Halloween kicks of the Fall season that is filled with triggers for those that suffer with Food allergies. Food Allergy affects an estimated 15 million Americans, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. However, Halloween still can be safe and enjoyable for those with Food allergies. Asthma & Allergy Associates encourages handing out non-food treats and downloading free printable signs and flyers to hang in front of your home to indicate that you are sensitive to kids with Food allergies. You can go to the Teal Pumpkin Project Website if you’d like to download a printable sign indicating you have non-food treats for trick-or-treaters who need to avoid candy.
Thanksgiving planning is a great time to consider your holiday menus carefully for your family member, who might have an allergy or for your guests that may be allergic to certain foods.
TIPS for an Enjoyable Holiday
- If you are the host, ask your guests if there are any food allergies to be aware of. If there is a guest with food allergies, finding safe food substitutes for some food allergens can be found at the FARE website (food Allergy Research & Education) www.foodallergy.org. There are food substitutes for milk, wheat, eggs, and peanuts.
- If you are a guest, call the host and let them know of your family member’s allergies, and offer to bring dishes that are safe for your loved one
- Eat a big breakfast or lunch before arriving as many appetizers have nuts, seafood and other allergens.
- If you have a child with a food allergy, discuss what they can and can’t eat, and have a dish that you have prepared for them for peace of mind.
- Have a plan with your significant other to take turns watching out for children with food allergies
- Be sure to have two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times if prescribed
Avoid Emergency Room Visits
Holidays typically bring on more food allergy related ER visits, so be sure to plan ahead, whether you are the host or the guest to have a fun, safe holiday season with family and friends!
Asthma Allergy Associates Can Help
At Asthma Allergy Associates, PC and Research Center, we created a food Allergy center because of the rise in food allergies. Be sure to visit https://aacos.com/services/food-allergy/ to learn more or to request an appointment.
Asthma & Allergy Associates, P.C. has a long history of continuous care to patients with Asthma and Allergies dating back to 1930. In March 2006, Dr. Soteres joined Asthma & Allergy Associates. Dr. Luke Webb joined the practice in 2012, and Dr. James Fulton joined the practice in September 2019. Asthma and Allergy Associates has 4 locations, 2 in Colorado Springs, and in Pueblo and Canon City.