Ontario Laws First Aid/ CPR

Ontario Laws First aid and CPR.

Sabrina Shannon DIED School staff did not react properly during an allergic reaction along with the fact Shannon had her Epipen in her locker at the time of her reaction lead to her death. Sabrina's Law was formed. School staff are now required to have allergy training.

Ryan Gibbons DIED He died of an asthmatic reaction, the school principal kept taking, and locking up his inhaler. School staff did not react properly during his asthma attack. Ryan's Law was formed. Students now have a right to carry asthma medications, and staff are required to have training in asthma care, as well schools required to have written asthma plans.

Rowan Stringer DIED After school staff did not recognize signs of concussion, or know how to treat concussions on site. Rowan's Law was formed, every school board is now required to have a concussion protocol. Ministry of Education is to provide funding to the school boards for First Aid/ CPR training at each school.

In Halton (HDSB) the Ministry of Education Pays For:
3 full time employees for each elementary school
2 full time employees of secondary school
3 full time employees of each administrative facility


Waterloo District School Board Administrative Procedure 3150 FIRST AID


WSIB required every workplace in Ontario (schools are a workplace) to have employees with CPR/ Firstaid training. WSIB Requirements


CDA's Position on Students Living with Diabetes at School Canadian Diabetes Association

Allergy training in Canada has been a part of CPR/ First aid training, for over a decade with providers like Red Cross and St. John's Ambulance consulting groups like Anaphylaxis Canada and data on reactions/ responses.

See Also:
Not One CPR/ First Aid Trained Teacher At My Kids School

Carrying Containers for Auto-Injectors and Other Allergy Meds

Opinion:
I believe it should be the responsibility of parents/ guardians to provide medications that are not expired. The responsibility of students (when age/ abilities appropriate) to carry meds. The responsibility of schools to train staff enough staff. The responsibility of educators to be trained in first aid. The educators should have enough training in the needs of the students they educate.

Books and More Books

From the Gecko's Foot "Milk is a foodstuff but the protein it contains, casein can be processed to make a useful plastic. Before the advent of synthetic plastics, milk plastic was used to make small objects such as buttons.

Before reading The Gecko's Foot I posted on my Chemurgy and Allergens Blog about Casein Buttons.

Buttons Made From Milk Protein Casein

I was delighted to see some allergy books for tweens and teens on Food Allergy (as well as asthma) at the library. Most libraries have kid allergy books but few have books for young people. They may be more interested in learning some of the science behind their allergy, and reading about the social issues, like collage and work with allergies, as well as dating and taking responsibility for their food allergy. I believe that young people should read and learn about their age appropriate allergy issues not just from parents. (as important as this is)

Another book I recomend for anyone with a food allergy, but mostly for young adults with food allergy(s) is Don't Kill The Birthday Girl.

Full Disclosure: All these books I found or borrowed at my city library.

For Books for Children See: Kid Allergy Books

Allergy Awareness Books in Libraries

News From No Biggie Bunch

50 States - 500 Libraries Already making a difference! The No Biggie Bunch is on a mission to put bundles of books in 500 US public libraries across the nation. Thanks to tremendous support in our first week, over 175 libraries are already slated to receive books. 325 to go, and we're committed to reaching our goal!

Anything you can do to spread the word or contribute to 50 States-500 Libraries will help put these food allergy resources for kids in libraries across the nation, reaching the little hands that need them most.

Each state in the US is at a different level of food allergy awareness, education and advocacy, however, every state has public libraries where all can access resources for free. The vital piece is ensuring that resources are available.

Interview with Heather Mehra and Kerry Mc Manama of the No Biggie Bunch Books

New App From BugaBees

Minneapolis, MN - Digital developer, FlyingWord, has released The BugaBees app and ebook to iOs and Android distributors iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Google Play. Based on the award-winning children's book by Amy Recob, The BugaBees app teaches kids how to manage food allergies with positiviy and poise. Interactive storytelling supported by a special lessons section promotes food allergy awareness for users of all ages.

The new downloadable version of the book is currently available for iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and a variety of Android tablets geared for kids. The BugaBeesinteractive app retails for $4.99, while a read-along e-book version of the app will soon be available for $9.99. A preview of the app may be seen on YouTube.

Amy Recob is a working mom, food safety advocate, and the author of the award-winning children’s book series The BugaBees. Honored with a Mom’s Choice Award® for excellence in family-friendly products and a Moonbeam Award for outstanding children’s literature, The BugaBees has also received international praise from physicians, educators, and families of food-allergic children. Inspired by Amy’s young daughter, who lives with life-threatening peanut and tree nut allergies, The BugaBees teaches children that the joy of friendship is far sweeter than any food they can, or sometimes can’t, have. For more information, visit www.thebugabees.com.

