Sweethearts Candy Blog's

As many of you already know, I really love Allergic Living magazine. The editor, Gwen Smith, recently shared her expertise in this story for Canadian news. CBC News - Canada - What teachers and parents should know about severe food allergies

Even if you don't live in Canada, the tips included in this story are excellent, including ways to discuss food allergies with non-allergic families. From suggestions on communicating with schools to grocery shopping when you're handed a list of restricted foods, Ms. Smith covers it all.

Also, my inbox is filling up with back-to-school questions as the Big Day draws closer. If you do a search on my blog using keyword "School" many previous posts filled with tips will come up for you. I've written on preschool, daycare and elementary school, so I hope there is info that you can use. If not, please let me know and I'll be sure to address your questions!

I also know that many people are anxious right now (and believe me, I always am too. Though it gets a little better each year.) I believe that anxiety can work for us, forcing us to make sure we have the things we need to protect our child. So use your anxiety to your advantage! You're going to experience it anyway, might as well get something positive out of it. :)

I'll post more about coping with food allergy parental anxiety at a later date, but first let's get through the beginning of the school year! Good luck everybody and keep checking back for more school year tips and advice.

This article by Gwen Smith, editor of Allergic Living magazine, discusses the latest food allergy backlash that is based on news articles and faulty reporting. It is a must-read--but be aware, it wasn't published in Allergic Living. Many commenters at the end of the story are horribly ill-informed and they make the case for Ms. Smith's story with their ignorant remarks.

To all the parents out there: if your kids have had a serious reaction and they've had positive tests for food allergies, stay strong and don't let yourself be challenged by people who don't believe you. Ms. Smith has the right idea. You can't "tough out" a food allergy. You can't "make up" an allergic reaction involving swelling of the face and wheezing. You don't "imagine" dangerous drops in blood pressure or closed airways.

One thing many commenters complain about is that they are limited in their ability to send peanut butter (and in some cases, tuna fish) because of "one student." Usually it's more than one, these days, but one way we can help is offering lunch suggestions to our classrooms. What do you send with your child? If we have some options for school lunches that are allergy-friendly, that will help quiet down some of the parental objections to limiting certain foods.

For many people who have been recently diagnosed with peanut allergies or food allergies, I apologize in advance for the people who will not believe your child has a serious medical condition. Don't let it throw you. Gwen Smith's article makes some great points and I'm so glad she wrote it!