Do your kids have food allergies?
Do you?
Halloween is that time of year when you have to be more aware then ever if you have any food allergies. Often there is more candy laying around the office for parties as well as candy being passed out in classrooms to your child without you knowing it!
Want to still enjoy Halloween?
Try these 5 strategies if you or a loved one has food allergies:
- Always read the labels before eating any food items. Check and double check the ingredient list and if there isn’t a label, please avoid it at all costs. If someone brings a treat to school or to the office and they didn’t bring the label and are unsure of the ingredients then its best to steer clear. Always doubled check candy before eating it and make sure it has a label.
- Keep a stash of “safe” treats in a cabinet or drawer as your back up plan so you or your child never have to feel left out or deprived. Also, plan in advance if you know who is bringing a treat and feel comfortable gently reminding them of your allergy and if they can please bring labels and be cognizant when baking. Or just send your own as you can never be too safe!
- Be sure to have a plan in place if something happens and you are accidentally exposed. Do you have to have emergency medication on hand such as an Epi-pen or Benedryl? If you use homeopathic remedies, do you also have the remedies you need with you such as Apis or Nux Vomica?
- Plan a gathering or event at your own home where you can provide all the food and treats and make it a fun and SAFE event for your child or loved ones.
- Think outside the box for Halloween – it doesn’t all have to be about candy and treats! You can play games, share stories, have a campfire, make arts and crafts, carve pumpkins and enjoy this time without the “treats”.
Have a safe and allergy-free Halloween!
