Anyone with allergies should BEWARE of Indian takeaways, warns coroner after Wigan boy, 12, dies from nut allergy | Mancunian Matters

Anyone with allergies should BEWARE of Indian takeaways, warns coroner after Wigan boy, 12, dies from nut allergy | Mancunian Matters



Really scary article.  I would never let my 14 year old eat Indian food for the mere fact mentioned in the article that the owner of the restaurant did not realize how severe food allergies can be.

Wow Great News!

Peanut Allergy Study With Xolair: Impressive Results

By: Patrick Bennett

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A new pilot study testing “rapid” peanut desensitization has resulted in 92 percent of subjects being able to tolerate 160 to 400 times more peanut than they could at the study’s outset.

Published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the study’s aim was to test whether combining the asthma drug omalizumab – known by the brand name Xolair – with controlled peanut exposures would speed up and/or improve the process of oral immunotherapy or OIT. In OIT, the patient consumes tiny, then increasing amounts of an allergen with the aim of becoming desensitized to it.

Though the study was small, the results were impressive. The 13 participants, all highly allergic to peanut, were pre-treated with Xolair for three months. Then, after just one day of OIT treatment, all of them were able to tolerate 992 mg of peanut flour. After an average of eight weeks, 12 out of 13 patients were able to tolerate 4,000 mg of peanut flour, or roughly 10 peanuts. At this point, treatment with Xolair stopped, but the subjects continued to eat 4,000 mg of peanut per day.

Six months later, they were all able to tolerate about 20 peanuts without reacting. Depending on the patient, this represented an increase of 160 to 400 times what they could tolerate when the study began.

By using the combination of Xolair and OIT, the patients were able to become desensitized much more rapidly than previous studies have shown. For example, a previous peanut desensitization study that didn’t use Xolair found that it took an average of 30 weeks for subjects to reach doses of 500 to 2,000 mg of peanut. With Xolair incorporated into the treatment method, not only was the amount of time required cut by more than half, but the amount of peanut tolerated was more than doubled.

Xolair works by preventing IgE antibodies (the antibodies involved in allergy) from attaching to mast cells in the body, which is an important step in the process that leads to allergic reaction. Xolair is typically used for allergic asthma.

However, there were some drawbacks to the treatment: 2 percent of peanut ingestions were associated with reactions. While most of these were mild and easily controlled with antihistamines, three patients had reactions that required epinephrine. However, considering how quickly the peanut doses were increased, and that the patients were a high-risk group to begin with, the study authors note that overall the reactions were “surprisingly mild”.

The next step for this research is to conduct a much larger study. If results are similar, this could represent a giant step forward towards a food allergy treatment.

Peanut Allergy Forces Emergency Landing (Video)

As a parent of a 13 year old anaphylactic to peanuts this is my worst fear!  And we fly a lot.  You can't trust what the crew says at all.

Peanut Allergy Forces Emergency Landing (Video)

Allergy-Friendly Pad Thai | Allergic Living

Finally I can introduce my peanut allergic child to Thai food!  This is completely peanut and tree nut free!  I can't wait to make this!

Allergy-Friendly Pad Thai | Allergic Living

Disordered Mast Cells, and the Clues to Food Allergy | Allergic Living

Interesting article about a possible connection with food allergies to autism.  Will read more about this later.




Disordered Mast Cells, and the Clues to Food Allergy | Allergic Living

Be Aware: The Dangers of Food Allergy Bullying

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sue-scheff/be-aware-the-dangers-of-f_b_3689585.html

This is terrifying to think about.  My daughter could turn her back for one instant and someone could sneak something into her food or drink and next thing you know she'll be in anaphylactic shock.  We need to bring more awareness to this life-threatening food allergy so that teens are aware that their "prank" could result in a trip to the emergency room ~~ or worse.

Heartbreaking story of 13 year girl who died from peanut allergies

This story hits so close to home because my own is 13 years old and is also anaphylactic to peanuts and tree nuts.  This could have easily been my precious daughter.  My heart goes out to this family.

CARMICHAEL, Calif. - It was supposed to be the last day of a family vacation at a popular summer camp, but it ended in tragedy for one Sacramento-area family when a loved one had a fatal allergic reaction.

Relatives says 13-year-old Natalie Giorgi died from a severe allergic reaction to peanut butter while she was attending Camp Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County.

Now, the family says it really wants to get the message out about how dangerous and deadly food allergies can be.

Giorgi was very careful about what she ate and always made sure her food did not have nuts, according to family and friends.

But she had unknowingly eaten a Rice Krispies-type snack made with peanut butter.

On Friday night, the final night of camp, there was entertainment and refreshments. A dessert tray was put out in a dark area of the camp.

