Summer F.A.C.T. Event June 7th 2012

Join us on Thursday, June 7th at 7pm at the Whole Foods in FRANKLIN, TN (Community Meeting Room) for a SPECIAL F.A.C.T. (Food Allergy Community of TN) event.

Our speaker for the evening, will be Dr. Jennifer Ker, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.Dr. Ker has been working with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and has joined their Anaphylaxis Community Experts (ACE) program.  The ACE program has been designed to improve the treatment of anaphylaxis throughout our country.  Allergists in particular, often see the mismanagement of anaphylaxis and Dr. Ker feels compelled to be a part of the solution.  Come learn and feel empowered.  We will save some time at the end of the presentation for questions.

Whole Foods McEwen has partnered with us for this event and will be giving tours to show us the newest allergy friendly foods on the market. This will be a great opportunity to see and sample these new products.  If you haven't been to this new Whole Foods, it is amazing!  *Store is open until 10pm...so you will have time to shop for the great stuff you will have tasted and learned about.

Heather Duncan co-chair of the 2012 Nashville FAAN Walk for Food Allergy, which will take place on Sunday, September 16th, 1pm at Centennial Park, will take a few minutes to share information about this years walk, volunteer opportunities, forming team, and fundraising.

This is an Event Not to be Missed with Giveaways, Lots of Samples and More!

Please RSVP through the F.A.C.T. FB group (link below) so we have a good idea of how many to expect as this will also be open to the public.  http://www.facebook.com/events/263618130404093/  

If you haven't joined the group on FB, go here to be a part of this community and get plugged in http://www.facebook.com/groups/FoodAllergyCommunityofTN/

Feel free to share this with those you know who are learning to manage food allergies.

Rachel & Ginger

F.A.C.T. blog: www.allergysupport.blogspot.com

Join F.A.C.T. on Facebook and get connected with others in your area who are learning to manage food allergies: http://www.facebook.com/groups/FoodAllergyCommunityofTN/

New Changes for F.A.C.T. Group in 2012

We are welcoming 2012 with some new changes for our F.A.C.T. (Food Allergy Community of TN) group.

As parents of food allergic children, we all know how it feels to get the diagnosis and have that feeling of “now what”? Our group was created to be a support system and to have a place to share products/ideas that are making our lives easier while we are on this journey.

Thanks to technology and our Facebook group, we are now able to connect with others who are local, ask questions and share 24/7.  This is a wonderful tool for encouragement, for people new to town, those looking for a good doctor, school information, safe places to eat, etc.  We want to encourage you to connect/interact with our group on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/groups/FoodAllergyCommunityofTN/

For 2012, we would like to try a new format for our meetings.  By consolidating and having a larger event (coming this summer), this would allow us to focus our attention on a quality event with great speakers, sponsors and giveaways.  Also, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the members of the Facebook group in person and further those relationships.

Be on the lookout for an email and Facebook event from F.A.C.T. for the next event coming summer 2012.

If you or someone you know someone would be interested in being a sponsor for our next event, please contact us.

We look forward to connecting with you!

F.A.C.T. Meeting, Tuesday Nov 1st

Our next F.A.C.T. meeting is Tuesday, Nov 1st from 7pm at the Whole Foods in Green Hills (we usually meet upstairs).  Our group tries to meet the first Tuesday of every other month.

Dr. Donald Brothers will be discussing "Updates on Food Allergy Research" followed by a Question and Answer time.

Dr. Donald Brothers 300 20th Ave N # 100 Nashville‎ TN‎ 37203  615-284-4750

Special thanks to our sponsor Matteo's Pizza who will provide samples of their Gluten Free pizza and Gluten Free/Dairy Free pizza. Matteo's is located at 1800 Carothers Parkway Brentwood, TN 37207 (phone) 615-661-5811 

Let's continue to support local businesses who provide quality food and services to our food allergy community!

F.A.C.T. Meeting-Monday September 12th at Chick-Fil-A

Our goal is to meet the 1st Tuesday of every month, at the Whole Foods in Green Hills, but we have been given a unique opportunity to get a sneak peek behind the scenes at the Chick-Fil-A in Brentwood (330 Franklin Rd, Brentwood TN 37027) on Monday, September 12th at 7:00pm. . 

The managers at this Chick-Fil-A location want to show and share with us what they are doing to ensure that food is safe and properly prepared for those who are food allergic. There will be a tour of the kitchen, and you will have the opportunity to find out what foods are "safe" for your child, get to see their food practices first hand, and ask questions.  Join us and help be a voice for the children with food allergies that they are preparing food for everyday.

Please RSVP to allergenfreeplease@gmail.com so we can give them an estimate for attendance. 

Peanut Free Night at the Nashville Sounds, August 17th

A friend of mine told me that the Nashville Sounds have had a few peanut free nights this season.  I know some of the food allergy moms worked hard to make this possible.  I also want to thank the Nashville Sounds for bringing awareness to food allergies by setting aside nights so children that have life-threatening peanut allergies can enjoy a baseball game with their families. This is wonderful!


