Don’t call me Gaga

Hey Allergy Blog supporters!

My name is Dylan, and I have been allergic to peanuts and tree nuts since I was nine years old. I have been involved with YAP since 2005 and currently hold the position of Lead Representative for the Fundraising and Special Events Committee.

“Don’t call me Gaga”

Two weeks ago, we hosted our first YAP social of the year with a trip to the Richmond Hill Laser Quest. There were a few people in the group who had never done laser tag before and were very excited to try it, and there were a few others who hadn’t played in years.

We played two games in total, and for each game we were allowed to choose special code names to make ourselves known to our “foes.” For ou first game, I asked for a random name and was given the very strong, bold, and manly name of … Lady Gaga. I wasn’t impressed, but since I am competitive and love laser tag, I tried my best and finished in 4^th place behind three people from another group. The rest of our YAP players were scattered throughout the rankings with hilarious and brave stories to tell.

“No fighting, No fighting, Shakira, Shakira”

My own story wasn’t brave so much as lucky: I sat in one spot on the upper level near a ramp and tagged anyone who passed by. I had a grudging battle with a man by the codename of Smudge, who kept shooting me from across the room before I could get him! I took matters into my own hands and crept up behind him to catch him unaware. After I tagged him, he laughed and said, “Nice shot,” before tagging me right back. Go figure!

We re-fueled on juice, water, and snacks, and for the second game, I was given another valiant and heroic name! Okay fine, it wasn’t either of those. For some reason, the Laser Quest staff must have thought that I loved female pop stars, because they named me Shakira. Better than Lady Gaga, but I would have preferred Legolas or Gandalf, because Lord of the Rings is the best thing that has ever happened…EVER.

“Prepare for battle!”

In the second game, I was ousted by one of my fellow YAP members, who went by the code name Jazzyhands! I was also beat out by a few other YAP members and finished in the middle of the rankings.

All in all, we had a blast, shared some laughs, and enjoyed shooting lasers at each other! There will definitely be more awesome social events to come and who knows – maybe YOU will be part of one of them! Learn more about YAP and apply to become a member at www.whyriskit.ca.

You stay classy!

Dylan

In support of FAAM, share your epi knowledge!

Hi! My name is Nicole, and I’m allergic to fish, crustaceans, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, peas and beans.

In honour of Food Allergy Awareness Month, I started to think about what people should be more “aware of” when it comes to allergies… Hmm. I realized that people ask me about my epinephrine auto-injector  a lot!

Below are some of the common questions I am asked and my answers.

Order EpiPen training materials from www.EpiPen.ca

Have you ever had to use an auto-injector?
I have personally never been injected, but I have had to use an auto-injector on someone else. Have you ever used one?

Does it hurt?
I don’t know, because I have never used it, but I think that when the time comes I would welcome using it as opposed to suffering with symptoms.

Order Twinject training materials from www.Twinject.ca

(According to our Teen Panelists at the Winnipeg Conference, it doesn’t hurt!)

How do you use it?
This differs on whether you carry an EpiPen^© or Twinject^© auto-injector. You can visit either one of their websites for detailed instructions. You can also download instructions with an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan  from Anaphylaxis Canada’s “Resources” section.

Order Twinject training materials from www.Twinject.ca

Where do you keep it?
It depends where I am and what I am doing. Usually it is in my purse, but sometimes it is in my backpack or pocket. Where do you keep yours?

Do you always take it everywhere you go?
Yes, I take it absolutely everywhere I go! If I ever forget it, I start to feel really anxious, because I know that my safety net isn’t there. If that happens, I return home to get it!

FINALLY…

There are two things that I really want to emphasize about epinephrine auto-injectors:

1)  TRAIN!

Train yourself and others on how to properly use the auto-injector that you carry.  Friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, family members, teachers, coaches, tutors and other people you spend time with should know how to keep you safe in the event of an emergency. You can order free training materials from www.EpiPen.ca or www.Twinject.ca.

2)      DON’T HESITATE!

If you or someone you are with show signs of an allergic reaction, don’t hesitate – use the epinephrine auto-injector! It is better to be safe than sorry, and for most people, there are few health risks associated with using it. On the other hand, if you don’t use it right away, you are at greater risk for potentially life-threatening symptoms.

