Slime Soup

Parties, Friends and Food Allergies

2011-05-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

Thank God for good friends....the ones who may not understand the details of your food allergies, but are willing to do anything to accomodate.

Our good friends had a birthday party this weekend and they didn't flinch as I stood in front of the grill-master identifying exactly how to grill the allergen-free hotdogs and hamburgers.

The conversation was something like, "Do you mind if I take a look at the spray used on the grill?" "Oh, I didn't even think of that."

And, "When you cook the hotdogs, could you use a separate spatula so that the cheese from the hamburgers on the other side of the grill doesn't cross-contaminate?" "Ahh, ok we'll use the thongs instead."

And then, there were questions about the potato salad and dressing used with the spinach strawberry salad.

And last but not least, the cake. This time we brought a gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free cake to share. Aidan and I were very happy and so were some guests who desperately wanted a chocolate fix.

So, Aidan and I had plenty of safe foods to enjoy the party with others and our friends so graciously learned more about allergic-living.

The Proverbial Lemonade Stand

2011-05-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Periodically we encounter the neighborhood kids with their makeshift lemonade stand. I feel the need to stop and support them and yet I have an immediate hesitation about whether the lemonade is ‘safe’ for my allergic son.

Could their possibly be peanut, treenut, egg, dairy or shellfish contamination…in lemonade?

If anyone has read the Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink story by Victoria Kann, you may remember it as an engaging read.

Without her mom’s knowledge, Pinkalicious decides that the perfect ingredients for coloring the lemonade pink are watermelon, pink grapefruit and pink frosting. Hmmmm?

I certainly don’t want to grill the kids as to what their ingredients are, nor do I want to ask for an adult to come speak with me, but can I really be sure it is safe?

Kids are creative so I always air on the safe side and avoid it for Aidan while dropping them a few coins to support the effort.

Parents of Children with Food Allergies: Join the Club

2011-05-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

It’s Food Allergy Awareness Week…FAAN, AAFA and the numerous support groups and schools across the country are making it a priority to think and act on behalf of all who suffer with allergies.

For many of us, food allergy is on our mind on a daily basis. We create awareness of food allergy just by interacting in our social environments.

In a way, I feel that those of us with allergies and children with allergies are in a club of our own. A club we never chose but we find support from nonetheless.

I recently attended another of our local support group meetings. Regardless of our varied backgrounds, we are united in one mission- to keep our children safe. In doing so, we feel the need to keep others safe.

Yes, I do believe that making others aware of allergies is vital to the overall effort to find a cure.
And yes, if you are looking for encouragement or just like to keep up on all things allergies then join the club; literally, join a local food allergy group or do what our leader did…start one yourself!

Allergen-Free Easter Candy

2011-04-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

We just filled the baskets and plastic eggs. They are now scattered about the house for tomorrow mornings hunt!

We try to avoid anything artificial so we opted this year for:

• Surf Sweets gummy bears and jelly beans
• Yummy Earth Lolly Pops and gummies
• Enjoy Life rice chocolate bars

Sometimes I melt the Enjoy Life chocolate chips and mold them into shapes...then cover with foil, but this year we spent most of our time making gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free chocolate and strawberry bunny cupcakes.

King Arthur's new line of gluten-free baking products are amazing!

Our daughter really wanted pink frosted cupcakes so we bought some strawberries, mashed them in the strainer and let the juice do the coloring...the all natural way.

We followed Disney's Family Fun online magazine suggestion for decorating Easter Bunny Cupcakes:
http://familyfun.go.com/easter/easter-recipes/easter-cakes-desserts/easter-bunny-cupcakes-685427/

Happy Easter!

Food Banks Need Allergen-Free Donations

2011-04-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

Our local food bank has initiated a dedicated section in their pantry for allergen-free foods. Patrons who are on restricted diets because of allergies, celiac or diabetes can choose from a variety of safe foods that are dedicated just for them.

But our food pantry is unique. Not every food bank can accomodate those with dietary restrictions.