FlyingWord is a Minnesota-based developer that partners with authors, illustrators and publishers to produce enhanced 3D interactive eBook apps.

Read my interview with Amy Recob.

Contest Win Book: Friends For All Time

CONTEST  NOW CLOSED


We are giving away a copy of  the sequel to "The BugaBees"  The Bugy Bops: Friends for All Time  by Amy Recob, to one of our blog readers at the end of Food Allergy Awareness week,  the giveaway deadline will be May 19!

In this sequel to the award-winning children's book The Bugabees: Friends With Food Allergies follow the Bugy Bobs and find out how their kind and caring way help their food allergic peers stay safe, happy and healthy.

Amy Recob's blog http://www.thebugabees.blogspot.com/

To win comment and tell us something about your little bug, or your allergic child's friend who helps your child stay safe.

For the BugaBees contest, we are giving participants the chance to double and triple their chances by not only posting comments on our blog, but also retweeting and posting on FB the following statement:

"Win a copy of "The BugaBees" #book sequel: "The BugyBops: Friends for All Time" #FAAW #foodallergy http://www.thebugabees.blogspot.com"

 Last but not least, Avoiding Milk fans and followers can save  10% with coupon code (SAVE10) that can be used on this site: http://www.bookhousefulfillment.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1148 
During the month of May 2012

Books are also available on Amazon.com  The BugyBops: Friends for All Time (The BugaBees Series)

The contest is open to US and Canadian readers, to enter, a comment must be made on this blog post.  Make sure your e-mail is visible on your blogger profile, or enter your e-mail address along with your comment, so we can contact you!

 

Bugy Bops Friends For All Time

Friends Helping Friends With Food Allergies

In this sequel to the award-winning children's book The Bugabees: Friends With Food Allergies  follow the Bugy Bobs and find out how their kind and caring way help their food allergic peers stay safe, happy and healthy.

From washing hands to reading labels, Bugy Bobs show how a few simple steps can help prevent serious allergic reactions to foods like peanuts tree nuts, fish, milk, soy, eggs and wheat.

Avoiding Milk Protein Readers can also use this 10% coupon code (SAVE10) that can be used on this site: http://www.bookhousefulfillment.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1148   during May 2012

You can read our interview with Amy Recob.   You can also visit Amy's blog at http://www.thebugabees.blogspot.com 
Enter  Giveaway of this new book!

News From Kyle Dine

Big News from Kyle Dine

I have moved to Europe! I have been living in the beautiful country of Slovenia since January with my wife. This is where she's from and it's a great opportunity for us to help out with her family, and for me to learn more about her culture and make an attempt at learning the language (it's going slow!).

I am not just watching soccer over here and drinking coffee... I am taking a lot of notes and doing research on eating with food allergies in Europe. I am unfortunately finding it to be much more difficult than North America and will be sharing my research and tips mostly through my blog and Facebook page. I will try to provide unique content that may hopefully help others plan future trips here.

But what about allergy music? Not to worry, I am still coming back home to North America during the months of May and September to perform shows for schools and support groups (+ spend quality time with my fam ). I am currently accepting bookings for May and would love to arrange a performance at YOUR school!
Kyle Dine's May Availability for School Allergy Awareness Performances

May 1-3 - Toronto
May 7-8 - Eastern Ontario
May 16-18 - North Eastern U.S.
May 21-25 - I'm open to ideas :)
May 28 - June 5 - Windsor to Ottawa, ON and any place in between.

Take a look at his new website www.kyledine.com or drop by his blog Allergies Rock

Good Luck Kyle, you can still purchace his CDs and other products through his website.

Sign up to receive Kyle Dine's newsletter for
tour dates, CD promotions and fun banter :)

Wiggles Allergy Song

From YouTube

G'day everyone! Here's our latest version of The Allergy Song. We are sure you are going to love it for several reasons. Firstly, because it covers a wider range of allergies (this version includes eggs and dairy). Secondly, it has some of our Wiggly dancers. Thirdly, Simon is playing the role of Gino the Genie who will feature in our upcoming DVD to be filmed on location all around the world. And lastly, but certainly not least(ly), it has Jeff doing the Wiggle groove! Don't forget to support our friends at Anaphylaxis Australia by liking their Facebook Page or visiting their website for more information on allergies www.allergyfacts.org.au.

