Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Information

Episode #32 is a special edition with an interview with Kyle Dine. Kyle has been on the show before in Episode 29 back in 2011. Currently Kyle is running a KickStarter campaign to raise funds for a food allergy video to educate and raise awareness for primary school children about food allergies and anaphylaxis. You can support his project here - http://www.foodallergyvideo.com And his main website is here - http://www.kyledine.com Good luck Kyle and as a backer of your project myself I'm excited to see the finished product in 2015. Listen to the podcast here (press play below) or download the episode to take with you on the go (either directly or via iTunes) Leave a comment below with your thoughts on this subject. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes (link at the top of the page) or get on our mailing list using the form on the right. I’ll occasionally keep you up-to-date with all the allergy news from around the world and let you know when a new show is out. Talk Soon Aaron

Episode #31 is about how to use the Anapen device. You can find out more information about the Anapen from this website http://www.analert.com.au/ Thank you to Sabrina from Link Healthcare for sending me an Anapen trainer and Anapen information. Also I forgot to mention in the video not to touch the needle once the pen has been used. And to be very careful when putting the black needle cover over the needle. You should put the black cap on a fixed surface and put the used pen into the black cap keeping your fingers clear. Here is some notes about the study between Anapen and Epipen that I found here at Lincoln Medical One of the key areas of note at the recent EACCI congress in London, was the importance of training in the use of auto-injectors. We have highlighted 3 articles which highlight the importance of training for both professionals and members of the lay public - families and carers. "Expert training is considered important in giving families confidence and competence to treat their children with adrenaline. Non-expert prescribing continues to be erratic and is not often accompanied by training. Families given self-injectable adrenaline kits in Allergy Clinic or elsewhere carry them less regularly than advised even expertly trained families need regular review of self care skills in managing anaphylaxis".1. "There may be an important difference in the ability of untrained individuals to learn how to administer adrenaline using 2 different devices. This preliminary study suggests that undergraduate medical students may find it easier to use Anapen compared with Epipen for adrenaline administration. Failure to use the correct end of the Epipen was a common mistake. Further work is needed to investigate the effectiveness of adrenaline autoinjector training using different devices in a patient population." 2. "A large number of participants (42%) were unable to correctly demonstrate the procedure for self-administration of an auto-injector despite having studied the instructions on the device or a PIL IFU alone. This study highlights the imperative for clinicians to provide additional patient training to anyone prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector for the treatment of potentially life-threatening anaphylactic episodes." 3 1. Family compliance with anaphylaxis management plan, Yanishevsky, Y; Hourihane, J, CUH, Paediatric Allergy Clinic, Cork, Ireland 2. A study of adrenaline autoinjector training in undergraduate medical students, Boyle, R; Umasunthar, T; Warner, J, Imperial College London, Paediatrics, London, United Kingdom 3. Adrenaline auto-injectors: How effective are written patient instructions when used alone in a simulated self-administration test?, Lombardelli, S, ALK-Abello, Berkshire, United Kingdom   Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 28MB (should play fine on all machines).    

This podcast about food allergy and anaphylaxis food minimisation policies at schools and institutions. Listen to the podcast here (press play below) or download the episode to take with you on the go (either directly or via iTunes) Leave a comment below with your thoughts on this subject. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes (link at the top of the page) or get on our mailing list using the form on the right. I’ll occasionally keep you up-to-date with all the allergy news from around the world and let you know when a new show is out. Talk Soon Aaron

Time for another show, this time I interview Kyle Dine - Food Allergy Musician and advocate for Anaphylaxis education through music and entertainment. Listen to the interview here (press play below) or download the episode to take with you on the go. You can check out more info about Kyle here... http://www.kyledine.com http://www.allergytranslation.com http://www.whyriskit.org http://www.anaphylaxis.ca Make sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes (link at the top of the page) or get on our mailing list using the form on the right. I’ll occasionally keep you up-to-date with all the allergy news from around the world and let you know when a new show is out. Talk Soon Aaron

iAllergens is now officially released. It's been 3 months in the making and it's finally here. It's an application (app) for the iPhone, iTouch, iPad for those with food allergies and anaphylaxis. Watch the video for more info and check out the iAllergens page. So simple it just works. As I mentioned in the video, I'm offering 10 free copies of this app as a launch promotion. All you have to do is comment on this post and state what country you live in, and I'll send you out the iTunes promo code for a free copy of iAllergens. First in best dressed. I did say in the video 5 for the USA and 5 for the rest of the world. I'm also starting the app at just $2 USD in iTunes, but will be raising the price next month. Early bird catches the worm. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 28MB (should play fine on all machines). Good luck Talk soon Aaron