I realized those of us with food allergies can help. We know what foods to buy because they are in our pantry. We know where to shop because sometimes it's three different stores or even online. And we are experts at reading labels!

Here are some things we can do:

• Volunteer some time setting up an allergen-free section at your local pantry
• Offer information about allergen-free products
• Purchase and drop off allergen-free foods
• Donate funds or hold a food drive
• Write an article to the local paper in support of the effort

Does anyone have experience with this in their community? If so, please leave a comment about your successes and strategies!

Food Allergy Activity For Classroom/Homeschool

2011-04-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

Make a pretend stew. Best for young children under 8 years old.

We homeschool our children and gather with other families once a week. Last season, each mom took a week to discuss a topic with the kids. My topic was food allergies.

First, we read a few allergy-related children stories, and then got to work on our craft project.

Ahead of time, on plain white paper, I drew small outlines of several garden vegetables (about eight of each veggie such as carrots, beans, squash, tomato, potato, etc).

I made sure that no one was allergic to these vegetables. We had miniature black kettles left over from a party (they can be found at the party store or online at Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/search/processRequest.do?Ntt=black+pots&requestURI=searchMain&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&N=0).

Each child was told to choose their favorite vegetables, color them and add to their pot. They each named their new special stew recipe.

This activity gets kids thinking about food allergies but also about nutrition. They ponder what their favorite vegetables are and come up with their own special creation!

What does the Psychosocial Impact of Food Allergies and Scaredy Squirrel Have in Common?

2011-04-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

If anyone has read the children's picture book Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt, it is uncanny how the fear and trepidation of the main character is easily relatable to a parents fear of letting an allergic child out of sight.

In the story, Scaredy has a fear about leaving his safe nut tree and venturing into the unknown. As parents of children with food allergies, we hold a similar fear about anywhere outside the home.

In my mind, life with food allergies can be like Scaredy's nut tree; home is a safe place away from the unknown allergens with everything that we need and more importantly the things we don't want. The unknown can seem dangerous for our children, places like a birthday or family party, soccer field, school or even the playground.

We constantly have to plan ahead and bring the safe snacks and treats, then be on guard and make sure the table is clean and others are careful while eating around our child. Then we have to spring into action when the unexpected happens, like when the soccer team breaks out peanut butter crackers.

Like Scaredy, when we do venture out, we bring our emergency kit. But instead of a parachute, bug spray, rubber gloves, net and sardines, we carry emergency medicines; epinephrine, antihistamine and inhalers.

So the more recent research about the psychosocial impact of food allergies in children and their families is no doubt valid. The fear of avoiding an offending food as well as preconditioned feelings from unnerving past experiences is enough to make one obsess about never leaving home.

But then, we use our reason to reflect that more often than not, everything will be fine and the best we can do is take the necessary precautions.

For anyone who has read the Scaredy Squirrel series, it is filled with humor that we can all relate to. And when living with food allergies, humor can sometimes make life easier.

Homeschooling and Food Allergies

2011-04-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

I know the idea of homeschooling your own children can seem overwhelming because that is the way I felt when I began teaching our kids two years ago. I never intended to homeschool although I did know a few homeschool families and they seemed very happy. Sure, homeschooling is a sacrifice, but then again, the minute I became a parent is when the sacrifice really began.

Although we started homeschooling for faith reasons, a wave of relief came over me as I realized Aidan's food allergies could be managed safely at home. Apparently 10% of families with food allergies choose to homeschool for that reason. Each time we had an updated allergy test, we learned that our son's allergies were growing in number and the thought of keeping him safe while away from us increased my anxiety.

Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to socialize even more because our schedule is flexible. There's no time needed for traveling to school, packing lunch's and our schoolwork is done in half the time of the normal school day. We socialize Aidan in whatever his talents and interests are....soccer, t-ball, swim, gymnastics, piano, library, art and music class, etc. There are numerous activities we attend outside of our home including play dates with other homeschool and non-homeschool families.