Stay Safe This Spring

For safety reasons I recomend doing a safety inspection in the spring to see if people can see your street address, from the street and sidewalk.  This may entail trimming a hedge or replacing the numbers on your house. In winter clearing snow.

In an emergency, paramedics being able to find your house moments faster may make a difference. If you have a family member with any life threatenning allergy or any other serious condition, this could mean EMT could find your house faster. This may also be good if you have any other random emergency that may happen in your house, having EMS find you sooner maybe important.


If you have a longer driveway entrance, you may concider  having your street address on a gate or in the landscaping that may be an added as a safety precaution.

Some people paint the street number on to the curb, of the street or having a large street number on a rural mailbox.

See Aslo:
EMS Week (May)

More Spring and Gardening Concerns From My Sister Blog Chemurgy and Allergies

Garden Pots Made From Coconuts
Nuts in Your Garden
Poison Ivy Treatments That Have Nut Oils
Insect and Bug Repellents Containing Nuts
Insect Repellants Containing Coconuts
Nuts In Sunscreen and Tanning Products
Animal Repellent Containing Eggs

Wish For the New Year

My New Year's Wish in my role as an allergy safety advocate, is to protect others from injury or death from allergic shock (anaphylaxis). It can take only one to two minutes for a mild reaction to escalate to anaphlaxis. The risk of anaphylaxis is death, or brain damage and organ damage. Death from anaphylaxis can occur within 10 to 15 minutes and is caused by delayed use of medication


The first line and second line medication for anaphylaxis is an EpiPen to deliver life saving epinephrine (see National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Guidelines, December 2010). If an EpiPen is given within the first 1 to 5 minutes of an allergic reaction, the patient has the best chance of survival. Use the EpiPen, then call 911. An EpiPen injection provides relief only for fifteen to twenty minutes. Ten to twenty percent of patients will need more than one dose, so keep a second dose in hand while waiting for paramedics and during transport to hospital.


My mission when I started http://www.onespotallergy.com was to inform people that wearing two EpiPens is the best way to ensure life saving medication is always within reach. This is essential, whether your allergy is to bee or wasp stings, medication, latex, or food. I located the most comfortable and discreet daily wear belt and a waterproof carrying case, and I made the decision to always provide free shipping, so that as many allergic people as possible can afford my safety products.


It's essential that the allergic person and everyone involved in his or her care know how to correctly use an EpiPen. To assist with training, I sell EpiPen Trainers on my site. A recent Health Canada advisory reminds us to pull the blue safety cap straight out (rather than twist it or pull it off to the side), so that the pin doesn't break in the EpiPen and cause it not to fire. I created this free Emergency Protocol & 911 Script Card to use as a reference when training others or to post in a prominent place to instruct caregivers: https://www.onespotallergy.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/emergency_protocol_&_911_script_card.pdf


I hope that through these product solutions and my daily efforts to provide allergy safety advice on Facebook, Twitter, and through my blog.onespotallergy.com, I've helped make life safer for people with allergies. That is my New Year's wish come true.

Thanks Elizabeth Goldenberg for sending us her allergy wish this new year, as well as important reminders.

Allergens in Alcohol

Allergens such as milk, eggs nuts and other allergens can be in alcohol drinks. My concern is not only for adults with food allergies, but for the parent who has a small drink with their spouse after dinner, then kisses their child good night. Always drink responsibly. List of drinks that contain nuts link

From Allergy Bureau
"Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies in relation to permanent exemptions from allergen labelling

The Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies of the European Food Safety Agency has recently released opinions on the likelihood of individuals suffering allergic reactions in relation to a number of processed foods. The Panel considered it “unlikely” that cereals, nuts or whey used in distilled spirits would lead to severe allergic responses. A similar conclusion was reached for vegetable oils-derived phytosterols and phytosterol esters from soybean and for natural tochopherols from soybean.

It was considered “not very likely” that wheat based maltodextrins or wheat of barley starch based glucose syrups would cause severe allergic responses. None of these products were determined to be of concern to coaliacs, provided the concentration of gluten considered by Codex Alimentarius for foods rendered gluten-free is not exceeded. It was also considered “not very likely” that isinglass would trigger an allergic response when used as a clarifying agent in beer.

The panel considered that milk and milk products used in winemaking may trigger allergic responses.

The panel was not able to draw conclusions in relation to fish gelatine and isinglass used in winemaking, or mustard seed oil due to the paucity of data."


