Could your Duraflame be more then just a fire hazard?

A quick reminder to those with nut allergies, as the temperatures drop and people begin to use their fireplaces this winter be aware of what you are burning. Many people use Duraflame logs as a greener alternative to burning real wood. Duraflame firelogs are made from 100% renewable, recyclable resources including either almond or walnut shells. The ground shells make up about 35% of the log and are blended and totally encapsulated in natural waxes.

According to Duraflame, the possibility of a potential reaction to the use of the logs is very unlikely due to the fact that they're wrapped in paper which blocks the direct contact with the firelog. In no way am I trying to discourage the use of Duraflame firelogs but on the side of caution we have chosen not to use them in our home due to my sons nut allergy. If you have a child with nut allergies be cautious and keep them out of reach to prevent possible contact reactions.

Other related posts:  
Finally some answers from Silk
Food Allergens In Unexpected Places
Reminder in the midst of the Hostess recall
Energy/Enhancement Drinks and Milk Allergies 
Beware: The Maraschino Cherry

Artist Kenny Goodman takes on nut allergies

Kenny Goodman, a sculptor of wood statues and silver jewelry, has recently joined the initiative to promote awareness of nut allergies by adding a "No Nuts" surfboard to his existing sterling silver surfboard collection. Goodman sells his jewelry out of his small gallery on Fire Island, NY. His collection of silver surfboards are very popular among the young surfers on the island.

The "No Nuts" surfboard was inspired by the mother of one of Goodman's teenage fans who's child has a nut allergy. Together they designed this cool way to encourage awareness and caution of this serious allergy. The "No Nuts" surfboard is sterling silver and comes on a black silk cord (leather rots in salt water). Silver chains are also available. The "No Nuts" surfboard can be purchased by contacting Kenny Goodman at (888)898-6789 or by email at ajoygoodman@gmail.com.Visit his website to view his entire collection.

The Cookie Monster - Sarah Palin Strikes Again

I recently wrote a post on Sarah Palin and her shameless tweet on the proposed banning of sweets amongst Pennsylvania School Districts. If you are not yet familiar with the Palin cookie controversy spreading across social media, nutrition and food allergy blogs you can read my previous post here. For those of you who already read my post, here is an update:

Apparently, Palin wasn't listening when the overwhelming responses to her controversial tweet came flooding in asking that she not bring the cookies and requesting that she further educate herself in the issues that initiated the treat ban, Palin disregarded them all.

A second comment was made from Palin the following day stating, "2 PA school speech; I’ll intro kids 2 beauty of laissez-faire via serving them cookies amidst school cookie ban debate;Nanny state run amok!” It seems as though Palin feels she has some sort of political obligation to prove the PA State Board of Education wrong. We are talking about cookies and in a public education environment. I don't believe this is a situation in which the government is trying to regulate the decisions we as parents make in regards to our kids nutrition, but rather a school system that is  merely trying to look after the health and safety of their students. Needless to say, Palin did attend the event with 200 sugar cookies in tow. She was also later quoted by ABC News as saying, "I had to shake it up a bit...I brought dozens and dozens of cookies to these students".

Though many may deem Sarah Palin and her actions as inappropriate, she is not alone in her efforts to support cookies, cakes, and other such items in the classroom. For many of us these confectionery goodies were the sole focus of school celebrations growing up. On a nutritional basis, I have to a agree that an occasional cupcake is more then acceptable. The problem lies with what is considered occasional to one parent may differ from another.

Looking at this from the point of view of a mother who has a child with life-threatening food allergies I would have to strongly disagree with these "special" treats being brought into the classroom. For the nearly 2.2 million school-age children with food allergies, these treats could be deadly. Even a trace of a child's allergen in something they either come in contact with or eat could send them in to anaphylactic shock, a sudden, severe allergic reaction characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure, urticaria, and breathing difficulties which may result in death. Simply reading a label on a food item is not adequate due to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCP). This would not only pose too high a risk to the school staff, but also to the allergic child as well. Another problem is home made treats brought in by a parent who may not understand not only the risks of cross-contamination, but also how to prevent it. Lastly, there is a "Sarah Palin" it seems in every school. The ones who think that the rules do not apply to them and their children. I cannot afford to put my trust in someone who I feel likely to avoid proper precautions when bringing in safe treats for my son.

