basics

In response to this weekend I've decided to go over some basics good ideas for when your kids have allergies.

1. Get a med alert bracelet!!! (kid just died at our hospital because no one knew he has severe asthma and he had an attack while at a friends house overnight.)

2. Once your child has been diagnosed make sure that your school has a standing order from the allergist or ped for benadryl and/or epipens.

3. An action plan handout is a great thing to give people who watch your child!!!!! http://www.foodallergy.org/page/food-allergy-action-plan1 I got this one from FAAN

4. Don't ever hesitate to go over your child's allergies with a care provider, even if you've done it before. Everyone forgets things and until they can quote them back to you verbatim it doesn't hurt to hear them again!

5. Make a small safety kit with benadryl, epipens a list of allergies, emergency numbers for your allergist, you, your spouse and 1 extra emergency contact. Also a note explaining when to give what med and when to go to the er. (or the action plan listed above)

6. Make little cards with a list of the allergies for dr. offices and such. (SO much easier than trying to remember and fit in everything if you kid has a long list)

7. Talk to your child. Make sure they are well informed! Gabe is barely 4, but he can list his allergies, tell you what an epi pen is for and when to use it and that he shouldn't eat food unless mommy says it's ok. Also since this last reaction, I've given him some responsibility. I've asked him to help me always remember the epipens. He takes this job very seriously and has been doing a good job of reminding me. :) It helps him feel safer and it helps me remember.

8. The day you get your epipens go and write down the expiration date on your calender or program it in your phone calender so you will remember to get them refilled. My allergist's nurse says that an expired one is better than nothing, but do your best to keep up on this!

9. NEVER store an epipen in the car! They can't handle heat or cold!

10. Remember preventing and fast action are the best things you can do for your child. Stay calm so they can stay calm. :)