So, you're allergic to a food. Now what?! No need to panic. You CAN learn how to take control of your allergy. Here are some important tips to help keep yourself safe:
Read the labels
Learn the scientific and technical names used for listing ingredients on labels. For example, casein is one of many words that mean milk. If you need help, talk to your parents, your doctor.
Read the label for all foods, all the time--how else would you know what's in the food you're about to eat? If a food does not have a label, don't eat it!
Carry your medicine
Do you have medicine that you take when you have a reaction? Make sure you know how and when to use it. Carry it with you at all times - you never know when you may need it! If you have any questions about your medicines, ask your doctor.
If your doctor prescribes medicine for you, be sure to carry it with you wherever you go. You may want to keep a "food allergy medicine kit." a small backpack that contains your medicine, the name and phone number of someone to contact in case of an emergency, and instructions that your doctor would like you to follow in case you have a reaction.
Ask questions
Just because a food looks safe, doesn't mean it is. We've found unexpected ingredients in the craziest places! For example, peanut butter in chili and hot chocolate, pecans in barbecue sauce, and milk and soy in deli meats, just to name a few! Ask questions about ingredients before you eat anything.
Don't take chances
Sharing food with your friends is risky business. How would you know if it was safe? Your friend's cupcake may look good, but if it has something you are allergic to in it, you won't feel good after you eat it! The best policy is: don't trade food!
Find a PAL
Teach your friends how to be a PAL (Protect A Life From Food Allergies). Tell them which foods you need to avoid, what happens when you have a reaction, and show them how to use your medicine so they can help you if you're having a reaction. Click here!
Go Message board & find a friend.
Be prepared!
Remember, accidents are going to occur. Planning how to handle them is the best thing you can do. Ask your parents and your doctor to help you create a "What if…" plan.
Think about different situations you might find yourself in. What if you were having a reaction away from home?
Who would you tell?
Who would call your parents?
What medicine would you take?
Managing Your Food Allergies at School
When you have food allergies, you must be very careful about everything you eat. You cannot take chances. You must be especially careful when you are at school because even though your teacher will help you to stay safe, you must be responsible and look out for yourself. Follow the tips below to enjoy lunchtime and parties while at school.
Don't trade food. Eat only the safe lunch prepared for you or the safe treats your parents give you.
Choose a lunch table and seat that is clean and free of food (spills, crumbs, and smears).
Do not place your food on the table. Instead, keep your food in your lunchbox or place it on top of a napkin or paper towel.
Keep some healthy snacks at school in case something unexpected happens. If your lunch falls on the floor or a classmate spills his milk or gets crumbs on your lunch, you will still have something to eat.
Don't eat near sloppy eaters. You could wind up wearing part of their lunch or snack!
If you begin to feel strange or think something is wrong, tell an adult immediately. Do not be embarrassed to get help and do not wait!
Do not eat foods that do not have labels. If you don't know what an ingredient is, then don't eat the food.