So for this month, I challenge you to think about something that you want others to know about your allergies and try your best to educate them!

Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!

Nicole

Food Allergy Awareness Month, tip of the day – If you’re experiencing a severe allergic reaction, you may not be able to give yourself an epinephrine auto-injector. To prepare for that situation, show others how to to use your auto-injector – and let them practice with a training device! For more information about Food Allergy Awareness Month, visit www.whyriskit.ca.

Cuba!

What’s up internet world? My name’s Gardner. I’m 21 years old, allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, and currently enrolled in an Ontario university.

In stereotypical university-style, my friends and I decided that we were going to go away for Reading Week, and we decided on a 5-star resort in Cuba.

Prior to leaving, especially with my allergies, I was concerned. I had never flown on a plane before or been to a country where English was not the primary language spoken, so I was naturally nervous. I got in contact with the resort, and found out that they often have families with allergies stay with them, and there were no peanuts or tree nuts on the resort. However, they couldn’t promise that the food wouldn’t have some traces in it, because food labeling standards are nowhere near as high as they are in Canada. After talking to them, I felt relieved, but still slightly nervous.

I did end up committing to the trip, even without their guarantee of safety. At this point, I must admit: that may not have been the safest idea. I took a risk, and I could have been more diligent before deciding whether or not to attend. However, when I got there, I did take steps to minimize the risk when it came to eating. For example, I tried to stick with simple foods, such as rice, corn, and pizza, and I didn’t eat desserts.

By taking steps to minimize risk, and with some luck, I made it through the week without incident. I had no issues getting my epinephrine auto-injector through airport security, no issues with food on the plane, and no issues in Cuba.

Looking back, I’m glad I went, because it allowed me to have one of the greatest weeks of my life, with some of my closest friends, and moments I’ll never forget. I highly recommend that anyone take a vacation like this – as long as they feel comfortable with the situation and take steps to minimize the risks. I guarantee, you won’t regret it!

Stay beautiful,

Gardner

For more safe travel tips, explore the following resources:

• Teen Video Series – Travelling with Food Allergies

• Why Risk It? – Travel section

Anaphylaxis Canada – Travel section

Food Allergy Awareness Month, tip of the day – When traveling with a group, make your  companions aware of your allergies. Tell them how they can help you stay safe and show them how to use your epinephrine auto-injector! Building awareness helps to create allergy safe communities. For more information about Food Allergy Awareness Month, visit www.whyriskit.ca.

FAAM!

Food Allergy Awareness Month (FAAM) begins today in Canada! This is an important time for allergic youth to work with friends, family members, and wider communities to raise awareness and educate others about food allergies.

To help inspire you, we’ll be posting resources, tips, and action items throughout the month of May. For starters:

1) LEARN How You Can Help on www.whyriskit.ca

2) LEAVE a comment to let us know how you will be raising awareness and educating others this month

Happy Food Allergy Awareness Month, everyone!

2012 Sabrina Shannon Memorial Award!

Have you raised allergy awareness in your school or wider community? Have you educated others about life-threatening allergies? Are you looking for ways to pay for next year’s tuition? If so, then we have some great news for you!

Anaphylaxis Canada is now accepting applications for the 2012 Sabrina Shannon Memorial Award!

Anaphylaxis Canada will be granting two awards of $1,000 each: one to a student who is entering the first year of post-secondary education (i.e. university or college), and one to a student who is already enrolled in a post-secondary program.

This award recognizes the important role that youth play in raising awareness and educating others about life-threatening allergies. It is dedicated to the life of Sabrina Shannon, an inspiring teenager who suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction in 2003. Since her passing, Sabrina’s parents and other members of the allergy community have kept Sabrina’s spirit alive by advocating for safer schools and communities across Canada.

To apply, please submit the following by JUNE 22, 2012:

• A completed application form (link below)
• A 500-1500 word essay, describing your efforts to raise awareness and educate others about life-threatening allergies
• Contact information for two references
• A photocopy of your acceptance letter or proof of enrollment in a post-secondary institution

For more information – or to get started on your application! – download an application form at:

http://www.whyriskit.ca/media/News/Sabrina%20Shannon%20Memorial%20Award%20-%202012%20-%20fillable%20form.pdf

Our Anaphylaxis Community Conference!

