tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70978120352792721622024-02-20T15:32:05.601-08:00Living WELL with Food AllergiesRecipes, Catharsis and all kinds of sharing...
For those who might be limited in what they can eatHeidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-77539300896123949392014-02-16T09:44:00.002-08:002014-02-16T09:47:29.032-08:00The Green Living Fair- Studio City 2/22/14Next weekend, I will have the pleasure of judging a pie contest at The Green Living Fair in Studio City, CA. If you are interested in this FREE family friendly event, there will be lots of information about urban farming, beekeeping, water conservation, recycling and much more. There will be music and dance performances and kid's activities. <br />
<br />
If you would like to participate in the pie contest, anyone is welcome to participate. Just bring your submissions to the event by 10:30 am. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxxtdp1JpAmcOABfW9PfHv_21_IkPjGJKDaEyMu221uwASO5TH9yln4pqaHso04h9WTtBJls9xuMezZyOuCimlu-Gc_FqEUpY-TsS-WtpOz5NHe9A_u9v-1rMjCQSHMLQUd-NSw3MZ_Nu/s1600/SCNC-GLF-Flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxxtdp1JpAmcOABfW9PfHv_21_IkPjGJKDaEyMu221uwASO5TH9yln4pqaHso04h9WTtBJls9xuMezZyOuCimlu-Gc_FqEUpY-TsS-WtpOz5NHe9A_u9v-1rMjCQSHMLQUd-NSw3MZ_Nu/s1600/SCNC-GLF-Flyer.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-91298212311459210492013-11-10T23:19:00.001-08:002013-11-10T23:19:17.482-08:00Stand Up to Your Food Allergy- Coloring Contest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_48aPMlBbxYHPBN4NziIIr50rIClVydxJdyqYsUKCzQW54_1Dt-SKIq_sPa3qF9LP4r7hx_wMlJ-pR2aJdH2P9rxycPiwxBy8atWGZ3i1FtpfAblGbiTFT9XCOZZq3iSoEfYnFML3Pip/s1600/hlms-image15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_48aPMlBbxYHPBN4NziIIr50rIClVydxJdyqYsUKCzQW54_1Dt-SKIq_sPa3qF9LP4r7hx_wMlJ-pR2aJdH2P9rxycPiwxBy8atWGZ3i1FtpfAblGbiTFT9XCOZZq3iSoEfYnFML3Pip/s1600/hlms-image15.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Healthline Networks is currently running a campaign focusing on Food Allergies. They have created a coloring contest as a fun way for children to identify and remember which foods to stay away from. Enter for your chance to win a Whole Foods gift card!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/coloring-contest">http://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/coloring-contest</a></div>
<br />Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-6667430000624230362012-08-02T22:23:00.001-07:002012-08-02T22:23:25.863-07:00Danger in the ClassroomAs summer comes to a close, many of us are preparing for another school year. If you are like me, you often feel anxious about sending your beloved and allergic child off each day. You do what you can to control everything that they consume. You trust the school administrators, teachers and staff to care for your child as if they were their own. You hope that other parents will follow the school's no-nut policy. But the fact of the matter is that mistakes happen. And as parents, it is important for us all to know that these things can and WILL happen from time to time. If you have a moment, please read this story that Gina Clowes posted on Allergymoms.com. You may have to grab a Xanax or a glass of wine to calm your nerves afterward. But it is truly important for all of us to remember the bitter reality of food allergies. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.allergymoms.com/classroom.pdf">Tragedy in the Classroom</a>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-31842965959205790202012-06-11T09:17:00.001-07:002012-06-11T09:17:57.935-07:00"Nut Free" Cake? Not so...How can a "nut free" cake actually contain 55% peanuts? This is outrageous. ALWAYS read those ingredient lists. Sadly, you cannot rely on hearsay. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4365419/KOd-by-nut-free-cake-that-was-55-peanuts.html">http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4365419/KOd-by-nut-free-cake-that-was-55-peanuts.html</a>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-76632242863269892702012-01-27T19:00:00.000-08:002012-01-27T19:03:44.200-08:00A Survival Story Worth Telling...<a href="http://www.ketv.com/r/30307603/detail.html">Boy Survives Delayed Reaction to a Peanut Allergy</a><div><br /></div><div>Thank goodness this boy is alive. But what a horrific experience for everyone involved!