From FAAN Whats in Your Drink
"Food allergens such as tree nuts and milk are found in many cocktails. Wheat is prevalent in many beers. Aside from being vigilant about the ingredients in beverages, adults managing food allergies must also take care to use caution with alcoholic beverages to ensure that their judgment is not negatively affected and that their ability to make decisions, recognize a reaction, and administer
medication is not impaired. Alcohol can influence how quickly a food allergen is absorbed into the body, resulting in symptoms occurring at a faster pace."

From Whats in Your Beer
Background:
"After a campaign for clear and accurate product labelling that lasted almost 20 years, the federal government announced new labelling rules for food and beverage makers in July, 2008. For the first time, wine, beer and spirit companies would have to list ingredients that are considered the most common allergens like milk, nuts, fish and wheat as well as gluten and sulphites. But just as these
important, potentially life-saving new rules were about to be approved, public opposition from a single powerful lobby group - the beer industry - has put them at risk Every other food and beverage product already has, or will have product labels providing important information for consumers. But this one industry wants special treatment by receiving an exemption from the new rules.
That is not fair!"


From Amateur Wine Makers of Ontario
"The array of clarifying agents available include; Activated carbon, Bentonite (wine grade), Casein and caseinates, Diatomaceous earth, Egg albumen, Gelatin (low bloom), Isinglas, Kieselsols, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and Sparkalloid. Commercial combinations of some of these are also available.

Fining agents work on the principle that all of the particles responsible for the clouding or haze in a wine or beer have an electrical charge. As an example gelatin has a positive charge meaning that it can attract negatively charged materials. In binding to the negatively charged materials the combined weight increases resulting in settling to occur. In practice it’s usually necessary to have finings agents of different charges added sequentially to the wine in order remove the materials of various charges contained in the wine."

Royally Allergic

The Princess and the Peanut A Roally Allergic Tale




My interview with the Author Sue Ganz-Schmitt. You can also visit the website www.royallyallergic.com to learn more about the book.

Allergy Communication

YES you may want to tell the swimming instructor or pool staff that you child has an nut allergy. Life Guard Paint has one paint that has walnut shells mixed in.

YES you may want to tell your knitting buddy your allergic to milk, Swallow Knit makes knitting needles from casein (milk).

YES you may want to tell you golf buddy your allergic to corn with golf tees made from corn on the market.

YES you may want to tell your mover that your egg allergic Gorilla Box uses packing material made of egg shells.

YES you doctor AND pharmacist should know about your nut allergy with prescriptions with nuts in them.

Communication about your (or your child's) allergy should be going on with everyone, be aware of food and non food items that contain your allergen.



NON FOOD ITEMS MADE FROM
Nuts
Egg
Milk
Corn

News Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative

News From Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative:

Anaphylaxis (severe allergies) Awareness – in the news

The Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative, supporting families across Canada caring for loved ones with severe allergies, issues a press release.

October 24 press release - Families discuss with MP Next Steps on Anaphylaxis Motion M-230

About Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative

Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI) is a network of Canadian families formed to raise greater awareness of the realities Canadians with severe allergies face every day. Their primary goal is to urge Parliamentarians and federal officials to respond to allergy concerns involving public awareness and education, food safety, transportation, and research; with an ultimate goal to reduce the risks of preventable anaphylactic attacks throughout Canada.

The CAI has made progress by working closely with MP Dean Allison in raising awareness with his Parliamentary colleagues. The Niagara West – Glanbrook MP has Motion M-230 in the House of Commons which reads: That in the opinion of the House, anaphylaxis is a serious concern for an increasing number of Canadians and the government should take the appropriate measures necessary to ensure these Canadians are able to maintain a high quality of life.


Photo (l to r): Lead members of the CAI and MP Dean Allison: Gladys Vergis-Mayo, Cindy Paskey, MP Dean Allison, Mindi Ferkul, Debbie Bruce, Chris George, Roy Mayo

Website: Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative www.cai-allergies.ca

Take Action

Does your MP support Motion M-230? Call, and ask. Seek support on behalf of all Canadian families living with severe allergies.

Food Allergy Resource Fair

From Food Allergy Support Group of Minnesota
FASGMN's 5th Annual Food Allergy Resource Fair

Saturday, November 12 2011, 9:00am - 12:00pm


This Annual Resource Fair features 42allergy-friendly food, product, and service companies from the U.S. andCanada. Attendees can collect food samples, product information, andcoupons while viewing displays and talking with company representatives.Allergists will staff the Ask the Doctor booth for food allergy questions.Kids will have fun with KidCreate Studio's activity room.