Hi all! My name is Lindsay, and I’m allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and soy protein. I’m also lactose intolerant.

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba with my fellow YAP member, Joanna, and our Program Coordinator, Heather, for the annual Anaphylaxis Community Conference. I learned so many things, despite having dealt with anaphylaxis my whole life. I thought I would share some of the cool things that I learned!

In the morning, we got the opportunity to listen to a line-up of amazing speakers, including Laurie Harada, Dr. Estelle Simons, a local Teen Panel, and Dr. Thomas Gerstner.

Laurie Harada, the Executive Director of Anaphylaxis Canada, had great insight into being a mom of an allergic teenager and how A.C. works to create allergy safe communities. Did you know that us teenagers are the most risk-taking group with our allergies? That’s why there is such a big focus on our age group and helping us to become more allergy conscious and safe.

Dr. Simons is a leading researcher at the University of Manitoba who discussed anaphylaxis in community settings. One cool thing I learned from her was that when you are having an anaphylactic reaction, it is best to remain lying down with your feet propped up. It is also very dangerous to sit or stand up too quickly!

The Teen Panel consisted of three Manitoban youth who answered a lot of great questions (asked by parents of younger children) about growing up with food allergies. Having never used my epinephrine auto-injector before, it was really reassuring to learn that it doesn’t hurt! A few of the youth have had multiple experiences with their auto-injectors, and they said that you don’t feel a thing when injected!

Before our lunch break, we heard from the allergist, Dr. Gerstner. He discussed the “nuts and bolts” of anaphylaxis, going through many questions that he commonly gets from patients. Something interesting that I learned from him is that if you are allergic to fish and it is being fried in the vicinity, it is possible for you to have an anaphylactic reaction. The frying of the fish aerosolizes protein particles, which you can then inhale through your nose or mouth. In contrast, odours alone do not contain protein particles and cannot cause a reaction.

After having a very allergy safe lunch it was time for our YAP-organized Youth Session! We had a great turn-out of 12 allergic youth from the Winnipeg area, ranging in age from 13 and up. I had a great time working with those teens and discussing topics such as travelling, dating, high school, university/college, and partying. I learned a lot from them, and I hope that they learned a lot from us!

We also got an opportunity to talk with Dr. Gerstner in a relaxed, youth-only setting. It was great to have an allergist with us to answer all of our burning anaphylaxis questions. One very important thing that we learned is not to be afraid of using your auto-injector! If you have any sort of needle phobia, talk to your allergist to see if it is possible to use your auto-injector while in their office. Dr. Gerstner did this with one of his patients, and after realizing how easy and pain-free it was, it completely changed her outlook and approach to allergy management.

Although I was exhausted by the end of the conference, it was an invaluable experience that I will never forget. I got to meet a lot of incredible people who work for Anaphylaxis Canada, leading allergists and researchers, and members of the local allergy community. More importantly, I feel that YAP was able to leave our mark in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and I can’t wait to do it again in a new location next year!

To find an event like this in your neighbourhood, visit Anaphylaxis Canada’s Events page!

To help organize future events, become a volunteer or join our Youth Advisory Panel!

To catch up on what you missed in Winnipeg, download our Youth Session Booklet!

Camp will be an experience that I’ll never forget…

Hi everyone! I’m Hannah, I’m 14 years old, and I’m allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and legumes.

Last summer, I spent 3 weeks at an outdoor camp in Kenora. I had a great time and was constantly busy. Luckily, the camp was peanut- and tree nut-free, and no one was allowed to bring outside food to camp, so I could enjoy myself while feeling safe!

Even still, when I look back at that experience now, there are a few things that I wish I had done differently. The camp is located on an island in Lake of the Woods, so if I had an anaphylactic reaction, it would be a 15-minute boat ride for me to reach land. I realize now that I should have checked with my counselors, to see if they knew how to properly use my auto-injector. I was worried that they wouldn’t know how to administer it, because they were mainly in their teens and early twenties, and none of them had allergies. If they didn’t know how, I could have taught them! I also wish that I had told all the people in my cabin about my allergies, right off the bat, so they would know how serious they are.

