Food Allergy E-Magazine

AllergyEats, an online source for finding allergy friendly restaurants, recently launched a free application for the iPhone and Android smart phones, allowing users to access this valuable, peer-based resource.

Music & Silent Auction

Saturday, December 3

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church

2323 Como Ave; St. Paul

silent auction couple

Join us for musical entertainment, safe refreshments, and your chance to do your holiday shopping by bidding at the 5th annual AFAA benefit Concert & Silent Auction!

Donate auction items!

To volunteer call Gretchen at: 651 646-0367

Got talent? This concert provides an opportunity for budding and seasoned performers. We would love to hear you play or sing!

Free Reindeer Rides and Santa photos across the street at Park Midway Bank!

Come Shop the delightful stores in St. Anthony Park!

MEDICAL LINKS

Be Prepared

Two untimely deaths stress importance of being prepared. Read more...

Abstract: Allergies and Asthma

Children with both food allergies and asthma may be at increased risk for severe anaphylaxis.

Xolair for Milk Allergies

Xolair, an asthma drug, may also be a treatment to help kids who react to common foods. Read more...

CDC: Five Vaccine Precautions for Flu

It's flu season and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have advice for those allergic to eggs regarding flu shots.

Slowing the

Allergy March

Science Daily discusses the overlapping of childhood allergies.

Pregnancy's Link

to Allergies

New research suggests a possible link between what a mother eats during pregnancy and the risk of her child developing allergies - but in a way not commonly thought.

African-American Kids May Have More Food Allergies Study Suggests Genetic and Environmental Factors May Play a Role in Higher Allergy Rate. Read More...

Endogenous Approach to the Prevention of Allergies:

How the Immune System Can Develop Tolerance to Allergens

repairs

Office Repair Update

We are happy to report that the water damage to AFAA's office have been repaired thanks to donations from supporters! Materials are being re-organized and moved back into the office. Thanks to Jeff (pictured above) and Morr Construction for doing an excellent job when dire circumstances struck.

Happy Birthday AFAA!

In honor of AFAA's 10th Birthday, we are sharing AFAA Founders' recipe for
"Crazy Cake" or "Wacky Cake".

Why does this cake have such an unusual name? Because when it was developed during World War Two to accommodate food shortages, it was unbelievable that a delicious cake could be made so easily and without eggs or milk!

"My mother kept newspaper recipes and clippings - all which we had to sort through after she passed away. One evening I was sorting through a box of her papers, lamenting that she was not around to be with my our 18 month old son - particularly since he had been recently given the diagnosis of life-threatening allergies to milk, egg, peanut, treenut, sunflower, pea, beef, pork, poultry, and told to avoid fish and shellfish. I sure wanted a mom's shoulder to cry on at that point! Suddenly I came across this recipe amongst the papers: it was as though she saw our need and from heaven directed us to the first cake her grandson could enjoy. We still have the original torn, yellowed newspaper clipping in our kitchen."
-Nona Narvaez

Crazy Cake (like Devil's Food)

1-1/2 cups flour

2/3 cups sugar

1/4 unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 salt

1 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp. vanilla extract

optional: 1 tsp lemon juice
optional: safe chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Measure and mix dry ingredients in ungreased 8 or 9 inch baking pan. Combine liquid ingredients, pour over dry ingredients and stir until batter is smooth.

Bake for 30 minutes until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Top with powdered sugar, frosting, fruit, melted chocolate chips, or other favorite toppings.

Layer cake - double recipe, bake as directed.

Cupcakes - makes 12 (bake 15-18 minutes).

Bundt Cake: double recipe and bake for 40 minutes in conventional oven or 12 minutes in microwave.

FALL ISSUE

October/2011

SCHOOL NEWS: Eating Breakfast in Classrooms

Concerns Raised: Program Increases Allergen Risks & Overlooks Health Practices

Schools in various parts of the U.S. - including Minnesota's second largest school district, St. Paul Public School (SPPS) - have begun adopting or expanding "Breakfast To Go" - a program that provides free breakfasts to all students regardless of income. Students pick up breakfast food upon entering school and carry it to classrooms to eat during the first few minutes of class.

"Breakfast to Go" reduces tardiness, improves student health and enhances student achievement, according to the school's implementing the program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture program is an effort to ensure that all children in public schools receive healthy breakfasts.

An Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota delegation - consisting of parents, two allergists, a food scientist, city food safety inspector, and a Minnesota Department of Health official - met with SPPS Administrators to express concern about the potential spread of allergens and the threat they pose to children with food allergies, lack of handwashing before eating, and food safety concerns. The delegation also provided the district with a list of concerns and suggested remedies about the program.

Last week a second meeting took place with AFAA's Executive Director, Nona Narvaez, and SPPS Chief Business Operator, Michael Baumann;

Director of Nutrition and Custodial Services (NACS), Jean Ronnei; and Supervisor of Student Health and Wellness, Mary Yackley.