Giorgi reached for a treat and took a bite out of it. She knew something wasn't right, spit it out and told her mother, who also tasted the treat.

They later realized it contained peanut butter. Natalie felt fine for about 20 minutes, but then began vomiting, had trouble breathing and went into cardiac arrest.

3 epinephrine pens were used but they could not help save the girl, according a family friend.

Giorgi was taken to the hospital by ambulance where she was pronounced dead.

Family and friends are coming to terms with Giorgi's sudden death.

"She took every care. She knew the situation, that's (connected to) the allergy she had. And they were really on it all the time," said Pastor Michael Kiernan of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Carmichael.

A special vigil was held at the church for Giorgi Sunday evening.

Some say they'll remember her smile and laughter. Others will remember how much she loved to draw and how much she loved her friends.

Her family said Giorgi wanted to become a neonatologist, to care for premature babies like her and her twin sister.

Meanwhile, family members extended their gratitude to the paramedics, firefighters and everyone who tried to help save Natalie.

They offered the following written statement:

"While our hearts are breaking over the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter Natalie, it is our hope that others can learn from this and realize that nut and food allergies are life threatening. Caution and care for those inflicted should always be supported and taken."

An allergist said food allergies and nut allergies have tripled in the past decade. He says more people need to understand the dangers of food allergies and that they can sometimes be fatal.

By Suzanne Phan, sphan@news10.net

Thoughts and Ideas from Deanie Humphrys-Dunne: Interview with Award-Winning Children's Author, Ca...

Thoughts and Ideas from Deanie Humphrys-Dunne: Interview with Award-Winning Children's Author, Ca...: Th "This morning I have the tremendous honor of interviewing award-winning children's author, Carla Burke." "...

Check out this interview about me by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne!

Thoughts and Ideas from Deanie Humphrys-Dunne: Interview with Award-Winning Children's Author, Ca...:"This morning I have the tremendous honor of interviewing award-winning children's author, Carla Burke." "...

Interesting article about a peanut which is a legume.

This is interesting to me because my daughter is allergic to peanuts which are a legume but not to peas and beans.  What's up with that?  Why just peanuts the most deadly food allergy?

The most common legume allergy is to peanuts, but the legume family is broad and allergies can occur with other members of this family.

It’s important to know the symptoms of this allergy in case you or a member of your family is experiencing a health episode related to that food allergy.

What are legumes?

Peanuts, of course. Also peas, soy beans (tofu), beans and lentils can be the source of a legume allergy. Lupine, found in European flour products, can also provoke a reaction.

What does a mild reaction look like?

A mild reaction may present as an itchy feeling in the mouth, red blotching in the face and stomach cramping. The itching is a result of a histamine response typical of allergies. There may also be a reaction due to a missing critical enzyme necessary for proper digestion of peanuts and other legumes. This will cause the stomach distress.

How does that differ from a severe reaction?

A severe reaction might include vomiting, diarrhea and severe rash. This happens because the body is attacking the legume proteins as if they were a threat or toxin. The body is attempting to purge the offenders.

If this happens, get medical attention immediately. If the episode is extremely severe, anaphylactic shock could occur and this is a life-threatening event. Anaphylactic shock, or anaphylaxis, will include a tightening of the chest and difficulty breathing. There will be a rapid pulse, dizziness, fainting, swelling of the tongue and/or throat and a dramatic change in blood pressure.

Can legume allergies be cured or prevented?

The short answer is no. There is no cure for allergies. However, with diligence, dangerous reactions can be avoided. If you suspect an allergy, see your doctor about getting tested to find out for sure. Then you will know if you need to avoid legumes, and what type, in the future to protect your health.

For severe allergies, you may need to carry an epinephrine injector. While this may seem inconvenient, it is a life-saving device and can give you the confidence and freedom to enjoy life knowing you are prepared in case the worst happens.

Source: eHow, WebMD

This book is a must read!

http://www.undergroundbookreviews.com/3/post/2013/05/review-of-itsy-bitsy-spider-by-kimberly-shursen.html 

Another food item my daughter will have to cut from her diet because of cross contamination

Allergy Alert: Kellogg’s Nutri Grain Soft Bakes Contain Peanuts And Almond Flour

by ADMIN May 10, 2013

An alert reader who relies on Nutri Grain cereal bars as a safe peanut and nut free snack (as do I) recently alerted me to the fact that Nutri Grain now has a product that is not peanut or nut safe. They’re Nutri Grain Soft Bakes, and they contain peanuts and almond flour. A child was eating one in her son’s classroom, and thankfully she caught the problem before he opened it.