</div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-1347038121812091912012-01-24T16:00:00.000-08:002012-01-24T16:02:32.918-08:00Celebrities Have Food Allergies, Too!Even glamorous people can suffer like the rest of us! Here are a list of celebrities that have food intolerances or allergies.<div><br /></div><div>From Huffington Post... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/23/gluten-free-celebrities_n_1217317.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#1155cc;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/</span><wbr><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#1155cc;">2012/01/23/gluten-free-</span><wbr><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#1155cc;">celebrities_n_1217317.html</span></a></span></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-85769527635938603352012-01-15T13:48:00.000-08:002012-01-15T13:51:37.715-08:00How to ID Genetically Modified Food<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqUKw1C_3_NpWuybSQF6mvdGxEVTlH59Rwlw_gHDQnHfvgGawiIuE31NgfSsW_OONu2hWG-GMMxrBlii6zjd3oThdpCFuFXZRsOzlGvRNLyO94E4f7Wsiv4ScArvcH_6bqwg4OqQiA7w9/s1600/Banana.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqUKw1C_3_NpWuybSQF6mvdGxEVTlH59Rwlw_gHDQnHfvgGawiIuE31NgfSsW_OONu2hWG-GMMxrBlii6zjd3oThdpCFuFXZRsOzlGvRNLyO94E4f7Wsiv4ScArvcH_6bqwg4OqQiA7w9/s320/Banana.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697979707241464210" /></a><br />This is great information if you are as freaked out by genetically modified produce, as I am...<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.kipnews.org/2011/07/14/how-to-i-d-genetically-modified-food-at-the-supermarket/">How to ID Genetically Modified Foods at the Supermarket</a></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-87130921053937037732012-01-12T12:31:00.001-08:002012-01-12T13:47:09.120-08:00The Enemy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUiiq52xLMGErqH5X2dD5y1KtHJZ6ZzSbDDGLEvXqNzZ5L9d4WxCEZWGKtn5rsndAenspswa5p2Q8Lyi1FCxJx2NlrmQftOM-sYnKD4djqoYAE2PwwBcHDXhSE4Sb3sRfZ6BM03bx8Rfr/s1600/images-4.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUiiq52xLMGErqH5X2dD5y1KtHJZ6ZzSbDDGLEvXqNzZ5L9d4WxCEZWGKtn5rsndAenspswa5p2Q8Lyi1FCxJx2NlrmQftOM-sYnKD4djqoYAE2PwwBcHDXhSE4Sb3sRfZ6BM03bx8Rfr/s320/images-4.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696845959232503218" /></a><br /><div>Nothing freaks me out more than seeing a pistachio. It didn't used to be this way. They were my friends. I ate them by the bag full, as I cracked their shells apart. It was, without question, my favorite nut. Never did I think that I would have to give them up. Until the day that I found out that my daughter is exceptionally allergic to them. (If you have never heard that story, you may read about it <a href="http://freedomtoeat.blogspot.com/2009/01/ellas-story.html">here</a>.)</div><div><br /></div><div>That was the day that I gave them up. Because if I were to consume them, even out of her presence, and if I were to kiss her or touch her... she could still die. She is that allergic to them. When dining at a restaurant, I will often wince when I see them an ingredient on a menu. The only time that I have had one, in the past 4 years, was at my cousin's wedding when I was served a pistachio-crusted chicken. I attended the wedding by myself and was away from my kids for the weekend. So I went crazy. Actually, I ate about three bites. It wasn't very good. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lately, I have been on edge about all things related to nuts especially when my daughter is not with me. The recent death of little Amaria Johnson, a Virginia first grader, has rocked the allergy community. She died after eating a peanut that a classmate had given to her on the playground. There are two stories about why she was not given the medications that would have saved her life; she had a known peanut allergy but for whatever reason, the school did not allow her to keep her Epi Pen in their office. They were also supposed to administer Benadryl, as an emergency precaution. And they did not. She died of an anaphylactic reaction that led to cardiac arrest within minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>My daughter, Ella, is also in the first grade. After hearing about this tragic event I immediately drafted