The N.1 rule with allergies (and asthma) is awareness.

Knowledge brings power and inclusiveness, no kid or adult should feel isolated or different because he or she cannot enjoy the eggnog or the pecan pie.

Not everyone knows what a food allergy is. If you think about it, before being diagnosed, did you really know what gluten was or that lactose intolerance is different from milk allergy?

What’s most important is that anaphylaxis is serious; it’s a scary-sounding word and can be life-threatening and all efforts must be conducted to avoid it at all costs.

Some recommendations to kick start the year with the right food and promote an inclusive environment:

• You or one of your children suffer from a pet allergy: it’s common belief that the pet’s fur is the culprit and we know this is not the case. Going back to school (and work) after winter break can really stir a domino effect of symptoms if friends or colleagues own a cat that is allowed to jump on the sofa and purrs affectionately. You may want to READ this blog post and eventually forward it to your family before you travel.nstead of doubting that a child may suffer from allergies or asthma, book an appointment and get them tested before school starts;
• School gatherings and field trips can be stressful instead of fun and joyful: do you really trust someone who is not familiar with food allergies to know the repercussions of using, touching or mixing an allergen in the recipe? If you think of it for a second, it would be a lot of pressure on the wrong person. The best way to bypass fear and let things run smooth is to put yourself in charge as room parent or chaperone. It is as simple as communicating and being proactive. Disclose the ingredients, be creative and label items and dishes with “gluten free” or “egg free”.
• If the party is at someone’s home, the less conflicting way to manage your allergy is to speak with the hostess in advance and suggest your bringing your own cooked meal or plate.
• There are some chances you could be allergic to house plants and even pine, although rare in South Florida, but if you suffer from environmental allergies you may want to watch out for synthetic plants, scented potpourri or room fresheners that are catalysts for humidity, accumulated dust and eventually mold
• Even though we live in South Florida, the first few weeks of the year with the drop in temperatures, you could experience what’s generally known as “dry skin”, not to be confused with eczema.

We wish you a wonderful and healthy New Year!