The most exciting part of the camp was a 1 week overnight trip, when the girls from my cabin embarked on a canoe trip throughout the area of Lake of the Woods. We carried our food on our backs and paddled for hours per day. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done!

"...the girls in my cabin and I embarked on a one week canoe trip throughout the area of Lake of the Woods, carrying our food on our backs and paddling for hours per day..."

Before we left, we had to pack our food supplies. Cabins usually pack peanut butter, peas, and chickpeas, because they are easy to eat and filling. My cabin, of course, was not allowed to bring peanut butter, but they brought pea butter instead – which I am still allergic to, but not as severely.

Unfortunately, some of the girls in my cabin complained about not being able to bring peanut butter and made fun of my allergies. I became very upset and told them that I could die from eating just a small amount of peanut butter. I’m not sure if they really understood how dire my allergies could be.

Luckily, I was able to handle the situation and made sure that my meals did not contain chickpeas or peas. At lunch, I had crackers with jam, and no one used the same knife for pea butter as they did for any other condiments. It was still difficult to feel 100% comfortable, because I wondered what would happen if I had an anaphylactic reaction. At some times, we were canoeing in the middle of the lake, with no land in sight. How long would it take me to get to the main shore?

Fortunately, I didn’t have a reaction, and I’m proud that I was able to manage such a tricky situation. There were a few close calls – I stepped on a wasps’ nest and got stung twice. I wasn’t sure if I was allergic to wasp stings or not, since some people are. Turns out I’m not, which I learned the hard way!

If I could suggest anything to allergic youth heading off to camp this summer, it would be to make sure that your allergies can and will be accommodated. Camps that aren’t peanut- or tree nut-free can be risky for some allergic youth. However, don’t let your allergies hold you back! Most situations can be managed if you’re careful and outspoken enough to talk to your counselors and other campers about your allergies.

Camp will always be an experience that I’ll never forget – for all the right reasons!

My Time as a Page

Hi, I’m Emily Rose. I’m 13 years old and allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.

In November and December of 2011, I served as a Page at Queen’s Park, The Legislative Assembly for Ontario.  My job was to be a mailman or delivery person for Members of Provincial Parliament.  I had to know all the MPP’s by name, where they sat, and what Riding they were from.  I studied for weeks to prepare! When I started on my first day, I was so scared.

Being a Page was scary enough, but my allergy gave me some extra anxiety. It was the first time that I was alone to deal with my allergies for myself.  My parents were 2 hours away, and I had sole responsibility to check my food.

My teacher there was very helpful.  She put up signs in every room of the Page Quarters and made sure that all of the Security Staff knew about my allergy. Plus, whenever special lunches were served, the Page Staff ensured that the meal was free of peanuts, before I even asked.

Even with all that help, things did not always go according to plan.  There are two lobbies, one on each side of the Chamber where I worked.  The MPP’s would meet there to discuss things.  One day, someone delivered peanut butter cookies, and I could not go into either of the lobbies for the whole day.  To make things more challenging, there was a point in the day when I was the only Page on duty in the Chamber.  When a MPP asked me to get something from the lobby, it was very embarrassing to have to explain that I am allergic to peanuts and could not go into either of the lobbies.  Everyone was very kind and understanding.  My fellow Pages were helpful in getting things that I needed, and it all turned out okay.

While I was working as a Page, I got to meet The Honourable Dave Levac, the MPP who introduced Ontario’s Sabrina’s Law. I remembered who he was from a documentary about Sabrina’s Law. I wanted to say something to him, but I was not allowed – because I was not allowed to be Partisan, which means  favouring one Party or MPP or another. So, I got my Mom to send him an e-mail, telling him that I was a Page and allergic to peanuts and very excited to be there.

By coincidence, I was one of two Page Captains that walked him into the Chamber on his inaugural entrance. The next day, I was cleaning up water glasses and was just about to leave when I heard someone calling my name.  At first, I was a little freaked out – but then I remembered the e-mail and knew who it was. Dave Levac was the one calling my name, so I went around the corner and talked to him.  He asked me about my allergies and if I carried my epinephrine auto-injector, which I always do.