I have another treat for you today, this episode is an interview with Heather Fraser author of the book "The History of the Peanut Allergy Epidemic". Now here is a book that I believe should be mandatory reading for anyone with food allergies. Don't wait like I did for over 10 years to ask the question, "Why does my child have food allergies?" Listen to the interview here (press play below) or download the episode to take with you on the go. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes (link at the top of the page) or get on our mailing list using the form on the right. I’ll ocassionally keep you up-to-date with all the allergy news from around the world and let you know a new show is out. You can purchase The History of the Peanut Allergy Epidemic via Amazon, and the website is www.peanutallergyepidemic.com Listen to the show then leave me a comment with your comments / story of vaccines and food allergies, just click the 'add your comment' link. I will be exploring this topic much further in future episodes. Talk soon Aaron

It's been awhile since I've been active with my videos / podcasts for the show, and for that I apologise. To get back into the swing of producing this show on a regular basis, I thought it was high time for an interview. I'd just finished reading Flourishing with Food Allergies by A.Anderson recently and I thought it would be great to have an interview with her, and talk about some of the interesting topics that are in her book. Listen to the interview here (press play below) or download the episode to take with you on the go. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes (link at the top of the page) or get on our mailing list using the form on the right. I'll ocassionally keep you up-to-date with all the allergy news from around the world and let you know a new show is out. You can purchase Flourishing with Food Allergies via Amazon, and the website is www.flourishingwithfoodallergies.com Also please leave me a comment on this blog post with your thoughts about the interview. Even ask a question for Ms Anderson, whom I'm sure will be happy to respond. Talk soon Aaron

Well it's back to school time again in Australia, and Anaphylaxis Australia put out a press release a couple of weeks ago about it. So I thought I'd cover it on the show. Of course this information isn't just for Australia, it's universal, so press the play button on the media player below to listen to this episode. You can catch the show in iTunes as well if you would like to listen to us from there (click the link in the top menu of the site). In the show I talk about Anaphylaxis Australia, FAAN, Anaphylaxis Talk Next show I'll talk about the Anapen which is a direct competitor and alternative to the Epipen. Talk soon Aaron

In todays episode I answer questions asked by Nathan in the comments of Episode #23. Nathan wanted to know about parents passing on their allergies onto their children, and about medication and desensitisation for several allergens. I also catch you up on our recent yearly visit to the allergy specialist. Listen to the show here, by clicking on the play button below, or subscribe to us in iTunes using the link in the menu above. Links mentioned in the show: http://med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_food2all_hhg.htm http://allergy.org.au/content/view/128/146 Please leave me a comment here if you have something to say regarding this episode or a question for a future episode, and I'll answer them as soon as possible. Melanie said she'd put together a Halloween special episode which I'll have to put together ASAP to get it out before next weekend. Talk soon Aaron

In this episode I speak about managing anaphylactic food allergies using the desensitisation method. There is a current study going on in the Children's Hospital Boston using a desensitisation method, which sort of mirrors the treatment that's been going on for years over at the Pediatric Hospital Burlo Garofolo in the city of Trieste, north-east of Italy (www.burlo.trieste.it) Listen to the podcast here first, then read the websites / watch the videos below. Here's the website for the Italy based treatment - http://www.allergyhope.com Here's the website explaining the USA based treatment and introducing Brett - http://childrenshospitalblog.org/a-cure-for-milk-allergies Watch the 2nd one here which explains the treatment - http://childrenshospitalblog.org/a-cure-for-milk-allergies-dr-schneider-explains-the-bold-new-idea/ Then the 3rd one with Brett having his first sip of milk - http://childrenshospitalblog.org/a-cure-for-allergies-part-3-brett-nasuti-takes-his-very-first-sip-of-milk/ The rest you can watch over at Children's Hospital Blog, but these were the main ones I wanted you to see. Talk soon Aaron

