Living with Allergies
By Heather Legg | No Comments »
Today was the end of year party for my daughters’ swim team. There were awards, trophies, games, and the always there – cake. It reminded me of four years ago when my daughter was first diagnosed with her nut allergy. It was right at the end of the school year when she was diagnosed and the end of the year swim party was probably her first encounter with cake since that. Continue reading…
The Allergy Wizard
By Heather Legg | No Comments »
I’m always on the lookout for ways to help kids understand about their allergies. It’s one thing to explain their condition to them, but empowering them and making them comfortable with it is another story. Sometimes, we as parents, need a little help in this. Sure, our doctors can talk to them and tell them how to be safe, but that’s not always the best route, either. There are a few good books out there and some good websites; here is a website that I just came across that is fun, interactive and kid friendly. Continue reading…
How to Safely Take Your Allergy Medication
By Heather Legg | No Comments »
With so many allergy medications on the market, both over the counter and prescription only, how do you know what is the best choice for you or your child? With all we hear in the news, we want to make sure that what we are using is not only effective, but also safe. Luckily, we have resources to go to and choices if we aren’t happy with a current medication. Continue reading…
Emergency Procedures: Are They Enough?
By Heather Legg | No Comments »
The other day some friends and I were talking about emergency procedures at school. We realized that there are probably some ways our kids could be a little safer at school. Not just kids with allergies and asthma, but also kids with heart conditions and anything that could require immediate attention. Continue reading…
Support Groups for Allergies
By Heather Legg | No Comments »
These days, support groups are very “in.” There are support groups for divorce, for cancer, for eating disorders and grief. You can find support for smoking cessation, weight loss and substance abuse. And even here and there you can find support groups focusing on allergies, either food or other allergies, and asthma, or a combination. Support groups can really help when you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, worried or alone. They are a place to share triumphs and express fear. If you feel you need support with your or your child’s allergies, think about joining one for allergies. Continue reading…
Sending Allergic Child Safely on a Field Trip
By Staff | No Comments »
You get the permission slip home one day. Your child is going to the zoo on his first field trip at school. Your heart races because you fear that he will have an allergic reaction and you won’t be there. The school nurse won’t be there. He will be far away from you and your first thought is he can’t go. Continue reading…
Are Allergic Kids Being Devalued?
By Staff | No Comments »
Recently I learned a term used in a certain way that gave me something to think about. I had heard the term devaluation before and knew it applied to people, usually those with severe disabilities. You know, society devalues people, sad but true. It made me think about those with allergies and asthma, are they devalued? Continue reading…
Sometimes You Need to Let Go
By Staff | No Comments »
In my latest News Round Up on this site, I mentioned an article from the National Post of a 15 year old boy, Paul Kraemer, in Winnipeg who had been let go from his baseball team right before their championship playoffs. His family is now suing the association, the directors and the team’s coach for unspecified damages to their son, according to Yahoo! news. Oh, I left one aspect out. The boy has food allergies. Continue reading…
Holy Communion for Those with Allergies
By Staff | No Comments »
We think about susceptibility to food allergies in schools and restaurants and airplanes. We think about them at birthday parties and weddings and holidays. But do we really think about them at church? More and more people are starting to with the rise of allergies and awareness. Communion wafers are traditionally made of wheat, so what do those parishioners with wheat/gluten allergies do to receive the Holy Sacrament? Continue reading…
What to Expect with an Allergy Scratch Test
By Staff | No Comments »
You know you have allergies; you’re just not sure to what it they are to. You have decided to seek diagnosis from an allergist. You are ready for your appointment, but just not sure what to expect. What will they do? How soon will you get results? Will they be reliable? Will it hurt? Continue reading…