I inquired of Kellogg’s as follows:  ”I recently noticed Nutri Grain Soft Bakes on the shelves here in Ontario, Canada, and I see that they contain peanuts and almond flour. Are they made in the same facility as the Cereal Bars? My son has a life-threatening allergy to both of those ingredients, so if there’s any risk of cross-contamination, that could be fatal. Would you please let me know?”

The first response I received from Kellogg’s Canadian customer service line was not adequate. I was told to trust them, since they label “may contain traces of peanut or nuts” when it’s appropriate. The customer service rep could not tell me under what circumstances Kellogg’s puts on that warning. I needed to know if they make the declaration when there’s a shared facility, when they’re made on different lines in the same area, or only when products are made on the same line. She had to follow up with her team leader and call me back.

When she did call back, I was told that Kellogg’s puts on a “may contain” warning when a product is made on a shared line that uses peanut or tree nuts. I was also advised that the Soft Bakes and cereal bars are made in different facilities: The soft bakes are made in London, Kentucky, and the cereal bars are made in Muncy, Pennsylvania.

Our choice is to continue to buy the cereal bars. Since products are labelled if they’re made on the same line, I’m happy with Kellogg’s allergen disclosure, and I will continue to rely on them as a brand I can trust.

What do the legendary Vince Lombardi and author Linda Lange have in common?  Their passion for the Green Bay Packers.  Find out more in an interview at http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/#!linda-lange/c12td

New Blog post by Deanie Humphrys - Dunne

A look at the Life of inspiring children's author, Carla Burke

Carla Burke is the author of two books: "I Spy a Dragonfly" and "My Name may be Peanuts but I Say Nay to PB& J." Her book,"I Spy A Dragon Fly" was chosen to receive the 2011 Christian Literacy Award.It was well deserved recognition for the years she spent writing and promoting it.
"I Spy A Dragonfly" is an endearing title for a children’s book. How did she come up with the idea for my book? In 2007 there was great deal of rain in San Antonio. One day she noticed swarms of colorful dragonflies darting about all over her property.She showed the dragonflies to her son, who was four years old at the time, hoping one would land on him. To their amazement, a small blue dragon fly settled on her son’s arm. He was so delighted that she wanted to write down their wondrous experience as a keepsake.In the end, her story became an enchanting children’s book instead.
Carla’s second book, "My Name may be Peanuts, but I say Nay to PB&J",concerns a very serious subject-food allergies. She wanted to educate children and parents about the dangers of food allergies. She hopes that her book will foster an understanding and prevent bullying of children who suffer from food allergies.
Does Carla have a work in progress? Yes, her new book will be released soon. It concerns therapeutic riding and the benefits to children with disabilities. Riding can be a life changing experience to children, not only physically, but emotionally as well. It helps them build self esteem.
Are you wondering what Carla enjoy s in her spare time? She loves volunteering at Saddle Light Therapeutic Riding Center. She enjoys seeing the tremendous changes that riding makes to the students there and satisfies her passion for horses as well. She’s a busy mom to her children, Sean and Amanda, and a devoted wife to her husband, Phil. If you’d like to purchase her books, please visit:http://www.carlasburke.com or http://www.amazon.com/author/carlaburke

4 Reasons to Write Several Books* - Books & Such Literary Agency : Books & Such Literary Agency

A post from Rachelle Gardner, one of my favorite Literary Agents!

4 Reasons to Write Several Books* - Books & Such Literary Agency : Books & Such Literary Agency

My worst nightmare as a mom of a child allergic to peanuts.

Yes, this article gives me chills and reminds me of a time my then 7 year old daughter ate a cookie that contained peanuts.  We were told it was a sugar cookie.  It only took seconds for her to go into anaphylactic shock.  Now we never buy anything unless there is a label and even then it's hard to trust the label.

Submitted by Peanut Allergy on Jun 12, 2012

A young woman nearly died after suffering a severe allergic reaction to a cake that promised to be peanut-free. Preethi Koshy, a 22 year old who has been diagnosed with a serious peanut allergy, spent three days in the ICU after eating just a single bite of a cake her mother had purchased for her.

Her mother asked the vender at the food festival where the cake was sold whether it contained peanuts. The vender insisted it was peanut-free, though a later investigation revealed that the cake actually contained a high quantity of peanuts – some bites may have been more than 50% peanut.

As soon as she took a bite, says Koshy, she knew it contained nuts. “I knew it was really serious. I could feel my throat swelling up and my breathing stopping” she explained to the Daily Mail, adding “I know I am lucky to be alive. The doctors said if I had gone two minutes longer without treatment, I probably wouldn't have survived.”

The company that sold the treat has now been fined £7,500 ($11,500) because it lied to Koshy's mother about the ingredients in the cake.

Reflecting on the amount of the fine, Koshy complained “The fine does not hit home hard enough and doesn't reflect how close I was to losing my life. They passively told my mum there were no peanuts in it, without thinking how serious the outcome could have been.”