Ladies and gentleman, only a short TV show this week, just to touch base and flex my video muscles which haven't been used in a very long time. As mentioned on the show, this testimonial came in for Melanie's first book, "Jessie's Favourite Things (Even with Food Allergies)" "Just wanted to let you know that we received your book and it is fantastic. My daughter just loves it. She took it to preschool with her the other day and the teachers were very impressed with it. They read it to the class and said that it brought on alot of discussion with the class of 4 year olds. We are very lucky that my daughter has a fantastic preschool that she attends and that they are very supportive with the food allergies. The children in the class are very aware of my daughter’s food allergies and it was wonderful to be able to share this book with them. If you ever publish any more books like this can you please let me know as I would be keen to purchase them. Thanks again for publishing this book. Also thanks for such quick postage. Glad to be getting your emails again too. You do such a wonderful job." Kerry, NSW, Australia Thanks Kerry. You made Melanie's day. I look forward to getting some more testimonials that I can share. I'll have a more formatted show next week covering some new research that's going on at the moment for the treatment of food allergies. It's cutting edge stuff, that I'll have to get Melanie to help me so I don't miss anything. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 16MB (should play fine on all machines). Also coming soon, a cooking segment (me and kitchens don't get along so this should be interesting) Talk soon Aaron

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis information coming at you via the Allergy Smart TV show is back. Well sort of anyway. I'll be doing podcasts for awhile with the occassional video thrown in for good measure. Why because I don't have the time needed to post process the videos. They are very time consuming, so I'll save them for special occassions. Let's get right back into the saddle then, and get started. Remember that this TV Show / Podcast is in iTunes so just click the link in the menu above if you want to get it down into your MP3 player of choice, otherwise just listen to it on the site. Links mentioned on the show: Anaphylaxis Talk - support forum for food allergy and anaphylaxis Talk soon Aaron

Here's another podcast of a radio interview that was done back in Sep 2008. Thanks to Leslie and Richard from the ToyBox radio talkback show on 99.7FM for taking the time to chat with me about this topic and share with their listeners information on anaphylaxis. In this interview we talk about anaphylaxis in schools and what the Queensland government were up to at the time. We also cover what an individual on the street should do if they were to assist someone having an anaphylactic reaction. I'll do a follow up soon in a new video episode of where the Queensland government are at currently with their anaphylaxis school training and their current legislation. Please leave me your thoughts on this interview by leaving a comment on this blog post. Does your country have a "good samaritan law" to protect those that help others needing first aid from any legal issues? Talk soon. Aaron

It's been so long since I've had time to look at getting some content up onto the blog. Since video takes so long to produce I've decided to get a few podcasts out that I've been sitting on. I'm going to call this Episode #19. So at last I have the recording for you that I did with Richard, Leslie and Kevin from the ToyBox radio talkback show at 99.7FM in Brisbane back in August 2008. We cover what is anaphylaxis, possible theories as to why it's happening, and children going to school with food allergies among other things. Leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Talk soon Aaron

In this episode I briefly touch on one strategy that young children with anaphylaxis can use to manage their anxiety levels. The food allergy quick tip is about food ingredient contents always changing and a quick way to see if they really have changed or it's just a mistake with the labelling. Please forgive the green background, I was in a rush to record this episode before going to work and didn't have time to setup the lighting, and then couldn't remove the green very well in post production, so decided to leave it in for this week. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 57MB (should play fine on all machines). Talk soon Aaron

In this episode I discuss 1) Dining out with anaphylaxis 2) Feast 08 from Anaphylaxis Australia on this weekend 3) Our first childrens book due to be on sale soon 4) Quick tip for the kindy kids to reduce contamination risk   Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 57MB (should play fine on all machines). Talk soon Aaron