Aidan is growing in his own ability to handle his food allergies outside the home and someday he may attend a school, but for now homeschooling has relieved our anxiety and brought us closer together as a family.

Still Waiting ...for a Publisher

2011-04-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

I find myself writing anything that comes to mind these days. As I teach the kids during the day or run errands or even doing the laundry, I get inspired with a thought and try to put it to paper before fleshing it out later (usually when the kids go to bed at night). Some are fiction stories, others are current events, some are thoughts about life as a parent or a homeschool mom or being a wife, friend, sister, daughter, godparent, etc.

When I was a girl, my dad would tell me bedtime stories. What a storyteller he was...Chippy, the chipmunk came to life with adventure after adventure at various national parks. He told about what he knew...he did a stint as a park ranger in his youth and would camp and hike with mom and the family, so the stories were told with passion and excitement. I wish he had written them down but oddly enough, I sometimes think of bits and pieces of his stories and the characters within and think that maybe I could expound on them and carry the tradition with my children.

Dad enjoyed learning about the Greek philosophers...Socrates never wrote anything down so if it weren't for Plato we may not know much about the great thinker. So maybe I should carry on dad's thoughts...while adding my own to his original work.

Children's Publishing

2010-08-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

I have been working on crafting and preparing my children's books for submission for one year already. Yes, just for submission to a publisher. Before I became a mom, I would research and write reports, documents and plans, some of which were published. Now I hope to be published again but the world of children's book publishing is a new one for me. Thanks to my agent, Jan and to the support of my family and friends, I am excited about what's to come. I have read, researched, discussed, conferenced and prayed. Will my stories be picked up by an editor? Will the words come to life with the right illustrator? Will I be reading my picture books to children next year/the year after? Whatever happens, I know that these efforts are not in vane. Just in telling people about my books, I have made many friends and informed many on what its like to live with food allergies.

Birthday Party

2010-07-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

I just remembered we have a birthday party tomorrow. To most, it would mean bringing a gift and maybe a bathing suit. For us, it means packing a cooler of snacks, sandwiches and decorated cupcakes. Aidan is good about it. He goes with the flow...satisfied with participating in the festivities but happy about his own allergen-free treat instead of the bright red firetruck cake. He's strong and confident, accepting and generous. He truely amazes me. His struggle seems to make him stronger.

Soccer Field Snack Dilemma

2010-07-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

Second to last game of the season. Aidan's U-5 team is taking their half-time drink break. There's a delay with getting back on the field. I, then notice the other team having a snack. A snack? During the game? Really? Do kids need nourishment after 20 minutes of play? Wouldn't a drink suffice?

Snoop parent over here has to check the type of snack. Sure enough, its peanut butter crackers. Oh, brother! Now what? My heart is pounding. Partly because I don't really know what type of reaction, if any, he may exhibit and partly because I don't want to awkwardly confront the other kids, parents and coach. But, I know the kids are going to get back on the field any minute with sticky peanut-filled hands and mouths. Of course, I have Aidan's emergency medicine bag with epipen, benedryl, etc. and the EMT was across the field attending to another child so I had some level of comfort.

As politely as I could, I expressed my fear about Aidan's potential reaction to a parent and coach and asked that the kids wash their hands prior to getting back on the field. One parent was very apologetic and had the kids immediately near him wash their hands. Anyway, it was a nailbiting second half as I watched Aidan gleefully charge after the ball. By the end of the game, he was itching his face and body. I gave him Benedryl and he recovered. But of course, it was another exposure. From what the allergist says, each exposure sets him back and will give way to a greater reaction each time. I am just thankful that it wasn't worse. Yes, I am planning to notify the league and hopefully snacks will be eliminated from game time.

Goodbye Pepperoni/ Hello Peanut Shell

2010-07-08T19:02:00.001-07:00

After my husbands day at work, we took the kids to the beach. Aidan and I are watching the waves roll in, jumping into the whitewater as they roll onto shore. He's asking me about dad's surfing days. "How high of a wave would dad surf?" he asks. I never answered him. I was too busy watching the random peanut shell move about the sand as the surf came in and out. Funny thing is, just before that my Fortuna's pepperoni plopped out of my g-free sandwich and literally rolled on its side four feet before I caught it. Who knows, maybe someone on the beach is allergic to pepperoni. As for the peanut shell, it's probably mingling with the seaweed.

