MANAGE.
PROTECTING THOSE WITH FOOD ALLERGIES
*HAVE and CARRY 2 EPIPENS*
By “EPIPENS” I mean EpiPen, Auvi-Q, or whatever form of epinephrine you have been prescribed
Food Allergy Action Plan - example from FARE (allergist typically completes one like this for your child)
Allergic reaction card (this is from CHOA; to be filled out)
504 Plan for school
TEACHING CHILD TO KNOW THEIR ALLERGIES/BE OWN ADVOCATE
For example, we taught my son to memorize that his allergies are “nuts, sesame, and flax”
He knows we have to “check the ingredients” before eating anything
As the child grows, so too does their capacity to learn, appreciate, and self-advocate
More to come
ORGANIZATIONS, ADVOCATES, ADVANCEMENT
Food Allergy Research & Education “FARE” (key national advocacy group)
FARE’s Patient Registry (advances research by sharing your allergy info - it’s quick and easy)
Baby's First by FARE
Kids with Food Allergies
Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta (great way to meet other metro-area families)
Hillary Tolle Carter (amazing food allergy mom and advocate)
FOOD ALLERGY PROGRAMS
CLINICAL TRIALS
More to come
ORAL IMMUNOTHERAPY (“OIT”)
More to come
SUPPORTING LOVED ONES - Consider their needs if:
Having a baby-sitter (will he or she know how to recognize a reaction and follow the Emergency Action Plan, including where the Epipens are and how to use them? Make sure 2 Epipens at home!)
Going to the grandparents’ house tonight (same as above + will they have removed all allergens?)
Going to school (same as above + will you send lunch and snacks every day?)
Going out to eat (will you talk with the manager?)
Traveling (will you take a list of the allergens?)
Just a starting point - So much more to say on this…