a letter to the faculty of her school. Even though I go over her "allergy protocol" at the beginning of each school year with whomever her teacher is, I wanted to remind them, again, of what needs to be done if she were to have an allergic reaction. Her school is "nut free" in that they <i>request</i> that parents do not allow their children to bring nuts to school. In spite of this general rule, kids still bring PB & J's to lunch from time to time. When they do, they are asked to consume their sandwiches at a separate table. This has not been a problem for us because our daughter does not seem to have an anaphylactic or airborne issue with peanut butter, even though she is allergic to peanuts. There are other nut allergic kids in the school, but I do not know what their particular situations are. Our school is small, less than 90 kids from TK-6 grades. It is a tight community and everyone always seems to look out for each other. The reason it is only "nut free" and not NUT FREE is because the school is a part of a larger facility that hosts many different functions. It is a religious day school and is part of a Jewish Synagog that is part of a much larger community. The spaces are shared for a variety of events, seminars and classes. It would be impossible for them to monitor every single situation where someone <i>could</i> bring food into the Temple. Long story short, nut contamination is possible but I trust the staff at her school to watch over our daughter and make sure she stays out of harm's way. Her friends have also proven to be marvelous advocates for her, which is another great line of defense.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last week, I arrived to pick her up and discovered a trail of empty pistachio shells, leading toward the play yard. Naturally, you can imagine the panic that I felt. When I saw Ella she was surrounded by a couple of friends and all at once they told me, "You are not going to believe what happened today! Sasha brought pistachios for her morning snack and then she shared them with Zoe!" Sharing food is absolutely not allowed at school. But I know how things go doing morning recess, kids are running in a million different directions and it would be quite easy for a teacher to miss such a transaction. </div><div><br /></div><div>I went home and wrote another letter to the Head of the School. At this point, I felt a little like a pain in the ass but it had to be done. The school policies are clear on the issue, nuts are not allowed. But legally, it is a bit of a grey area because the facility is shared. The Head of School got back to me right away (she is amazing and I adore her) and she had spoken to the first grade teacher about the incident. Because I had just sent them all a letter the week prior, the nut issue was very much in their minds. The teacher eventually saw what the little girl was eating, confiscated the contraband and asked both girls to go to the restroom to wash their hands. I do not know if the girl's parents were informed or not. After a few years of doing this blog, I have learned that it is best to let the schools handle these situations when possible. And I trust that they did. I feel like I would be overstepping my boundaries to e-mail the parents directly, especially because I do not know them that well. By the way, Ella is not the only child in her class of 16 that has deadly nut allergies. </div><div><br /></div><div>As if all of this was not enough to add to my new crop of grey hairs, we had another little run in with our "enemy" at my nephew's birthday party. My sister had ordered a cous cous salad from a restaurant that we all love and it was made with pistachios! So once again, I went into "freak out" mode. The salad had been packaged with several things that my daughter would normally love to eat... fruit salad, steamed brussels sprouts, rice. I promptly told her that she could not get anything from the kitchen and that I had to select the foods for her to eat. And then I told my family that if they ate the offending dish, to please wash their hands and to NOT kiss Ella. Clearly, they must all think that I am the true nut. But honestly, you have to do what you have to do when it comes to keeping a child safe. I don't really care what people think about me. All I care is that my daughter makes it through life, without dying prematurely because of some stupid mistake. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully, we are done running into our little green friend, at least for a while. The year has barely begun and this is already too much.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish nothing but safety and good health for all of you in the allergy community. Check those Epi pens to make sure they are up to date. And make sure you have enough Benadryl or generic antihistamine to take down a horse. Better safe, than sorry!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have not done so already, please take a moment to sign this petition...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/save-allergic-childrens-lives-in-schools">Save Allergic Children's Lives in School</a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is impossible to know when a first reaction will occur. This bill will protect kids who have known food allergies and those who may not know, yet.</div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-83256518558199070662012-01-11T15:38:00.001-08:002012-01-11T15:39:13.640-08:00Allergy Safety in SchoolsFrom CNN...<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/11/health/living-well/food-allergies-schools/?hpt=hp_bn10">Girl's Death Highlights Allergy Safety in Schools</a></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-51565570515844037082012-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-09T09:05:11.180-08:00Anthony Field of the Wiggles and his new role<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjCYTykFeuspWMzkCIaMOUq_xBKTKv4j7YA-noBU0q1OfnV_7TDVB1BHDuuMLX1q3IlAJp58-85DqazwV2d9X-aAkeK6jl3-LmmLEOox3qYYXGQek0D2POeb2AeNZVpLkVO-sjfqVweDQ/s1600/images-3.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjCYTykFeuspWMzkCIaMOUq_xBKTKv4j7YA-noBU0q1OfnV_7TDVB1BHDuuMLX1q3IlAJp58-85DqazwV2d9X-aAkeK6jl3-LmmLEOox3qYYXGQek0D2POeb2AeNZVpLkVO-sjfqVweDQ/s320/images-3.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695678467076061026" /></a><br /><div>He's delighted children all over the world as the blue Wiggle and now Anthony Field is taking on a new role, teaching kids and adults alike about the dangers of allergies as a spokesperson for Anaphylaxis Australia. He and his son Antonio joined TODAY to talk about the campaign.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://today.ninemsn.com.au/videoindex.aspx?uuid=907b2c8a-9559-476a-8284-d6453a76254a">http://today.ninemsn.com.au/videoindex.aspx?uuid=907b2c8a-9559-476a-8284-d6453a76254a</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-70285143991524244422012-01-03T21:56:00.000-08:002012-01-03T22:03:25.972-08:00A 7 year old Virginia Girl Dies After an Allergic Reaction<div><a href="http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-chesterfield-student-death-20120103,0,4150762.story">Child Dies in School from a Peanut Reaction</a></div><div><br /></div>This is a horrible story to have to share at the beginning of a new year. I send much love to the people who are mourning this little girl. It is shameful and inconceivable that ANY school would tell a parent to "keep the Epi pen at home". This from an institution who's primary goal is to care for and educate children? Despicable!<div><br /></div><div>Food allergies are real. People need to wake up and get serious about this problem before more innocent lives are lost. If there is anything that you can do to help affect change in your community, please, please do it. Stop the madness.</div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-59800888479409490932011-12-21T23:18:00.000-08:002011-12-21T23:19:54.440-08:00Formula Recall, in the USA<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/22/us/missouri-formula-recall/index.html?hpt=hp_t1">Walmart pulls formula from its shelves after a boy dies</a>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-67245348828484456682011-11-21T06:56:00.000-08:002011-11-21T07:00:29.841-08:00When Technology Attacks...<a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/11/18/can-pregnant-moms-mold-their-babies-with-ssris-microwaves-cellphones.html">Should Pregnant Women Ditch SSRIs, Microwaves and Cell Phones? From the Daily Beast</a><div><br /></div><div>There is no doubt in my mind that all of this stuff plays a part in many of our health problems. As wonderful as technology can be, there is a price to pay.