Come to our meetings as often as you like or need. We are here for you. Our goal is to help you focus on practical ways of coping with food allergies and anaphylaxis in your everyday life.
Email info@pakcharlotte.org to be added to our email database and receive the information for the yahoo message board.
• Allergic reactions to food can be life-threatening.
• Reactions can become dangerous without warning. Act quickly when a reaction occurs. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
• Even a tiny amount of a food can cause a serious reaction in some people.
• Calmly & clearly state your (child’s) needs as FACTS, not wishes. Be firm.
• “The Big Eight” Food Allergens are: Peanut, Tree nut, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Eggs, Dairy (Milk), & Wheat.
Food Allergies are serious but can be managed! Here’s what to do:
1. Making sense of the test results, what foods are safe and unsafe can be very overwhelming. If you have any questions about your child’s test results, be sure to schedule a follow-up visit with the physician. Studies show that your child will have fewer trips to the emergency room if they are under the care of a Board Certified Allergist.
2. Read…Read…Read
An informed parent is the best way to protect your food allergic child.
Scott Sicherer's Understanding and Managing your Child's Food Allergies and Dr. Wood's Food Allergies for Dummies cover all the basics in easy to understand terminology. See our PAK Member Tips page for links to these and other helpful books.
3. Always carry an Epipen/Twinject and all medicines your doctor wants you to have when a reaction occurs.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly if a reaction occurs.
• Call 911 after using your Epipen/Twinject, even if a reaction appears to go away.
• Carry Epipen/Twinject and other medications with you at all times. NEVER leave home without them.
• Arrange to have extra Epipen/Twinject and other medications at your child’s school, baby-sitter or daycare. (Special forms may have to be completed by your doctor).
• Do not split them up. An extra may be needed if one misfires or wears off before you get further medical attention.
• Make sure you replace your Epipen/ Twinject once a year because they do expire and lose effectiveness.
• Do not store your Epipen/Twinject in extreme heat or cold (i.e. your car). The medication is very sensitive and this can render it ineffective.
4. Don’t eat anything that contains the food(s) to which you are allergic!
• Learn to read labels! Read them each and every time you buy the product and prior to eating. The manufacturing process may have changed.
• Eat only what is clearly labeled.
• Don’t eat products that may come in contact with allergen-containing foods: “cross-contamination”. Avoid bakeries, delicatessens and ice cream shops.
• Have a new family rule, "If you can't read it, you can't eat it!"
• Teach your children to know what foods are safe and unsafe for them. Some PAK members have made a book with their children using old magazines and newspapers...
5. Have an Emergency Action Plan
• An Emergency Action Plan is a form that lists the signs of an allergic reaction and what to do if a reaction occurs.
• A sample is in the File section of the PAK message board (See picture below). The doctor should fill out the form with you.
• Post a copy of the plan on the refrigerator and keep a copy with your emergency medications.
• Review this plan with EVERYONE who cares for your child.
6. Get a MedicAlert Bracelet or Pendant (children should have bracelets).
• This is NOT just an ID bracelet! Emergency medical workers are trained to recognize these and can use them to get important information.You can buy medic alert bracelets at:
http://www.n-styleid.com/ or http://www.medicalert.com/
7. Always carry “safe” food with you.
• Be prepared - carry “safe” snacks to eat whenever away from home.
• Local grocery stores are carrying “food allergy friendly” products such as Home Free, Enjoy Life, Cherrybrook Kitchen. In Charlotte, check out Earth Fare, Home Economist, Harris Teeter, Super Bi-Lo, Super Target.
• Eating out is risky! Always ask to speak to the manager before ordering to convey the life-threatening nature of your allergy. Ask about cross-contamination as well. Use restaurant cards to show the chef and wait staff. (There is a sample of one in the Files section on the PAK message board)
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Parents of Allergic Kids is not a professional or medical organization. It is a group of individuals sharing information and supporting each other. The discussions, meeting minutes, handouts, speakers, agendas and other products of this group do not constitute medical and /or legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always discuss individual health / medical concerns with a qualified personal physician.
