if you are a first time buyer from this website, you can use coupon code F7777 at the time you place your order and receive a $2.00 discount!

Lunch Skins
These reusable, colorful cloth pouches are food safe, extremely durable, grease-proof and can even be thrown in the dishwasher.

Cup-A-Cake
Whether you send a cupcake in your child's lunch box or take one to a birthday party, this container will keep cupcakes intact while in travel. Comes in a variety of colors.

And don’t forget to tuck into your little one's lunch box an encouraging note if you know your child will be having a spelling test, a joke to brighten their day (Where do you put a loud dog? In a barking lot!), or maybe even a fun lunch box survey. The whole gang at the peanut-free lunch table will get a kick out of it!
Family Fun Lunch Box Jokes
Lunch Box Notes
Lunch Box Survey