Monthly Archives: April 2017

Easter Treats

I sure do love Easter. As a kid that bases my entire life over how, when and where I can get my next piece of candy, it’s remarkably convenient that there is a holiday devoted to candy like this. It really takes a lot of the legwork out of it, AND you don’t have to walk through the entire subdivision to get candy like Halloween. It’s really just perfect.

This was my Easter basket from last year. Of course, nothing remained after a couple minutes, but it was glorious while it lasted.

Of course, there is the ever-recurring issue of allergies, but I make it work. I always read labels to check whether or not candy is safe, and I’m always on the lookout for new safe candies.

One of the foremost authorities on safe Easter candy is the Kids with Food Allergies website.

They have a spot on their website that lists candies that are safe of your specific allergens.

https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/allergy-friendly-easter-candy-guide

The best part is they update the page every year, so any changes that happen between Easter holidays is documented on their website.

The link I just posted is their most recent, Easter 2017 page, but always read the labels, and call the candy companies if you are still unsure or have questions.

Well, that’s all for today. Until next time.

Gary

Allergy Amulet

In groundbreaking allergy news, the Allergy Amulet, something that could completely change the way people with allergies eat, is currently being tested, with plans for it to hit the market next year.

The Allergy Amulet sounds like a brilliant device.  You can wear it like a necklace–hence the “amulet” in the title. I pick up on cues like that.  The amulet’s creators claim it detects whether or not a food has your allergens in it.  It uses a disposable strip that the amulet can read and analyze. It sounds like a really great invention.  I would still check with the restaurant and review with the chef so that they were aware of my allergies, but it would be wonderful to have an extra layer of protection.

It was developed by a team of doctors, scientists, and members of the allergy community, including Abi Barnes who lives with food allergies, Dr. Joseph Belbruno, who is allergic to tree nuts, and Meg Nohe, who has a daughter with peanut and tree nut allergies.

This certainly is a promising invention.  If you would like to read more about the allergy amulet they have a great website.  http://www.allergyamulet.com/

Until next time!

Gary

So many recalls

Recalls are scary stuff. A huge percentage of food product recalls are because of one of the eight major allergens being identified in a product where they don’t belong. Not to mention all of the EpiPen recalls as of late.

Recalls are especially scary to me because no company is perfect. The company that made the peanut free chocolate I’m eating right now might recall their products, the company that made the granola bars that I secretly stash in my room might start recalling (I’m kidding mom—-I would NEVER stash granola bars in my room.  Cough.  Cough.). The company that made the girl scout cookies that I LOVE might recall their products.

Because there is no certainty to anything, it is important to stay ever vigilant when tracking recalls. Luckily, the FARE website has the perfect place for that.

https://www.foodallergy.org/alerts

This link leads to FARE’s allergy alerts and ingredient notices page, where they document recalls involving the eight major allergens, as well as other important announcements, such as Mylan’s major EpiPen recall. It’s all on there.

When dealing with something as ever-changing and uncertain as recalls, its important to have a place to check for the latest recall announcements.

Well, that’s all for today folks, I’m off to find a new hiding spot for my granola bars.

Until next time!

Gary

Allergy App

So recently, two students at the University of Michigan, Ish Baid and Michael Copley, created a mobile app for people with allergies and special diets called the Edible Project App.

This app helps people with allergies and other diet restrictions find foods they can eat in restaurants in the Ann Arbor area of Michigan. While it is still only a locally geared app, the creators say they plan on branching the app out to other areas as well.

The app was inspired by the severe dairy allergies of the app’s co-founder Michael Copley.

Personally, I think this is really cool stuff. As someone who has downloaded the app, I can say it was pretty well made.

I suppose it is a bonus that I live near Ann Arbor, but for those that don’t, the makers of the app plan on spreading it to other locations.

Defective EpiPens

So recently, my mom has started checking the codes on my EpiPens about every other day. Mylan has released a crazy amount of recalls on their life-saving product in the past week, and it’s making us panic just a little.

Reports of EpiPens failing when administered caused Mylan to look into the issue, and they found that thousands of their EpiPens had issues that might cause them not to work when we need them most.

In fact, only yesterday, Mylan increased their recall umbrella to cover more EpiPens. As of now, recalls are present internationally, in markets in the US and the rest of North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.

If you are worried about whether or not your EpiPen was recalled, I found Mylan’s press release in which they documented which specific EpiPens were recalled.

http://newsroom.mylan.com/2017-03-31-Mylan-Provides-Update-on-Meridian-Medical-Technologies-a-Pfizer-Company-Expanded-Voluntary-Worldwide-Recall-of-EpiPen-R-Auto-Injector

I gotta say, this is scary stuff. I can only imagine what it must be like for your EpiPen to fail on you when you need it most. Luckily, so far my EpiPens are not on the list, but if you or a loved one has allergies, make sure they know about this recall and check their numbers, as it is important that their EpiPens are immediately replaced.

Well, that’s all I have for today. Stay safe guys.

Until next time!

Gary