AllerMates Wristbands

I found these great AllerMates wristbands and I think my girls would really like wearing them. The character illustrations are pretty cute and they have humorous profiles for each character. They have wristbands for peanut, egg, tree nut and dairy. $7.99 each, for kids ages 2 and up.

Rowan's updated blood test results

We had Rowan's blood re-tested about a month ago to see if anything had changed with her food allergies. We just got the results and they were very disappointing.

The range for moderate is 0.7 - 3.5. High is anything over 4.0.
Last year, she was at an 85 for eggs and milk...extremely high. Peanut was around 9.34. Wheat was 5.3, Soy was 4.6. Chicken and turkey weren't in the blood test, but the skin test showed she was allergic.

This year, her numbers actually went up - which surprised me, because she was already so high. Her current numbers are below. Anything over 4.0 is high.

Milk: above 100
Egg: above 100
Peanut: 28.3
Turkey: 16.3
Wheat: 10.3
Chicken: 4.6
Pork: 3.0

I was hoping that the turkey, chicken and wheat numbers would drop and we could try reintroducing these foods. She was already eating a little bit of wheat every day, so I need to ask the doctor about that one. For now we'll try to avoid it. Citrus still makes her wheeze, so we'll avoid that too.

The numbers of the top 3 or 4 on the list are an indication that she will not outgrow them. I feel like it would be a miracle if she could just outgrow a few of them.

We'll just keep avoiding all the things we've been avoiding, and be super careful about touching her after handling any of these foods. Rylie's last test was above 100 for peanuts, and 3.0 for milk and shellfish, so nothing new there. We never go anywhere without our epi-pens!

Possible Changes to US Food Labels

Has anyone seen the articles regarding possible changes to U.S. food labels? Among the suggested changes would be to have minor ingredients and allergens listed separately, with allergens in red. I would love to see these changes happen - it can be easy to miss hidden allergens in long ingredient lists and this would help tremendously. I also work in packaging design, so this could effect some of the processes we have in place.

Here is an article from the Well Blog on the subject: A Makeover for Food Labels. Ms. Pope also links to other sources with additional information and insight on the topic.

Crane Animal Humidifiers

The cold weather has arrived and the air is getting dry - a great time to buy a cool-mist humidifier for your kids rooms. We found these really cute animal humidifiers at Target for $34.99, and bought the frog and the penguin. There are so many more animals on Target.com...I wish I would have waited! Ours are really quiet and will hopefully help when our girls get coughs and colds this winter. Both of our girls have also been dealing with asthma.

I would not recommend the filter cartridge. One of ours broke apart and emptied into the water the very first night.

Green Start Books

My friend Sarah found these adorable Green Start books. This earth-friendly series is made from 98% post-consumer recycled materials and is printed with soy-based ink. Each hardcover 20 page book's simple, non-fiction content inspires children to love and respect the natural world. Includes a Parent Page with easy, everyday tips to practice earth-friendly habits right at home. Recommended for children ages 3-6. Available in 4 Titles. Thanks for sharing, Sarah!

Allergy Reminders for Halloween

1) Bite-size, individually-wrapped candies may have different ingredients or be processed in different facilities than their regular-size counterparts, so don't assume they are safe just because you have previously used the regular-size candies.

2) The ingredient label on a bag of candy may differ from the ingredient labels on the individual candies inside.

3) Advisory labels such as May Contain, Processed in a Facility, and Processed on Shared Equipment are voluntary. If a candy label lacks these statements, it doesn't mean the candy is safe from potential cross-contamination with an allergen. The only way to know if your Halloween candy is safe from allergens is to contact the manufacturer. (Read "Is Your Food Really Safe?" for more information.)

4) If a product does have an allergen advisory label, the product should be avoided. Studies have shown that many of these products actually *do* contain allergens.

5) Chocolates are commonly cross-contaminated with milk, soy, peanuts or tree nuts.

6) Allowing children to carry candies that contain their allergens can be dangerous. The wrappers can become loose and fall off the candy in their trick-or-treat bag, or children may attempt to eat the candy without you knowing.

7) Halloween dangers don't disappear that night. Be aware that other children may sneak candy to school the following week and attempt to share it. Remind your food-allergic child not to accept candy from anyone but you.

From Kids With Food Allergies eNewsletter

Allergy-Free Soft Pumpkin Cookies

We'll be trying this recipe as soon as I find xanthan gum.

2 cups flour (can use gluten-free blend)
1/2 cup oat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp xanthan gum

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup shortening

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin
1 Tbsp Egg Replacer mixed with 2 Tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla

In large bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir until completely mixed.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Place spoonfuls of batter on ungreased cookie sheet, 12-15 to a sheet.
Bake 18-20 minutes

Use wheat and/or gluten free ingredients as needed.
Created by Amy Hugon