</div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-45475559259994698402011-11-09T17:50:00.000-08:002011-11-09T17:54:28.465-08:00Not really honey?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3cpZXLFB9d5xFBNjQMcZp7XySYQJ4KtbRrLZTcQwwvWLcBHFrTW4KePQ0XfIh7h_cxQnhRhy3RKhayirq1Y50uGjeizRScFaakVPb1U-oxt7j5gwDVxqNdFuxOhgJQIFamFzDdLeFaLH/s1600/t1larg.honey.shelf.ts.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3cpZXLFB9d5xFBNjQMcZp7XySYQJ4KtbRrLZTcQwwvWLcBHFrTW4KePQ0XfIh7h_cxQnhRhy3RKhayirq1Y50uGjeizRScFaakVPb1U-oxt7j5gwDVxqNdFuxOhgJQIFamFzDdLeFaLH/s320/t1larg.honey.shelf.ts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673179388002892722" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>Not so much, I am afraid. <div><br /><div><a href="http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/11/09/most-honey-sold-in-u-s-grocery-stores-not-worthy-of-its-name/?hpt=hp_c3">Most honey sold in US grocery stores not worthy of its name</a></div></div></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-41880876842026082672011-10-21T22:30:00.001-07:002011-10-21T22:32:17.891-07:00Bagged Salad Recall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84nDuaXweqO8-gJDNO7XFB1xtG_6PRRFAtAR8SPk9EmmToS0OPhhyNJBybQaQYGcwvhEIU1NPm9mOzo0UwOFWeSX1pt0mZU5fbMBQ9lpiRdWrXp7U5caqsLaMQuc281bB8rVQBJ1F-xP9/s1600/111020102334-lettuce-recall-story-top.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84nDuaXweqO8-gJDNO7XFB1xtG_6PRRFAtAR8SPk9EmmToS0OPhhyNJBybQaQYGcwvhEIU1NPm9mOzo0UwOFWeSX1pt0mZU5fbMBQ9lpiRdWrXp7U5caqsLaMQuc281bB8rVQBJ1F-xP9/s320/111020102334-lettuce-recall-story-top.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666185010713630994" /></a><br />Not sure why, but I have always been afraid that this would happen...<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/20/health/bagged-salads-recall/">http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/20/health/bagged-salads-recall/</a></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-70202325715793088332011-10-20T15:34:00.000-07:002011-10-20T15:38:12.188-07:00Love, Linda<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNl-seCu4batDOhjnikvGotirdU7tdKegjWPKlxY3YZadQ-2MCY04rORibR534myJKpUSnfeLW-wNrR1iLwpTrORQYkDenokKdv9V0Snn4F4GkdFmdbiPHuOS5G5rcN0Y8tLRHwyibMdD/s1600/Dairy_Free-250x250.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNl-seCu4batDOhjnikvGotirdU7tdKegjWPKlxY3YZadQ-2MCY04rORibR534myJKpUSnfeLW-wNrR1iLwpTrORQYkDenokKdv9V0Snn4F4GkdFmdbiPHuOS5G5rcN0Y8tLRHwyibMdD/s320/Dairy_Free-250x250.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665706747326882146" /></a><br />A friend just told me about this company that makes t-shirts that announce a child's allergy. Really cute stuff, worth checking out. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.lovelinda.com/index.html">Love, Linda</a></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-75932283138111588662011-10-18T18:42:00.000-07:002011-10-18T18:53:53.998-07:00My Kid's Nut Allergy is Bringing You Down<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCTqqwahmBaVFQb8LnxHqlmHD4p1qGQ9zlPad1zSvND_jJ8rca-CGqfPV6PehVodTaEgStEk5sLcr0jxkGvtoRWjngChjA813-uopRknyzVI7hU_KPr51wIkQGjNm87WaljFBw25MBaQ9/s1600/Laz_icecreamLO-253x300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCTqqwahmBaVFQb8LnxHqlmHD4p1qGQ9zlPad1zSvND_jJ8rca-CGqfPV6PehVodTaEgStEk5sLcr0jxkGvtoRWjngChjA813-uopRknyzVI7hU_KPr51wIkQGjNm87WaljFBw25MBaQ9/s320/Laz_icecreamLO-253x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665015434031587618" /></a><br />This is a blog post for Babble by my friend, Cassandra Barry. Some of you may know her as Mrs. Joel Stein. Now I know that my readership tends to go up every time Joel's name is mentioned and many of you are still quite annoyed with him. Just know that they are a family, like any other, who is trying to make their way through the world while having a child with food allergies. Their situation is unusual because Joel has such a big soapbox.<div><br /></div><div>As I have said many times before, it is important to approach life with a sense of humor even when the going gets tough. I have always admired Cassandra because her husband often uses her as inspiration for his satirical writing. And it never seems to phase her. Laszlo is lucky to have her as an advocate!