All 3 Have Allergies!

2010-04-27T20:59:00.001-07:00

Just this past month, I have noticed some changes in my two younger children. Could it be that not only does my oldest son but also our daughter and baby boy have food allergies too? I have suspected a dairy allergy with the youngest for a while but I thought our little girl was fine. Now that she is 3 and a half she is exhibiting signs of a possible soy allergy. That means, NO WHEAT, BARLEY, RYE, DAIRY, EGGS, PEANUTS, TREENUTS, SHELLFISH AND SOY in our combined diets. Why does it seem that this list is growing with the children?

Off to the allergist soon for some answers. I have none tonight.

The Healthy Allergic Child

2010-04-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Our son, Aidan was diagnosed with multiple food allergies on his second birthday. Along with sensitivities to dairy, egg, peanut, treenut and shellfish he is allergic to a multitude of environmental allergens...grass, mold, dog, dust and probably a host of other allergens that he has yet to be tested for. After his diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and related asthma, I became obsessed with making his world as healthy as possible. Since then, I shop for organic produce and natural food products. Most of what he eats have no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors and no pesticides and hormones.

Of course, the most common treatment plan from allergists and medical professionals is to avoid the allergens and take appropriate medication. But as parents, we always go above and beyond because of course we want the VERY best for our children and doctors are not always able to provide us with a holistic approach. So, in addition to avoidance of allergens, everything I have read leads me to conclude that avoidance of environmental toxins is also key to a healthier lifestyle not only for the allergic but for everyone. Most people would probably agree with this statement however are we really making the necessary changes in our lifestyle to adequately address this problem? Is buying organic apples and bananas enough if we are still consuming preservatives and hormones through meats, juice, lotions and cosmetics? Are we spraying our lawn with pesticides? Read Safer for Your Baby: the best little book on living healthy with less chemicals.

It takes time to learn of the toxins that are all around us. My father was an especially brilliant science teacher (and Catholic philosopher, but that's for another column). Funny as it was, he spent alot of time in the louvre as he had digestive issues (probably from undiagnosed Celiac Disease- the gluten sensitive illness) and he would read the ingredients labels on the back of my shampoo bottles and hairspray cans. He would announce the laundry list of chemicals found in each product gasping at how harmful they could be and I would inevitably poo poo his comments since he of course didn't know a thing about styling hair! Didn't he realize how important it was for a teenage girl to have her assortment of beauty products for proper grooming thus enhancing guy magnet appeal... chemicals or not. They all smelled great too. Hairspray could act as a hair stiffener and perfume just from one inexpensive bottle of Aquanet! Maturing happened and those cans of hairspray are a thing of the past in our household. Now I get it, dad.

In my own defense, I didn't realize there were alternatives. Now, we are blessed with a myriad of products that are becoming more and more cost effective for the average consumer. Some of these changes took some time as expenses do factor into some of the changes I wanted to make. Many changes can be simple and even more cost effective. For instance, chemical household cleaning products can be replaced with simple vinegar and baking soda. Give these items a chance as they do work for pennies!

Don't be obsessed with suds. More suds does not necessarily mean its cleaner. It just means more water will be needed to wash away the chemicals leftover on surfaces. This goes for personal care products too. My husband loves to use Dove bar soap. Its inexpensive and seems to clean well. But did you ever notice the stiffining of the shower curtain liner and soap scum buildup after using this stuff? What kind of 'residue' is soaking into the body? Well, there are good natural soaps out there. Jasons has a great line and Whole Foods is always a great resource. Some are more reasonably priced than you may think or it may seem expensive until you compare its performance longevity. Sun and Earth has wonderful orange cleaning power products for laundry, dishes and everyday cleaning at affordable prices.