Every child should be entitled to their fare share of cookies and cakes but it is not fair for one child to have to sit out while the others indulge in cupcakes, and candies. A school celebration should be just that. What happened to games? Are these treats just an easy way out? These kids should be able to use these "party days" as a time to participate in special play and/or activities. If food is required, why not sweet fruit? Leave the other stuff for home. Chances are your child won't even miss it.

Sarah Palin can have her cake and eat it too - Just don't do it around my kid!

Until a few years ago, when my oldest son was diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to tree nuts, I had no understanding of the severity of food allergies. Therefore I have always tried to be understanding of those who have had a hard time with the initial acceptance of my sons allergies. (That's not to say it hasn't at times irritated the hell outta me!) It was when Sarah Palin, the former Governor of Alaska and GOP Vice Presidential Nominee, made such an ignorant comment today regarding the proposed state ban on cakes, cookies, and candy at school parties in Pennsylvania that I broke.

Palin's controversial tweet earlier today read, "Hmm...may bring cookies to my PA school speech tmrw to make a pt 'PA mulls ban on cake/cookies/candy@ school parties..". I would have expected this women to have some education, if not knowledge, in regards to children's health issues in the United States and therefore be somewhat aware of the increase in both food allergies as well as childhood obesity. I cannot understand how she could have such a disregard to the safety and well being of those students who may suffer from either food allergies, celiac disease or weight issues. I find it hard to believe that she is unaware of the reasons behind the banning of sweets and other baked goods in the classroom, acting as if this is being done just to  prove some sort of point.

Regardless of the reasons behind the proposed banning of classroom sweets, Palin, also the mother of a child with down syndrome, should fully understand the importance of keeping our children safe, healthy, and accepted. Neither did our children nor we as parents ask for these disabilities and/or restrictions. School should be a safe haven for our kids to grow and learn. My child shouldn't have to feel left out and I shouldn't have to worry about another parent putting my childs life at risk due to their own selfishness.

There are those who are quick to blame the television, movies, or the radio for the current troubles amongst our kids and the current increase in bullying at school but what about the parents? When someone such as Sarah Palin, a mother, challenges the policies set in place by school officials why should our children be expected to follow these same rules and policies? As I have said before, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. By no means am I saying that Sarah Palins children are in any way bad or troubled. But you do have to wonder, exactly what kind of example does this set?

There are so many other ways to create a fun environment for kids. After all, a teacher is there to teach and interact with your child not feed them. If these cookies, cakes, and candies are such an important part of a child's life I have to wonder how the millions of children with food allergies, including my own, have managed to live such healthy, happy lives without them?

You can have your cake, but please, leave it at home!

Choosing an Allergen Free Turkey

Beware of the Thanksgiving turkey! What appears to be the safest dish on the menu for those with food allergies, commercial turkeys are often injected with a solution which may contain common allergens such as dairy, soy, wheat, and corn to make them tender. It is vital, as with all food products, to read the label carefully! For more information on how to read labels with food allergies click here.

What to look for on the label.

The first and probably most obvious thing to find on the label when choosing an allergen free turkey is what type of turkey it is. Stay away from basted or self-basted turkeys which are preprocessed. Unfortunately, these tend to be the most well-known commercial brands and of course the easiest to find.

The key word in finding an allergen free turkey is natural. By law anything labeled as natural must be "minimally processed" meaning they cannot contain additives. Thus a natural turkey should contain nothing but turkey and, perhaps, water. Notice I said "should". Again, always read the label!

What if Natural is not an option?

If a natural turkey is not an option for those of us with food allergies, another option is to  look for organic, free-range, ready-to-eat, or kosher on the label. Beware that these terms however do not have consistent meanings and may legally contain additives usually in the form of butter or "vegetable protein". Check the label carefully for the text "Injected with approximately ___% of a solution of ___,". Click here for USDA meat and poultry labeling terms.
  

Attending a gathering and not sure the turkey is safe?

Simple. Bring your own. Cook a natural turkey breast or thighs to take along and your guaranteed a safe and festive Thanksgiving dinner!