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://blogs.babble.com/babble-voices/joel-stein-cassandra-barry-more-stories-about-some-kid/2011/10/18/my-kids-nut-allergy-is-bringing-you-down/">My Kid's Nut Allergy is Bringing You Down by Cassandra Barry</a></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-90671386496358943822011-09-28T15:32:00.000-07:002011-09-28T15:34:19.405-07:00Tainted Cantaloupes Linked to 13 Deaths<div>If you have not heard, there is a big cantaloupe recall right now. Scary stuff...</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/28/health/cantaloupe-deaths/index.html">http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/28/health/cantaloupe-deaths/index.html</a>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-82649270869052268782011-09-12T19:02:00.000-07:002011-09-12T19:05:46.819-07:00Safety Tat (Temporary Tattoos)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGRbmv_6A4kr5RXOkm1AI5FxqghRQ4M5TvPUjsq4Yq2uhhijRlKulptHgINQdv-eqDKZEBnCNwTQ13kuZ35y4LaWXFdGokX9AljA72vXllJSZYv1ddTC_V05UONJrtMnFWZcC08YCTn_0/s1600/logo_safetytat3.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 73px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGRbmv_6A4kr5RXOkm1AI5FxqghRQ4M5TvPUjsq4Yq2uhhijRlKulptHgINQdv-eqDKZEBnCNwTQ13kuZ35y4LaWXFdGokX9AljA72vXllJSZYv1ddTC_V05UONJrtMnFWZcC08YCTn_0/s320/logo_safetytat3.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651659556379846770" /></a><br />We have spent a lot of time at Disneyland this Summer. I sure wish I had known about this company, sooner! As fellow allergy bloggers have pointed out, these would be a marvelous way to announce a child's food allergies. I am going to be placing my order now!<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.safetytat.com/indexfb.php">SafetyTat</a></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-47107078725800223212011-09-08T10:27:00.000-07:002011-09-08T10:28:04.655-07:00From the Martha Blog<a href="http://thefamilyroom.marthastewart.com/2011/09/08/10-things-to-know-if-your-child-has-a-food-allergy/">Food Allergies from a Kid's Point of View</a>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-61025851517068272062011-09-03T10:41:00.001-07:002011-09-03T10:42:13.566-07:00Another printable option...<div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76F7-6jIkpwmcERIdeQgzmBt4QPB74u0dcI6JI9cx7jRqDH4CBzVB4KZoBmXJIvUPRzOgea6jbUCBEjFXWcXM0yIOYcIvu5GtCPYEvsS4oC05_E-DO1SHCKCHEMoFviQojvk3Jz9XtfSf/s1600/peanut-free-sign.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76F7-6jIkpwmcERIdeQgzmBt4QPB74u0dcI6JI9cx7jRqDH4CBzVB4KZoBmXJIvUPRzOgea6jbUCBEjFXWcXM0yIOYcIvu5GtCPYEvsS4oC05_E-DO1SHCKCHEMoFviQojvk3Jz9XtfSf/s320/peanut-free-sign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648190039346490130" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://www.allergyfreetable.com/peanut-signs.aspx">Printables from Allergy Free Table</a>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-20255292866243810942011-09-03T09:33:00.000-07:002011-09-03T10:42:32.666-07:00Peanut & Nut Free Labels to print at home<div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93t63c3funyE2F_3H3Zl4bZGlBYEQnYT7Tvkyg2YM7aMe2kLva_aBiuzUFcgxr8f0hoJQ7zqFXhum_TbX-zWI12-3wP7XRrCXGNDkw4Ml_8XD1_bFwIJT_GRnpR-6dYzPovzAXZiBbn_p/s1600/food-allergies001001.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93t63c3funyE2F_3H3Zl4bZGlBYEQnYT7Tvkyg2YM7aMe2kLva_aBiuzUFcgxr8f0hoJQ7zqFXhum_TbX-zWI12-3wP7XRrCXGNDkw4Ml_8XD1_bFwIJT_GRnpR-6dYzPovzAXZiBbn_p/s320/food-allergies001001.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648173550826267890" /></a>
<br /><div>It's never too late to print a batch of these for the new school year...</div><div>
<br /></div><a href="http://www.kidscanhavefun.com/food-allergy-printables.htm">Food Allergy Printables from KidsCanHaveFun</a>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-29761295729946674622011-08-08T21:53:00.000-07:002011-08-08T22:00:27.751-07:00The Cake Mix Doctor: Gluten-Free<div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwMWUpDR76YTAGwo0_7FUWIqh93ByGTQxSaYg8ujLp9Gw06buLs4vjXMxC43u7Hma72c1_AqNAeZD_xhp1TvJSqPdgm0TanEq5Rkir0f3wQwDEUnR_TmUvBOFUjthvzdzM5XShR0HeBjJ/s1600/bookcover-gluten-free.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwMWUpDR76YTAGwo0_7FUWIqh93ByGTQxSaYg8ujLp9Gw06buLs4vjXMxC43u7Hma72c1_AqNAeZD_xhp1TvJSqPdgm0TanEq5Rkir0f3wQwDEUnR_TmUvBOFUjthvzdzM5XShR0HeBjJ/s320/bookcover-gluten-free.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638715117812414098" /></a>