Ten Tidbits: Favorite Allergen-Free Food Products

2010-03-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

(These are only suggestions. Please read labels yourself to make sure that it is safe.)

1. Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips. http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/

2. Rice Dream USDA Organic Rice Drink. http://www.tastethedream.com/products/rice_dream.php

3. Soy Cheese Mozzarella Style. Great for Pizza’s! By Vegan Gourmet at http://www.followyourheart.com/

4. Nature’s Promise Sea Salted Soynut Butter. By Stop and Shop

5. Sunbutter: Sunflower Seed Spread. By Sungold Foods. http://www.sunbutter.com/

6. Fruitabu: Organic Smooshed Fruit. Only fruit! Great for soccer snacks and to take anywhere. http://www.fruitabu.com/

7. Heart to Heart: Kashi cereal. Contains wheat. http://www.kashi.com/

8. Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread. http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/

9. Aleia’s Stuffing. Their g-free cookies are great too! http://www.aleias.com/

10. Yummi Bears Multi-Vitamins. Hero Nutritionals. Free of most of the top allergens. http://www.yummibears.com/

Let me know what your favorites are so I can post them too!

Ten Tidbits: For Parents with Newly Diagnosed Children

2010-03-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Ask the Allergist. Find someone you trust who knows pediatrics and can attest to the new research developments. It may help to get a second opinion as you navigate through recommended medications. Have the doctor prepare a written action plan for reactions especially for asthmatics. Think about what hospital to choose in case of an emergency (local or one with a pediatric specialty). Be aware the ambulance will typically go to the nearest hospital.
Purge the Pantry. No peanuts or peanut butter is kept in our house and any other allergen is put in a discreet location. But most importantly, Aidan knows what he is allergic to and he knows to ask before eating a new food.
Jot in a Journal. I keep a small notebook by the phone. Most companies now label the food packaging with allergen information. When I am in doubt about a company’s manufacturing practices or would like clarification about an ingredient, I contact the food distributer and keep notes so that I remember for next time. (This is especially great for Halloween candy or birthday cake mix as it is easy to forget from year to year and practices may have changed.) Jot down the type of food, name of company and allergen information/manufacturing practices and date of call.
Befriend FAAN and AAFA. Get on FAAN’s free email list and receive undeclared allergen alerts and become a member of these groups to support their search for a cure. http://www.foodallergy.org/ and http://www.aafa.org/
Survey your Surroundings. When out at the park, friend’s house or public place, become the sleuth needed to make sure your child is not in contact with any possible trigger. We usually mention Aidan’s allergies to other adults for their own awareness. This helps since now another adult can have the children wash their hands after they eat so that the bounce house, bikes, or playsets remain clean.
Carry a Cooler. Bring a cooler of ‘safe’ foods every time you leave the house. We also keep allergy-free cupcakes in the freezer to rbing out at party time and keep an allergen-free candy jar for those times when their swim class teacher passes out lollipops on the last day and your child feels left out.
Lug the Drugs. Unexpected situations arise and have to be handled with the appropriate rescue medications. Aidan leaves home with his medicine bag containing an epipen, benedryl, and inhaler along with the typical emergency kit supplies. Keep an emergency instruction note along with it and check the expiration dates regularly. A new friend of mine has developed great accessories for carrying epipens as well as other helpful products. Check them out! http://www.allergyessentialsusa.com/
Buy a Bracelet. These are especially great if your child is at school or with a caretaker. You may want to try http://www.medicalert.org/
Tell All. Train your babysitters. Remind your parents. Keep mentioning your child's allergies. It takes time for those who don't live with allergies to understand about putting away the peanuts when your son is around or reading labels. All caretakers should know how to use the epipen.
Search for Support. Parent support groups do exist. Check out AAFA or FAAN for one in your area or contact your allergist. Ours in Rhode Island was started by a parent who wanted to share ideas with other parents in the same situation. If you're local, our next meeting is Saturday, March 27th at 10am at the North Kingstown Free Library.