I was so excited to meet Dave Levac, and I had such a great time at Queen’s Park.  I wish I could have stayed there longer.  To any new or prospective Pages, I wish you good luck and know that you will have the best time of your life!

The Independent Free Press, January 19, 2012: http://www.theifp.ca/community/serendipitious-meeting

 

 

“From Vegas to Athens…” Traveling Abroad With Allergies

Hi everyone! My name is Saverio. I have been a member of YAP for three years, now, and I am allergic to tree nuts.

March Break brings with it numerous opportunities to discover new places, meet new people, and learn about a variety of different cultures. Since I’ll be traveling outside of the country this March Break, I would like to take this opportunity to share some key tips for traveling abroad.

First of all, when choosing a destination, look for hotels or resorts that may be able to accommodate you with your allergy. Do some research, and try calling the hotel that you’re considering to ask them if their rooms are equipped with kitchenettes. Hotels that offer these rooms make me feel the safest, because it allows me to take control over what I am eating and how the food is prepared, eliminating a lot of anxiety.

If you want to eat-out, make sure you talk to the chef directly, helping him or her to understand the severity of your allergy. This can be a little tricky when traveling in countries where there is a language barrier – but try to talk to the chef anyways. Feel-out the situation and decide to eat at the restaurant or not, based on whether you are comfortable eating there.

If you are planning to fly, research your airline, and notify them of your allergies well in advance. Ask them if they have any allergy-policies in place. Also, be sure to pack some of your favorite snacks with you before traveling, for a quick and safe snack before and while flying.

Wherever you’re going, don’t forget to bring your auto-injector! It’s a good idea to bring an extra device (or two!) in case you have to use one while you’re away. You might not be able to find a replacement in the country you’re visiting.

From Vegas to Athens, traveling with allergies does not have to be a drag. As long as you follow these simple steps, you are on your way to enjoying a relaxing and safe vacation!

For more helpful tips, check out the Travel section of www.whyriskit.ca and watch our video:

March Break

Hello everybody! My name is Karen, and I am allergic to peanuts, tree nuts and soy protein.

March Break is here – and if you’re like me, we’re unfortunately staying home for the holidays. It just so happens that we won’t be lying in the sun or hitting the slopes. But there are still fun and new things that you can do in your hometown, while staying allergen free! 

This week, a few of my friends and I have planned events that will take us through the week in no time. Maybe you’d like to try them out too. We’ll be going bowling, eating out, cooking dinner, and visiting my sister at university. There will be a few times where I’ll need to take extra precautions, but if I’m prepared everything should go just fine.

What's your favourite allergy-safe recipe?

One night, we’re going to cook dinner together out of a new recipe book. It is always fun to try new recipes, especially because you are the chef and can make sure that you’re staying safe. Because I’m cooking with my friends, we picked the recipes together to ensure that I will be able to eat everything that we are making. We’re planning to go to the grocery store together, and I’ll be checking all the ingredient lists, just to be safe. One of my biggest challenges, though, is that we won’t be cooking in my kitchen. I’ve asked my friend to make sure that all the dishes and utensils will be safe for the night a few days in advance so that there won’t be any cross-contamination.

We’re also planning to try a new restaurant. Sometimes this can be a little risky – but as long as I call ahead and let them know of my allergy, things will hopefully go well and they will be able to accommodate me. I take many of the same steps as Noah does (check out his previous entry), and so far I’ve had great experiences!

The most exciting part of our week, however, is when we go to visit my sister in university. We’ll be staying at her house with her roommates. I have never met any of them, and I’m sure none of them know about my allergy. I have already asked my sister to ensure that the kitchen is allergen-free, since that will be a common area for everyone, and to let them know about my allergy. I have already looked into potential restaurants that we could be eating at, looked into their menu, and called to make sure that their meals will be safe for me. Of course, when we make a final decision, I’ll call again and let them know about my allergy and double-check that everything will be okay.

Even though I won’t be going very far this March Break, I still want to have some fun! As long as I take those extra steps and bring my auto-injector, I’ve done what I can to be prepared.

What will you be doing this March Break? And how are you keeping safe?