Does your Child have Food Allergies? Be Prepared for this School Year!
With the new school year approaching, it is important to know your children’s allergies to food.
According to studies released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased 50% between 1997 and 2011. A food allergy can start at any age! Common foods to watch out for with children are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
Before sending your child off to school for the first day, prepare yourself early to ensure that your child’s allergies are properly being taken care of throughout the school year.
Start Early: Don’t wait until the first day of the school year to start planning. During summer vacation advise your child’s upcoming teacher as well as the school nurse of your child’s allergies to foods and medications.
Get a doctors letter: At your child’s yearly checkup, request a letter stating what your child is allergic to. Keep a copy for yourself and also provide a copy for the teacher and nurse to keep on file.
Make an emergency contact sheet: Send your child to school with an emergency contact sheet, listing all numbers that someone can be reached at in case of an emergency.
Children who have peanut allergies: If you have a child who has a peanut allergy, talk to the school and see if “Peanut-free” classrooms are available.
Food allergies can be scary, being prepared is the best thing for your child and you.
Have a safe school year from C.H. Edwards!
Written by: Amanda Haase