Allergy-Free Recipe

2010-02-17T17:40:00.001-08:00

Couldn't get to the market today and with slim-pickins in the pantry, I decided to see how creative I could be. Since its Ash Wednesday, we're fasting and abstaining from meat so I figured it couldn't be that hard to whip up a pleasing vegetarian meal especially for my meat-loving husband. I think its worth sharing ...

STIR FRY (no wheat, dairy, egg, nut, fish)

1/2 cup White rice
1/2 cup Quinoa
6 carrots
4 celery
10 asparagus
1 cup broth
1 can garbanzo beans
1/2 cup wheat-free soy sauce
2 tbs brown sugar
ginger to taste

Cook rice/quinoa together on stovetop. 15 mns and another 5 off burner.

Saute carrots, celery, garlic, asparagus with olive oil. Add broth and soy sauce and cover to quickly soften veges. Add undrained garbanzo beans. Use corn starch to thicken. Add more broth if needed.

Enjoy!

Ten Tidbits: Best Allergy-Friendly Businesses in Rhode Island

2010-02-10T17:19:00.001-08:00

The well-known running joke in RI is that Rhode Islander's won't travel more than half an hour without packing an overnight bag. It's our small state mentality. So luckily, if you live mid-state, you can probably make a stop at any of these suggested "allergy-friendly" locations without packing that bag. Others, check online to see if they offer shipping!

Where to Shop
1. Back to Basics, East Greenwich - The owners have owned this business steadily for years and are very knowledgeable about their products, health and know what sells. Being a smaller market, it's also the perfect place to take young children if you can't get away without them. They also sell Liz Lovely gourmet cookies (a must have!). Many are vegan (dairy/egg free) and gluten free as well as organic and made with love from Vermont!
2. Grill on Main/Post Office Cafe, East Greenwich- While you're on Main Street, check out the Pinelli restaurants. They have a separate g-free menu and will accomodate for allergies.
3. A&J Bakery, Cranston - A Nut-free Bakery! They ship anywhere in the US! The owners are both Johnson and Wales grads and so very kind. They even support FAAN. At Christmas, I was able to buy an allergen-free (even g-free) gingerbread house kit! The kids and I could all eat the same thing! And my husband loved it too so no sacrifice on taste!
4. Whole Foods, Cranston- Our closest Whole Foods is just at that half-hour mark and requires highway travel, so yes, when I do get a chance to visit, its a lengthy one (ha!) usually requiring someone to help me to my car with my overloaded cart. As my mother-in-law and good friend say, "It's enjoyable to just wander around the store and soak up all the healthy products." Plus, the employees all seem to have a high level of knowledge about which natural products work best. This is where I buy the kids Yummi Bears hypoallergenic vitamins by Hero.
5. Alternative Food Coop, Wakefield- Buy in bulk here or stop in when you're driving by for some soy cheese, Rhinopops, Zinc or maple syrup. Ask the helpful staff, become a member or go to their scheduled nutritionist hour and you can have your lunch/coffee right there and maybe a massage too!
6. Stop and Shop, anywhere - Believe it or not, this is where we do our weekly shopping...they have many of the natural products we need (although some locations have more than others), lower costs and they are expanding their g-free line.
7. Shaw's, anywhere. Like Stop and Shop, they do accomodate with natural foods under their Wild Harvest brand as well as others.
8. Farmers Markets- Casey Farm in Narragansett has great organic produce. Winter markets are in SK, NK and Pawtucket. Check out http://www.farmfreshri.org/.
9. Food For Thought, Narragansett (Mariners Plaza). Find your allergy-free anything foods in this peaceful place to browse. Ask and they will help! Call (401) 789-2445.
10. Most Naturally, Narragansett (Pier Marketplace). No need to go online! This shop provides everything from organic baby clothes, bed linens, pet supplies, locally-made jewelry, bath, body and makeup as well as kitchen gadgets. After shopping, turn the corner and spend the day on the beach!