The last peanut free night is Wednesday August 17th 2011 at (against the Padres) at 7:05pm in Section D. Click HERE to read more. *Section-D will be designated as a peanut-free zone at Greer Stadium. For more information, call (615) - 690 - HITS.


Tickets are $12 in advance (prior to game date).  Children 2 and under are free, if they do not occupy a seat. Ticket prices include tax. To see more details, click HERE


Enjoy a night out with the family!!!!

F.A.C.T. Meeting-Wed. 6/22-Fit and Healthy Families

Due to the 4^th of July holiday, our next F.A.C.T. (Food Allergy Community of TN) meeting will be Wednesday, June 22^nd from 7pm-8pm at the Whole Foods in Green Hills (we usually meet upstairs).

Julie Herbst, health and wellness expert is coming to Nashville, and we will have the opportunity to take advantage of hearing her talk on “Fit and Healthy Families.”

Julie has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 23 years.  For the past 12 years, she has been sharing the message about the relationship between nutrition and disease with families all over the world.  Today she works with families to help them adopt healthier lifestyles.  As the mother of two children, Julie understands the challenges of keeping our families healthy. Please join us as she shares practical tips for how every family can improve their health.

As food allergy moms, a lot of our go-to foods are probably fruits and vegetables because they are safe for our children; but are they getting enough and in a wide variety?

Special thanks to our sponsor Juice Plus for providing samples of their soft chewables, which contain 15 fruits and vegetables and are free of the top 8 allergens. These delicious chewables are made in a dedicated allergen free facility. 

Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus and Allergy Program (A.S.A.P.)

Thanks Dr. Allison Norton from Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus and Allergy Program for speaking at our last F.A.C.T. meeting.

Dr. Norton did a wonderful job of giving us some more insight into food allergies and answering questions.  It was a wonderful opportunity to learn in an intimate setting.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Norton call
Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus and Allergy Program
615-936-2727 or toll free 1-866-390-0379

AllergyFree Foods-Eliminating the Top 8 Allergens

Thank you AllergyFree Foods for sponsoring our March F.A.C.T. (Food Allergy Community of TN) Meeting!

Kelly Young and Richard Croteau did a wonderful job of communicating the mission of the company, who believes that EVERYONE has the right to purchase food products that are of both great taste and value.

AllergyFree Foods works with Joel Schaefer, a former Manager of Product Development and Special Diets for Walt Disney World Resort, theirproducts are free of the top 8 food allergens (wheat/gluten, milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish and soy).

Now those with allergies can finally enjoy the products that they crave such as chicken nuggets, chicken wings and more.

Allergy Free Food offers All Natural Chicken Products (Minimally processed, no Artificial ingredients)

· Chicken Filets

· Chicken Nuggets

· Chicken Tenderloins

· Chicken Tenders

· Chicken Wings

Be on the lookout for some dry mixes to be offered in the near future!

Check out the list of the products/ingredients ororder.

AllergyFree Food products have been featured at and have been successful with independent and chain grocers nationwide.

See if AllergyFree Food products are available at a grocery store near you.

Would you like to have Allergy Free Foods available to purchase in your local grocery store? Print a Grocer Request Form, download, print and take it to the manager of your local grocery store (the more people request, the greater likelihood that they will carry it). The distribution centers that the store can order from is UNFI, Tree of Life and KeHe foods.

Find AllergyFree Foods on

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/allergyfreefoods

Twitter

YouTube

Allergy Free Foods

(706) 265-1317

info@allergyfreefoodsco.com

www.allergenfreeplease.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Allergen-Free-Please/182710255091299

F.A.C.T. Meeting, March 1st: AllergyFreeFoods

Our next FACT meeting (Food Allergy Community of TN) is Tuesday, March 1^st at 7 pm at the Whole Foods in Green Hills.

Kelly Young, President of AllergyFree Foods (based in Nashville!) will join us to share their company mission and allow us to sample some of their great allergen free foods.

AllergyFree Foods works with Joel Schaefer, a former Manager of Product Development and Special Diets for Walt Disney World Resort, their products are free of the top 8 food allergens (wheat/gluten, milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish and soy).

AllergyFree Foods is firmly committed to the consistent evolution of a healthier lifestyle that supports the development of food products which taste as good as they make you feel.

By steering clear of gluten amongst many other allergens, those with allergies can finally enjoy the products that they crave such as chicken nuggets, chicken wings and more.

To see a list of the products they carry, click here: http://www.allergyfreefoods.com/2010/nutrition.asp

Come find out how we can support this local company who is making great strides in the allergy free world. In the meantime, check out their website to learn more. http://www.allergyfreefoods.com

Allerbling

Another great product designed to help keep your kid safe! Allerbling is a customizable bracelet for your child - and one you can change if your allergy situation changes! Check out allerbling here.

Other helpful stickers, tattoos, shirts, bracelets and labels:
Assure Allergy Bands
Shirts and Stickers from Jeeto
SafetyTat
Inchbug labels

Lori Sandler (Divvies) will discuss food "Navigating Food Allergies" TODAY at 12pm Central

"Navigating Food Allergies"

CLICK HERE to Register for the live talk and cooking class

Where in the World is Children's Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy?