To the district's credit, they responded by addressing many of the concerns through:

Development of posters and other materials with allergy information, hand washing information, and proper food storage information for classrooms and cafeteria;

Increasing the information about the importance of hand washing to reduce allergens in conjunction with food allergy, anaphylaxis, and epinephrine autoinjector training;

Adding food safety to the Wellness Champions agenda;

Encouraging adherence to SPPS Wellness policy to encourage non-food treats;

Labeling food items with allergen symbols;

Inviting MN Dept. of Health to offer handwashing training to classrooms;

Designating tables for food allergic students to eat at when indicated;

Reinstating the use of PINs (personal identification numbers) for elementary school students. The PIN identifies food allergic students' on a computer screen when they proceed through a food line, which allows staff to review the child's selections for food allergy safety;

Further training for SPPS staff through electronic and video means;

Utilizing AFAA as a resource for families and for district staff.

There are still outstanding concerns - most importantly the concern about increased allergen disbursal within classrooms due to eating, and lack of systematic procedures to route all students to bathrooms for hand washing before eating.

AFAA is working with other food allergy leaders in the U.S. and with national organizations to raise awareness and seek out solutions to the problems raised by eating breakfast in classrooms.

"Last year the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that 16-18% of food allergic students had allergic reactions in schools. The breakfast program, as currently implemented, increases the probability that reactions will occur." says AFAA Executive Director, Nona Narvaez. "We support breakfast programs for all kids who need food - but food programs, breakfast advocates, and school districts need to ensure the safety of all students by addressing the problems of where the eating is occurring and what happens before and after eating."

Narvaez added that those most vulnerable are low-income food allergic students who frequently cannot afford epinephrine autoinjectors (brand names: EpiPen, Twinject, Adrenaclick) and who also may be so hungry that they take risks with the food offered to them. "Every year we are approached by school nurses who have students in their care who cannot afford autoinjectors." It is an area where AFAA has been working towards a systemic solution for a number of years.

AFAA's hope is that the SPPS can rectify the problems of the program, and by their sheer size and reputation demonstrate to districts across the country how breakfast programs can be operated safely and successfully. "It is a matter of commitment and creativity," Narvaez explains. She emphasized that the district has been very responsive thus far but continues to need input from health and medical professionals and food allergic families to fully understand the risk factors involved and how to mitigate them.

Health and Medical Professionals: Contact AFAA.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parents: take a brief survey to share your experiences in schools.

AFAA FOOD ALLERGY CONFERENCE & EXPO

Dr. Li Presents Advances in Botanical Clinical Trial

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries in Asia but is not yet recognized by insurance companies as an approved prescription for treating food allergies in the U.S. That may one day change based on testimony given by Dr. Xiu-Min Li, keynote speaker at the Sept. 17 AFAA Conference & Expo at the University Hotel, Minneapolis.

Using a Food Allergy Herbal Formula consisting of nine herbs, "we show that FAHF-2 is a safe, effective animal model," Li told conference attendees. Now, human clinical trials are underway at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where Li is based, as well as Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock and Chicago Feinberg School of Medicine.

Two of the key ingredients proven to block allergic responses include Phellodendri and Ganoderma, according to Li. While early treatments included teas, creams and bath additives, manufacturers have created a dosage that can be taken in capsule form six times per day. There are currently 35 subjects enrolled in clinical trials and more people are needed, she added. Preference is given to those age 12 to 45 who are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish.

About Dr. Li: She earned her degree at Henan Medical University, one of the oldest universities in China. Dr. Li focuses her research on food allergy and allergic asthma. In the area of food allergy, she is investigating the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying food allergy and novel therapies for these allergic diseases. She is involved in teaching sessions with the fellows and coordinates weekly immunology rounds, which include clinical case presentations, review of journal articles, and lectures from invited speakers. Her clinical research has included clinical trials in both asthma and allergic diseases.

CONFERENCE & EXPO PHOTOS

Featured speakers, Dr. Alan Stillerman and Dr. Xiu-Min Li (center) are flanked by AFAA Co-founders Jeff Schaefer and Nona Narvaez.

Amy Recob's second published book about food allergies will be released soon.

Speakers Dr. Katja Rowell (above) and Kristin Beltaos (right) led breakout sessions.

AFAA PROFILE: Bill Quick

Teen was 'Quick' to Volunteer; Discovered Alligator on a Stick

Bill Quick said he'll be back to volunteer at the AFAA booth next year.

Bill Quick wanted to enjoy the lingering days of summer vacation with friends at the Minnesota State Fair. Although he's allergic to wheat, eggs, peanuts, beans and various fruits, the 15-year-old found plenty to eat at the Great Minnesota Get-together.

"I really loved the alligator," he said.

A resident of Little Canada, Quick answered the call for volunteers to work at the Anaphylactic and Food Allergy Association booth at the State Fair. The promise of free fair admission in exchange for volunteering made his decision that much easier.

"I already have a job. I saw the opportunity to volunteer and to give something back," he said.

He took a shuttle bus from Roseville to the fairgrounds. At the booth, he handed out free bookmarks that listed helpful food allergy information to fairgoers.