Life-changing wisdom and guidance for embracing transitions.

I'm a co-author in this book. That's my picture on the bottom left!  Go buy the book, you will love it!

Like you, I’m on a quest to live life the way I want to. To be fulfilled at home and at work. To really know who I am and to bring my talents to the world.

But let’s face it. Life can be tough. Especially when unexpected, sometimes drastically life-altering circumstances occur.

Well now there’s a new book that is chock-full of inspiration and deeply honest stories from women around the world who have not only faced, but survived and thrived through transitions. And they’re women entrepreneurs just like you and me.

I have recently written a chapter and reviewed an advance copy of Sheri McConnell’s new Smart Women Series™ book titled Smart Women Embrace Transitions: How to Lean into Change with Your Body, Mind, and Soul.

And let me tell you, it’s one you don’t want to miss!

If you’ve never read one of Sheri’s books, now is definitely the time to do it. Because we all face transition, and there is nothing worse than feeling overwhelmed or alone during the process.

The book is smartly broken down into sections which include health, divorce, loss of loved ones, adoption and multiple transitions. There is something to be learned from each one of these powerful women, whether you’re in a similar situation or not. Their wisdom and guidance is what EVERY women needs to hear, regardless.

Each woman’s unique story reveals the thoughts and emotional processes that happened to them before, during and after their transition. And the amazing change in mindset is the prevalent common denominator that moves them forward.

If you read each story, you’ll get the nuts and bolts of the heartfelt insight every woman shares, and an incredible close-up and personal window into their soul.

Women love to learn, share, and grow together. We need to lean on each other, no matter what life throws at us. And this is the perfect book to help you do that.

So grab your copy today and find out how to lean into transitions with your body, mind, and soul. Your purchase will also help Amnesty International.http://www.smartwomenwhy.com

Go ahead and tell your friends, too. You never know who will get the ‘a-ha’ insight they needat exactly the right time to help them move through change with grace and gratitude and emerge with confidence and a deeper sense of who they really are.

Macon, GA Teen Dies of Allergic Reaction

It scares me to see this.  Another death!  Just proves how Peanut Allergic children are not safe eating anywhere.  Even in what we consider "safe restaurants" there is a chance of cross contamination.  This is something I worry about every day with Amanda.


Macon, GA Teen Dies of Allergic Reaction

This is my interview with Beachbound Books!

Meet Carla Burke, Author of I Spy a Dragonfly

How did you come up with the idea for your first book, I Spy a Dragonfly?
In the Spring of 2007 we had a tremendous amount of rain here in San Antonio.  Soon after the rain stopped there were hundreds of dragonflies everywhere.  They were so abundant that they would hit my windshield as I drove into the driveway.  They were everywhere!  Big, small, fat, blue, green, skinny - I just couldn't get enough of them and became fascinated by them.  I took my son, who was 4 years old, out back to see the dragonflies.  I told him to hold out his arm and that maybe one would land on him.  Sure enough and skinny, blue dragonfly landed on his arm and he thought that was the coolest thing.  I decided to write down that experience for a keepsake but ended up turning it into a children's book.

What was your favorite book as a child?
I love reading as a child, and my favorites were Dr. Suess and Mother Goose.

How many books have you written?
I have written two children's books.  My second book is called My name may be Peanuts, but I say Nay to PB&J.  It's about a little girl who suffers from peanut and tree nut allergies.  It is an educational book for all children who have food allergies.

I Spy a Dragonfly was awarded the 2011 Christian Literacy Award. What does that mean to you as an author?Winning the 2011 Christian Literary Award meant the world to me.  I had worked so hard for a several years just writing the book and getting it out.  I really felt humbled and honored.

What do you hope children will learn from your books?
With I Spy a Dragonfly, I hope children learn about nature and dragonflies which are very mysterious creatures because they can even fly backwards!
With My name may be Peanuts, but I say Nay to PB&J, I hope children learn how to accept a child who has to read every label before eating it which can sometimes lead to bullying.  I hope children learn become of aware of the terrible allergy and become more sensitive to the fact that not every child is alike.

Children's authors don't always get to choose who illustrates their books. Are you happy with how your illustrations turned out? Are the characters as you imagined them?I had a wonderful illustrator and am very happy with how the illustrations turned out.  The are actually exactly how I described my characters and scenes to her.  I feel very blessed that I worked with her.

Are you working on any other books?
I am working on a third book about children with disabilities and special needs and how therapy horses can help them become stronger physically and mentally.

You can find out more about Carla Burke and her books by visiting www.carlaburke.com.

Check my interview with Beach Bound Books!

http://www.beachboundbooks.com/carla-burke.html