<br /><div>My dirty little secret when it comes to baking is the Cake Mix Doctor cookbooks. People are always blown away by her recipes and I never, NEVER tell them that I used a cake mix. Now there is a Gluten-Free version and I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy. If you are looking for a way to shake up your routine, grab a box of GF cake mix + this cookbook and get busy!</div><div>
<br /></div><div><a href="http://www.cakemixdoctor.com/books/the-cake-mix-doctor-bakes-gluten-free/">The Cake Mix Doctor Bakes Gluten-Free</a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-16754359528349314602011-07-18T07:41:00.000-07:002011-07-18T07:43:08.499-07:00Making food-allergic kids feel includedFrom CNN...<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/07/18/food.allergies/index.html">Making food-allergic kids feel included</a></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097812035279272162.post-56313681749734055892011-07-14T22:01:00.000-07:002011-07-14T23:14:52.637-07:00The News We Have Been Praying For...<div>Once a year, we take a trip to our allergist's office. Our 6 year old daughter is skin tested with all of the things that she has shown to be allergic to. We have been doing this for the last 4 years. Often, we see some reactions decrease, slightly. Sometimes we see new ones emerge (cinnamon, popped up last year). Every since we have known about Ella's allergies, we have been told that it is statistically possible for her to outgrow SOME of them. Namely, wheat, soy and eggs tend to be allergies that people tend to get over as time passes. Often, this can happen when a child is between the ages of 5-7... or so we have been told. We have always had it in our minds that maybe, just maybe things could change. The nut allergies are different. The doctor has told us that it is unrealistic for us to think that Ella will ever be able to consume them. Or at least, it is highly unlikely. So we have focused all of our hopes and dreams on the possibility that she can eat wheat again. After all, this has been a very annoying thing to have to avoid. It is an expensive allergy to have (hello, Whole Food's grocery bills!) and it has been isolating for her, socially (birthday party, anyone?)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6NRpT8A9h1Q_fRMfhyOHCKzrFQVGdTlB0JMmhIRv8qd5zum3NJw0xaDK556FB-htC3AXqjiSqaHCIVo_aeYd3gu8_vYzk7FwrI4hRB5Rl3QHNKKEIsS3auUsQ7KT6koDDwSpqEIus0FK/s320/allergy+test.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629442462089245730" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Skin Test. Photos like these are as common as school portraits in our house</b></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ella is pretty good with her skin tests. She despises getting blood tests and will do almost anything to avoid them. But I always try to pack lots of distractions and sweet treats. This time around we took 4 spools of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">crafter's</span> lacing to make lanyards, a pad of paper to play hangman and a purse full of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dum</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dum</span> Pops. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenMOFAswfp_AnqKX12HmAeurNpd7rr8UT4OO3tLTivKjiqJIbe2mRj43quimIy3xRsACNWM7uxwBQBGMtgulCujHGF6fo-dxkpf1KTmheK00b_fA39U9ZymLtuWL-6IKgjqSDQcw4cUxh/s1600/IMG_9799.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenMOFAswfp_AnqKX12HmAeurNpd7rr8UT4OO3tLTivKjiqJIbe2mRj43quimIy3xRsACNWM7uxwBQBGMtgulCujHGF6fo-dxkpf1KTmheK00b_fA39U9ZymLtuWL-6IKgjqSDQcw4cUxh/s320/IMG_9799.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629441433788074354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Blue Raspberry Relief, courtesy of a </b></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Dum</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Dum</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b> Lollipop</b></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxEV3_3IZ6LCpeSYIGpvihxwPCWjeJ85L3vlaisdTgGP3IzUeOlKMuJG_4EywSiPZaW55PEUuaVuEF8eQgTqboywL4CSAf7U1kq9nmvN1RUFtgoVeUm-LkoNQuatHKqteT8CWzfrzX1NF/s1600/IMG_9798.