Introducing Me and Thrive On 3

It is with great excitement that I write my first blog post.  As many of you know, creating food allergy awareness and assisting others with food allergies has been my personal mission since Claire was diagnosed five years ago.  It has now become my professional mission through my new food allergy consulting business, Thrive On Consulting. 

My blog, which launches during Food Allergy Awareness Week, will be an opportunity for me to continue to share our food allergy journey, help others as they also navigate their “new normal” with food allergies, and create awareness so that those with food allergies can thrive on!

Food Allergy Awareness Week is particularly important so that everyone, not just those living with food allergies, can learn about how to keep those with food allergies safe.  If you have heard me speak on food allergies, or seen any of the materials I have put together for our schools, you know I focus on how important and critical support from non-allergic families is to keeping those with food allergies safe and included.  We are so fortunate to have so many great supporters in our network.  We appreciate the sometimes seemingly small steps and gestures made to keep Claire safe- which in our book are always huge! 

There are many things you can do to help those with food allergies and I will be blogging about many of these, and other helpful tips for those living with food allergies, in future posts in something that I call the Thrive On 3.

My initial Thrive On 3 provides simple things you can do now to help those, especially young children (there are 1:13 children with food allergies), facing the daily challenge of living with food allergies.

1. WASH HANDS-Wash hands with soap and water after all meals and snacks. Hand sanitizers do not eliminate all allergens.
2. DO NOT SHARE FOOD- Teach children to only eat what their parents or teachers give them. Sharing food can unintentionally introduce allergens.
3. KEEP CELEBRATIONS SAFE- Focus on non-food items for parties or work with parents and teachers to determine a safe treat for all members of the class.

If you are reading this, thank you, you are taking steps to help those with food allergies thrive on.  I encourage you to share what you now know with others and stay tuned for more Thrive On 3s, helpful information, and insight into life with food allergies.

Louisville Area Readers: 

Did you know we have some great things happening in the food allergy community?  If you are an individual or family dealing with food allergies you may be interested in these cool opportunities in Louisville:

• Louisville Food Allergy Support Group- we have formed a support group for individuals and families dealing with food allergies.  Our next meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2015 at 7pm at the Jeffersontown Library.  To learn more about the group connect with us on Facebook.

• FARE Louisville Walk for Food Allergy- The third annual walk will take place on September 12, 2015 at Seneca Park.  To register for the walk or learn more about how to volunteer visit our walk  website.