Happy A-Free Shopping in RI!!!

Top Pics- Books

2010-01-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

Once I learned of Aidan's allergies and asthma, I hit the library and gathered as many books as I could. Like many of you parents, I needed the knowledge, the details so that I could have some sense of control over this new lifestyle. Here's just a few of my favorite resources. You may have your own list too.

For Adults
The Peanut Allergy Answer Book by Michael Young is full of practical wisdom. Thanks to my friend, Sarah, I discovered this resource.
Natural Relief for your Child's Asthma, Drs. Bock (they are pretty well-known now after getting national recognition and now have a newer version of this book- Curing the Childhood Epidemics which I am anxious to read). Althought this book focuses on asthma, it gives a suggested diet plan that we try to adhere to. It's a holistic approach (halleluiah!), blending the need for conventional meds with suggestions for nutrition and supplements.
The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-free Survival Guide by Elizabeth Hasselbeck. This was a must for me since I have now been G-free for almost a year. Although Celiac Disease is not an allergy, there are certainly cross-overs in how to manage a diet without wheat, barley and rye.
Safer for your Baby: A Guide to Living Better with Fewer Chemicals, By Lynn Tondat Ruggeri, Ph.D. and Laura Costa, Ph.D., Saferworks, 2008 (saferforyourbaby.com). I love giving this book to a new mom with a basket of natural baby or mom-pampering products. The authors are so knowledgeable and like Elizabeth Hasselbeck, they're from RI!
Allergy-Free Desserts by Elizabeth Gordon. The reviews sound wonderful and the author is an experienced baker and suffers from allergies herself. I look forward to this one.

For Kids
Allie the Allergic Elephant: A Children's Story of Peanut Allergies by Nicole Smith and illustrations by Maggie Nichols. My kids love this book and often worry about Allie. Nicole's writing captures their interest as they answer "no" to "Do you want to see Allie get hives? etc., etc."
Alexander the Elephant Series by FAAN. These are great for the food-allergic child's library.

Blah, Blah, Blog

2009-08-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

So, I have written a children's book about food allergies that I hope to have published in the not-so-distant future. This blog is my first attempt at making it real. However, I am not so sure I am talking to anyone. Is anyone reading this?

The concept of Slime Soup started when I was bathing the kids (all 3, 3 and under) back in March. How could I convey the idea of the top eight food allergies to children? Then I saw Otis, our toy Octopus floating in the tubbie between the munchkins. With his eight colorful legs and happy face, I began the story. The soup, of course, contains the 'slimy' ingredients that Otis' allergic friends must stay away from. Most kids probably have an aversion to one food or another that they would add to the pot and gladly announce an 'allergy' to.

Our oldest, Aidan, now 4 1/2 has lived with serious food and environmental allergies since birth. As a parent of an allergic child, you feel like a detective every time an asthma episode occurs or hives break out. OK, what did you just eat, what's the weather like, which friend was eating something near you, is the couch dusty or is it grass pollen, mold, or maybe I didn't wash my hands before I touched him. Kids like Aidan have an adverse immune system reaction to offending foods. He is allergic to peanut, dairy and eggs and maybe others that we have yet to discover. Although his activities are closely monitored, he is only limited in the fact that he must avoid the allergen triggers. Even still, it only takes one moment for an allergic reaction to happen...throat swelling, hives, sneezing, itching. Emergency medicines have to always be within reach.

Why do food allergies exist? Some research alludes to the altering of the genetic code due to environmental toxins in our diet/lifestyle or vaccinations and others have said that it could be our rampant cleanliness (too much antibacterial soap?) in the past couple of decades. The jury is still out, but one thing is certain, children shouldn't have to suffer from eating a walnut or strawberry. Foods allergies are on the rise by 18% over the past decade and Dr. Kenneth Bock among others have labeled it an 'epidemic'. Twelve million Americans are affected of which 4% (3 million) are children. It is our hope that Slime Soup will have a part in creating awareness amongst kids, parents and educators and lead to more research and ultimately, a cure.