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxEV3_3IZ6LCpeSYIGpvihxwPCWjeJ85L3vlaisdTgGP3IzUeOlKMuJG_4EywSiPZaW55PEUuaVuEF8eQgTqboywL4CSAf7U1kq9nmvN1RUFtgoVeUm-LkoNQuatHKqteT8CWzfrzX1NF/s320/IMG_9798.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629441431179014898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Lanyard Bracelet. I'd show you our hangman games, </b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>but she wiped the floor with me.</b></span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>And getting beat by a 6 year old is pretty... humiliating.</b></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">We waited 15 minutes to see results. Ella was a little anxious because it was the first time we have skin tested her for nuts since she had a horrific reaction, 2 years ago. Our doctor came in, with her poker face and slowly charted the results. Ella, naturally, kept asking her, "Can I eat wheat now? Can I eat wheat now?" Dr. Baum is an ocean of calm. She never raises her voice, always is comforting... she simply asked Ella to wait a few minutes more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Drum roll... ELLA IS NOT ALLERGIC TO WHEAT ANYMORE!!!!!!! The same thing goes for soy and cinnamon!!! Truly, this feels like such a miracle. Ella was practically floating from the news. Honestly, I have never seen her glow as much as she did in that moment. She was so happy. The doctor told us to approach this with baby steps and to not jump into eating bowls of pasta, at least for now. Maybe a bit here and a bit there. Possibly working up to more as time goes on. I could see Ella imagining all of the things that she can now eat, that she could not before... crackers, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">challah</span>, pancakes, the cupcakes I make that she is never allowed to eat, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">breadsticks</span>, CROISSANTS, pie and the list goes on. I told her, "You can also eat wheat pasta and Grandma's spaghetti sauce!" And she looked at me and said, without missing a beat, "Just because I can eat wheat doesn't mean that I now want to eat sauce, Mommy!" Ella hates anything saucy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As for the tree nut allergies, the results were pretty much what we anticipated... she is still highly allergic to almost all of them. Same goes for peanuts and sesame. But we can handle that. SHE CAN EAT WHEAT!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As a reward for her bravery and to celebrate her new ability, I asked her what she wanted to have for dinner. She opted for a pancakes at Du-Par's... a place in LA that makes the most amazing light and fluffy pancakes.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajY52mTc5L3DiEvnTtTBc9SMjiWicvOULIbg2OVs3JyvrBhJNj0UTJWyQCZJtQRgqccZGx6kgycnN2k9jJFs8UJ8mbROTnK54dfYP-_K3xH7SPgCapCwspJBDQ_oLsXY91wtGNOiwV-Uu/s320/IMG_9800.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629440304720339666" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Just one pancake, but oh so blissful</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now we have been handed a new deck of cards and it seems like this hand might be better. The one good thing about the wheat allergy is that it has limited the amount of possibilities for cross contamination with nuts. Wheat is in everything. So pretty much anything processed has been off the table. Now that she can eat store bought bread and snack foods, it seems like we are going to have to be much more careful about label reading. Same goes for restaurant "adventures". It has been hard to go wrong with a bowl of brown rice, steamed veggies and grilled chicken. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For the moment, I am just going to be happy for her and will try and hit "pause" on my worry button. I am just so excited for her, as the world just got a whole bunch more interesting.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To be continued...</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcjT-_0FvArNGrnCqHVUl6kxSaS0RU9DpkmxEHpxdzeAElExUWhmF1Z0FiU5e6PEtlN8AaoEGjt0FwW8JeV0SgFfTz86cE3ueTtKQaSdRf45idSoTQpKjHWDOva2qVX2XRgkzC_fm8aLk/s1600/IMG_9798.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Heidi Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676111105528730866noreply@blogger.com0