Admission is free!

More Allergy Events

Happy Halloween

Ready for Halloween? Trade for a small treat, trade for allergy sfe treats, or does your allergic child stay and give out treats?


Some families choose to host a food free party, or other allergy safe party that does not have their allergens. Making tissue paper ghosts, or baking allergy safe Halloween treats.

List Allergy Safe Candy
Halloween Safe Treats
Dairy Free Chocolate

If you really want a good scare take a look at industrial and household products made from milk, nuts, corn or eggs. After all clothes made of milk or paint made with walnut shells should scare anyone with allergies this Halloween!






Photo Credit

Jude the Dude, Halloween

An allergy educational video, Jude the Dude has a Halloween Party.


Creating Jude the Dude has been one of the most positive experiences of my life. I am blown away by the positive feedback and "thank you's" I have received from creating a peanut allergy role model. So, I am starting to write more Jude the Dude books to portray a peanut allergy child coping through various stages and events of life (Chrismas/Birthdays/Halloween/First School Days), etc.

In these books, Jude will also learn about other food allergies as other characters with various food allergies will be introduced. This will open the Jude the Dude character to children facing other/multiple food allergies. In the Halloween Book, I introduce a new character, Henry, who has multiple food allergies. Henry is allergic to peanuts (like Jude) but he also allergic to cheese and milk products.

The Halloween book, in which Jude the Dude throws a Halloween party, emphasizes general safety: carrying your Epi-Pen at all times, reading labels, not eating store bought baked goods, and having others wash their hands if they touch something a food allergy child is allergic to. It also shows Jude telling the store baker that he cannot their products (showing the confidence Jude has to tell others about his allergy). But, it also sends a positive message on the value of great friends working together to keep each other safe.




My interview with Bridget Batson author of Jude the Dude.

See also Allergy Safe Halloween Treats and Allergy Safe Candy.

School Program Increases Allergens in Classrooms

From ANAPHYLAXIS & FOOD ALLERGY ASSOCIATION of Minnesota

School Program Increases Allergens in Classrooms
The St. Paul Public School District (SPPS) - one of the largest in Minnesota - recently began implementing "Breakfast To Go," a new program that provides free breakfasts to all students regardless of income. Under the new program, students will pick up breakfast food immediately upon entering the school building, and carry it in a bag to classrooms throughout the school building to eat during the first few minutes of class time.

According to SPPS, "Breakfast to Go" (or B2G) will reduce tardiness in schools, improve student health and enhance student achievement. The program is part of an effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that all children in public schools receive healthy breakfasts. Last Spring, Chicago Public Schools adopted a similar district-wide program amid much controversy.

Recently, AFAA raised concerns with SPPS regarding the potential spread of allergens throughout the school building and the threat they pose to children with food allergies. On Friday an AFAA delegation (consisting of parents, allergists, food scientist, safety inspector, and a MN Department of Health official) met with top St. Paul Public School district administrators. After a productive exchange, AFAA reiterated its commitment to helping SPPS find remedies to this and other issues in the program.

Parents whose children are affected by this program in St. Paul or in other Minnesota school districts are urged to contact AFAA(info@minnesotafoodallergy.org) and do a short survey.

Canadian Anaphyaxis Initiative

Canadian Anaphyaxis Initiative has a website, expect to hear more about them this fall! You can also follow them on Facebook.

It is a network of Canadian families committed to raising awareness of anaphylaxis on Parliament Hill and with federal government officials


The Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI) is a network of Canadian families, who are working with Members of Parliament to raise awareness in Ottawa regarding severe, life-threatening allergies.

Cindy Paskey, a CAI volunteer explains, “More and more Canadian families face the challenges of raising children with one or multiple severe allergies. We need a coordinated, thoughtful set of government initiatives that raises public understanding of anaphylaxis…. [This] will lead to reducing risk and to safer environments not only for those living with life-threatening allergies, but also for those providing care and services. Simple steps will save lives.”

Allergy Medications

Information on epinephrine and benadryl medications from medical sites, for informational purposes consult your doctor or allergist with any concerns.

Epinephrine Injection Drugs.com

EpiPen PDR.net Physicians Desk Reference

Epinephrin Injection Medline Plus

Epinephrin Injection Route Mayo Clinic

EpiPen www.epipen.com

Benadryl Drugs.com

Benadryl Physicians Drug Reference

Benadryl benadryl.com

Benadryl benadryl.ca




See also Carrying Cases for allergy medications and medications containing peanut oil.