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This video from the Food Allergy Initiative is a great representation, straight from the parents mouths, of how food allergies have impacted the lives of their children and themselves. It reinforces how important it is for people to really understand how food allergies affect children and their parents.
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Author Information: Jennifer Leeson, Denver, CO
Denver Gluten-free Examiner at Examiner.com
Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an expert on changing negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease last October, she learned there was more to transforming her life around food beyond knowing what to eat and what not to eat. There were unexpected social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that arose. Since learning how to cope with these obstacles herself, she has begun teaching others how to cope effectively with the barriers that interfere with successfully changing one’s entire lifestyle around food. You can reach Jennifer at her e-mail address
we have food intollerances, nothing this severe, but it makes life hard enough. My heart goes out to these people. My nephew is allergic and I still remember talking to my sister after he was rushed to hospital on Christmas day because his grandparnets gave him marshmellows without thinking. I’ll never forget her fear or feelings of guilt at not watching him like a hawk at their house (he made it through by the way)
Whatever the age, there are social and psychological aspects to food allergies. I try to keep a positive attitude in group situations; going for the social aspect and not the food. Vacations and holidays are the hardest times. It is easier for those with celiac disease now to get food but we are still not taken seriously because of others thinking it is a fad or a healthier diet. I educate whenever I can to the seriousness of this desease. Living in a life care facility (age 71) and only diagnosed at age 67, has given me a new perspective on food allergies and especially the needs of young children and their families.