"You say 'free' and people want it," he said. "It was cool to share stories with the other volunteers. I'm looking forward to volunteering again."

Quick's parents found out he was allergic to wheat when he ate a teething biscuit at eight months old and went into anaphylactic shock. Having grown up with multiple allergies, he has learned to monitor his own food and to read labels. He credits his mother for being a good cook too.

"You have to try to live your life and don't let it ruin it," said the high school sophomore.

As he recently experienced, that may mean eating a plate of mashed potatoes when friends at a birthday party are enjoying pizza and pasta. Quick is encouraged by increases in gluten-free dishes that can be found on restaurant menus today. And he's very excited to visit distant relatives in Sweden this year, where he said restaurants are required by law to offer gluten-free options.

Quick is an active teenager. In addition to his volunteer duties, school studies and work schedule, he enjoys golf, baseball and bowling.

Hey Diddle Diddle, Help Solve the Food Riddle

Princesses Tessa and Sara were part of the Food Allergy Princesses team, which took 1st place in number of walkers.

Calling All Prince Charmings (and Princesses)

for the Annual Benefit Walk at Mall of America

The Food Allergy Princesses are looking for a few good princes to join them in the next Food Allergy Walk organized by the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota.

Lead by Princess Tessa, 5, of Maplewood, the 45-member team took home the 2011 award for recruiting the most walkers for the annual event held at Mall of America. Shannon Chase, Tessa's mom, said this was the third year the team won the honor and participation keeps growing.

Chase uses a combination of Facebook and email messaging to reach out to potential team members and donors. "Inviting people individually was effective too," she said.

Tessa's friends and classmates wore their Disney princess dresses while adults were dressed in tie-dyed look-alike shirts. After the walk, team members were invited to brunch nearby, a big incentive to get out of bed to help solve the food riddle, according to Chase.

The team that took top honors for raising the most pledges was Food Freedom, lead by Amy Parish, whose daughter is allergic to peanuts.

"I'm very invested in getting education, tolerance and funding for this cause," said Parish, of Edina.

Proceeds benefit AFAA programs and is the association's largest fundraising event of the year. Mark your calendar for March 24, the next AFAA Food Allergy Awareness Walk.

Join the fun Walk Planning Committee!

Other Links

Survey for Moms

Mothers of children (up to 18 years old) with food allergies are invited to participate in a study to measure food allergy knowledge with questions about their child's food allergy diagnosis and medical history. These questionnaires (25-30 minutes long) are at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/foodallergytest. If you prefer a paper version of the test e-mail amyhahn1@umbc.edu or call 410-455-3113. Participants are entered into a raffle for a $100 gift card to: Target or Wal-Mart or Whole Foods.

Labeling: Petition to include Sesame Seeds and Mustard on Products

A grassroots effort has resulted in a petition at We the People at whitehouse.gov to update the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of 2004 to include sesame seeds and mustard seeds. If 25,000 signatures are received by November 5th, White House staff will review the petition, send it to the appropriate policy experts, and provide an official response. Here is the link to sign the petition.

Advocacy Award

Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) has been selected by Research!America to receive its 2012 Advocacy Award for the advancement of food allergy research and highlighting the important need for increased federal funding for research to find a cure. (note: AFAA's Executive Director serves on FAI's Advocacy Steering Committee). Read More...

CALENDAR

Check out these upcoming AFAA events:

Oct. 30, 2011	Halloween Costume Party at Jack's House in Brainerd. Fundraiser for Lakes Area Food Allergy Support, 2-4 p.m.
Oct. 31, 2011	Join other parents and children for allergen-free fun Halloween at Mall of America, Macy's Court from 5-8 p.m.
Nov. 12, 2011	Teleclass 103: Help Getting Through the Holidays, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Nov. 14, 2011	Pizza Fundraiser: Davanni's - Roseville, 4-8 p.m.
Dec. 3, 2011	Concert & Silent Auction: St. Anthony Pk Lutheran Church in St. Paul, 10-1.
March 24, 2012	Start your day off at the annual Food Allergy Awareness Walk at Mall of America.
June 8-10 2012	Plan ahead for the 3rd annual AFAA Summer Camp.

AFAA logo

CONTACT INFORMATION

Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA)

Editor: Sue Hegarty, Pencil Thin Communications, Inc.

Email: info@minnesotafoodallergy.org

Website: www.minnesotafoodallergy.org

E-Magazine: (612) 272-1000

AFAA Office: (651) 644-5937

To Subscribe: CLICK HERE

Food Allergy E-Magazine is published quarterly by the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA)

There is no charge to subscribe but donations are accepted. Simply donate at our Give.MN page or send your request/donation to the address below.

No part of this publication may be used without the written consent of the publisher. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. We reserve the right to edit or reject submissions at our discretion, without notice.

2200 Hendon Av; St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 644-5937
info@minnesotafoodallergy.org

www.minnesotafoodallergy.org

The Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA) is a 501(c)3 Minnesota Non-profit whose mission is to educate, advocate, and support those with life-threatening food allergies. We operate through the generosity of volunteers & donations.