In this episode I cover... Going to the Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show Listener question regarding school yard food allergy bullying My interview with Linda Coss from foodallergybooks.com which covered a heap of great topics listed below Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 57MB (should play fine on all machines). Topics covered in this audio interview. What aspects to cover when sending kids off to school with food allergies (at 10mins) How to engage with the other parents at the school about food allergies (at 19mins) Dealing with family members about their food allergy awareness (at 21mins) Educating your child about their food allergy condition without getting them stressed out and turning them into a basketcase (at 23mins) Banning nuts in schools, yes or no (at 31 mins) Cooking with food allergies and reduce food choices (at 43mins)     Talk soon Aaron

This week coming up I have an interview with Linda Coss whom was mentioned in our last show. I also talk about food labeling when dealing with food allergies and anaphylaxis. You have to be ever vigilant with checking the labels. And even then you have to keep your guard up. Keep sending me your emails, it’s great to hear from you. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 32MB (should play fine on all machines). Talk soon Aaron

Author Linda Coss Speaks about Food Allergies on Radio Health Journal You can download the MP3 file here Radio Health Journal, a half hour weekly radio magazine on issues in health, medicine and society, is heard on 425 U.S. radio stations. Linda Coss’ books, “How To Manage Your Child’s Life-Threatening Food Allergies” and “What’s to Eat? The Milk-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free Food Allergy Cookbook,” are available at www.FoodAllergyBooks.com, Amazon.com. Keep sending me your emails, it’s great to hear from you. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 12MB (should play fine on all machines). Talk soon Aaron

Back after 2 weeks off, and this week I talk about food allergy awareness week coming up May 11-17th. I mention the things you can do for food allergy awareness week, and briefly touch on eating out (I'll have to do a whole show on that topic). Keep sending me your emails, it's great to hear from you. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 32MB (should play fine on all machines). Talk soon Aaron

Back inside this week, and I'm covering food allergy and anaphylaxis food labeling with may contains. I explain that with "may contains" on the food packaging it means that there is a real risk of cross contamination, and that it's very much a personal comfort zone as to the level of risk you are prepared to take with your food consumption.I also mention about the rise of ambulance call outs in Victoria, Australia alone rose by 52% over the last 5 years directly due to asthma and anaphylaxis. This says to me a higher level of education in the school community of identification of these conditions. Thanks go out to Fiona Skepton from Brisbane for sending me some awesome material last week alerting me to the local newspaper scene here doing major coverage of food allergies and anaphylaxis. If you have anything food allergy related, send it through to me and I'll cover it on the show to share it with everyone. Finally after many printing issues, our first childrens book is in the middle of being printed. Jessies Favorite Things (even with food allergies) and Jacks Favorite Things (even with food allergies) will be released very soon. Written for children with food allergies and anaphylaxis between 0 - 6 years old. You'll be able to get them from your local anaphylaxis support groups, and of course from the website here. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 56MB (should play fine on all machines). Talk soon Aaron

Outside broadcast this weekend while we are on holidays at Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. It was a good time to mention about going on holidays with anaphylaxis. Basically 2 points. We look for holiday destinations that are within 15 minutes of a hospital and only stay at places that have in room facilities to allow you to prepare your own food. We also stay were we are close to large shopping centers where we know they stock the foods that we have found are safe for us. This means we restrict ourselves from going certain places and doing certain things, but we feel much safer this way, covering all our bases. I'm sure others beg to differ, so please leave us a comment with your thoughts below. Share your holiday stories. Next week as I promised last week, and thanks to Sarah's comments from episode #9, I'm going to cover "may contains" Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 15MB (should play fine on all machines). PS We've had major issues with the publishing of our 1st children's book. I'll be able to set a launch date this week for sure, and I've got a nice bonus on offer to those that want to get their hands on the book. Talk soon Aaron