Has anyone else been looking everywhere for Children's Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy?

I have been on a search for Children's Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy for a couple of months now and cannot find it anywhere. Yesterday, I decided to call the company and see if I could get some answers.

In September 2010, Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl were recalled. If you have any of these medicines sitting around your house and you bought them awhile ago, they might be part of the recall. Call this number, 1-877-717-2824 and they can tell you if it has been recalled and if so, they will send you a refund.

As of now now, the company is having a hard time distributing the Children's Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy after the recall, and they are unsure when it will be back on the shelves.

Would I give Brody the regular Benadryl with dyes if I had no other options? Absolutely, but if I can find an alternative that is dye-free, that would be my first choice.

Since Dye-Free Benadryl is not an option right now (and we do not know when it will be available), I spoke to a pharmacist at Walgreens, and he recommended the Children's WAL-DRYL Allergy Dye-Free. He personally has food allergies uses it.

I bought it, but wanted to call my allergist to confirm that is was alright to give. My biggest concern was that on the Children's Benadryl, it said do not give to children under 2 and on the Children's WAL-DRYL Allergy , it said to not give to children under 4. My allergist said that it was fine to give and the most important thing to look at was that the Diphenhydramine HCl (which is the antihistamine/active ingredient) was 12.5mg per teaspoon, which it is.

If you are like us, we do not go anywhere without "Benadryl" because there have been many times that it has saved us from going to the Emergency Room (too many times to count). If you do not take it with you and you have children with food allergies, I recommend getting some to take with you. We even keep it at the grandparents' house that live close by, so that we are never without it. So, until the Children's Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy comes back onto the shelves, the Children's Wal-Dryl Allergy Dye-Free would be a great replacement.

www.allergenfreeplease.blogspot.com

Aunt April's Bakery

Aunt April's Bakery is Nashville's very first ALL gluten free bakery. In addition to being gluten free, the products are also soy and dairy free. Some of her options are also vegan. April's heart is to be able to make allergen free treats for any food allergies and is more than willing to accommodate them.

Aunt April's gluten free, vegan (no egg, no dairy) and soy free Heaven Cake is available to purchase at The Wild Cow in Nashville. It is an extremely moist chocolate cake with a creamy, decadent icing.

We had April make the Heaven cake for Brody's 2nd birthday. We ordered a sheet cake so we could cut it up into smaller pieces for the adults and bought cupcakes (also Heaven cake) for the kids. It was a big hit! The adults were going back for seconds and my husband and I had to hide the rest of the cake so we had leftovers. Everyone couldn't believe how many things the cake "didn't have in it", yet it was delicious! Aunt April's also offers seasonal gluten free, soy free, vegan cupcakes at The Wild Cow if you are not in the mood for chocolate or are allergic.

You can also find some of Aunt April's Bakery baked goods (muffins, brownies and cookies) at the Edgehill Cafe.

When you buy Aunt April's baked goods from one of these places, you will find that they are clearly labeled with what is not in it (gluten, dairy, soy, vegan, etc.) and you will find a detailed list of ingredients (which I love).

For Thanksgiving, Brody was able to have his first pumpkin pie. April baked a gluten free, egg free, milk free, crustless pie. I was so thrilled that he was able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving treat.

Aunt April's Bakery is going to be opening (hopefully the end of February) inside The Green Wagon near East Nashville. April will offer her delicious baked goods, and will serve lunch, which will include homemade soup and sandwiches. I am so excited about this! How nice to be able to go and grab some yummy treats when you are out and about, or meet up with some friends at a place that really "gets" food allergies.

If you would like Aunt April's Bakery to make something for you special order, give her at least 48 hours to be able to make it just the way you need it!

You can sign up for Aunt April's Bakery VIP Program by sending a text to 56687 and put Aunt April in the body of the text. When you spend $100 over a period of time, you will get $8 back. Also, 5% goes back to a non profit.

Thank you Aunt April's Bakery for sponsoring our January F.A.C.T. meeting! The Heaven cupcakes were fabulous and we loved the baking tips.

Here is one of April's tips for baking egg free:

Substitute for one egg:

2 tsp of flaxseed meal

3 Tbsp boiling water

Mix together and then let sit for about 10 minutes. The end result will be a egg-like consistency.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact April. She is more than happy to answer your questions!

Aunt April's Bakery

615-568-0028

april@auntaprilsbakery.com

www.auntaprilsbakery.com

www.allergenfreeplease.blogspot.com

F.A.C.T. Meeting

Our next F.A.C.T meeting (Food Allergy Community of TN) is tomorrow, Tuesday, January 4th at 7pm at the Whole Foods in Green Hills (we usually meet upstairs).

Start the new year off with some great tips on allergen free baking!

April Graves from Aunt April's Bakery (an allergen friendly bakery in middle TN) will be teaching a workshop on baking with food allergies. April is passionate about baking safe, tasty treats for those with food allergies and will teach us tips on how to prepare safe baked goods for our families.

She will be bringing some yummy allergen free treats for us to try. For more information, go to www.auntaprilsbakery.com

She can accommodate any food allergy. Email me at allergenfreeplease@gmail.com if you have any questions.