Peanut Allergy, Food allergies and Asthma Safety

I recently was looking for information on peanut allergies and came across this really good article with tips for asthma, peanut allergies and other allergies. Great information even if your child doesn't have to deal with it themselves. Chances are someone they know will and does and kids honestly are very protective of the kids who have allergies.

Dr. Clifford Bassett, an NYU allergist recently talked about a rise in the number of peanut allergies.
Here some more information from Dr. Bassett:

Back to school Allergy and Asthma Guide
14 million school absences per year due to allergies and asthma in the USA

Be aware of allergy and asthma triggers in the classroom.
Common physical activities, games, and exercise may provoke difficulty breathing, and/or asthma.
Have your child’s rescue inhaler available for use at school.
Give your child’s written asthma action plan to school nurse.
If your child has food allergies, It would be prudent that he or she bring a bagged lunch to school to avoid the temptation of food sharing.
Talk to the teacher if your child has pet allergies.
If your child has an allergy stinging insects (bees, wasps, etc.) he or she needs to have an epinephrine auto injector immediately available at school as well as an allergist directed plan in place.
Carpet and rugs in the classroom can help to stir up indoor allergies and asthma.
Use fragrance-free cleaning products in the classroom.

Dining Out with Food Allergies
1. Notify manager, chef, and/or hostess of your food allergies
2. Have a chef ingredient card ready to display to restaurant staff of foods you need to avoid.
3. Be aware of possible causes of cross-contact:
a. Shared countertops, dishes, pans, boards, utensils, etc.
b. Avoid spills or splatters during cooking
c. Limit and/or avoid buffet lines
d. Be extra vigilant in restaurants that serve Asian, Mexican, seafood cuisine as well as in bakeries and dessert shops.
(Due to nuts, egg, milk, fish/shellfish, etc.)
4. Become a food label detective.
5. Carry safe snacks.
6. Be wary of hidden ingredients:
a. Sauces may contain nuts, anchovies, and soy
b. Many egg substitutes contain egg whites
c. Canned foods such as tuna as well as hot dogs, candies, chocolate chips, flavorings may contain milk proteins
(Casein)
d. Garnishes can often contain cheese, nuts, and spices
e. Be aware of certain cooking oils (especially cold expeller pressed ones that may contain protein allergens)
7. Printable food allergy cards are available online.
8. Request food prepared separately to prevent cross- contamination
9. Be aware of any change of ingredients on the menu.
Call ahead before dining out especially during holiday and busy evening hours to discuss any food allergy concerns with manager.
10. Consider a plan B or alternate restaurant if you are unsure about the meal etc.
11. Chain restaurants can be easier to navigate menu items for food avoidance due to more standardized menus and products used in preparation of the meals
12. Always carry your epinephrine auto injector with you as well as a written food allergy action plan. Be aware of early and typical food allergy symptoms.