Happy anaphylaxis free easter to everyone. In this episode I want to show you what the easter bunny left at our house this year. You can see that having anaphylaxis in the household certainly doesn't need to stop the easter bunny from visiting with lots of nice treats and gifts. Also thanks to Sarah for such a great comment on last episode and William for sharing his easter feelings. It made my son's day. Check out those comments here under the video. Next week thanks to Sarah's comments I'm going to cover "may contains" As always I want your comments of what you think of ASTV and ask me any question you like and I'll cover it on a question and answer show next week. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 27MB (should play fine on all machines). PS I'll give you an update on our Childrens book launch via email in a couple of days. Talk soon Aaron

It's easter coming up next week, and for those with anaphylaxis and food allergies this is a tough time. Any food related holiday is. But with a little bit of planning and thought you can be enjoying this holiday instead of dreading it. As always I want your comments of what you think of ASTV and ask me any question you like and I'll cover it on a question and answer show next week. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 27MB (should play fine on all machines). Until next week Aaron

In this episode I talk about the new public allergy clinic for Queensland that has just opened up. Next week will be a special pre Easter show. PS. It would be great to get more feedback from you about what you think of ASTV, or what you would like me to cover. Give me your most burning question about food allergies and I'll answer it on the show. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 37MB (should play fine on all machines). Until next week Aaron

This week I introduce a new food allergy and anaphylaxis children's book that is about to hit the market. You see it here first. Melanie has written a wonderful children's book targeted to 2-6 year olds that have food allergies. The ISBN number and the printing is happening next week, however I will be releasing it here first even before I comes off the presses. How you ask am I going to do that. You'll have to wait and see. More info next weekend, and the countdown to book launch will begin. PS. It would be great to get more feedback from you about what you think of ASTV, or what you would like me to cover. Give me your most burning question about food allergies and I'll answer it on the show. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 43MB (should play fine on all machines). Until next week Aaron

This week I recount a story of mine relating to food allergies and McDonalds, and I answer a viewers email regarding handling food allergies of a 2yr old. PS. It would be great to get more feedback from you about what you think of ASTV, or what you would like me to cover. Give me your most burning question about food allergies and I'll answer it on the show. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 94MB (should play fine on all machines). Until next week Aaron

This week I talk about one of our strategies for attending childrens parties and reducing risk for those that have anaphylaxis. I mention a party safe food list. If you would like to see ours then I'm happy to send it you. Simply make sure you are on our newsletter list (signup with the form on the right) and then leave me a message on the forum. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 35MB (should play fine on all machines). Until next week Aaron

Go get your action plans here: For Australia and New Zealand - ASICA - http://www.allergy.org.au/content/view/10/3/ For USA - FAAN - http://www.foodallergy.org/actionplan.pdf For other countries consult your local anaphylaxis support group. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 26MB (should play fine on all machines). Until next weekend Aaron

Today I talk about medic alert bracelets and those all important bum bags. You can get your medic alert bracelet here for Australia or here for USA. Apologies if I've missed your country but I'm sure there will be a medic alert equivalent in your country. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 39MB (should play fine on all machines). Until next week. Aaron

This is part one of many that I will do on food allergies and anaphylaxis in schools. I gloss over a lot of terms and techniques sorry about that, I take for granted what we do on a daily basis. I will dive into it deeper in the coming weeks. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 42MB (should play fine on all machines). Don't forget to leave me a comment with your thoughts. Happy to answer any questions you have. I'm building a list of questions I'm being asked in emails and on the forum that I can answer in full detail in the show. Until next weekend, Aaron

Welcome to the first episode of Allergy Smart TV where I shed some light on allergy skin testing. I forgot to mention in the video that if you've had a reaction and taken antihistamine in the previous 3-5 days that you should put off the skin test. Since it could affect the results. Also don't put any creams or moisturisers / suncream on your forearms for a similar time. Having trouble viewing this video online? Try the downloadable MP4 version 59MB (should play fine on all machines). Please click here to leave me a comment with your thoughts on my new TV show and I'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have on the show in the coming weeks. Until next weekend, have a reaction free week. (first heard that signoff from Leslea Harmon) Aaron

Hi all Leslea Harmon from http://allergyware.wordpress.com does a weekly podcast on food allergies which is very good. She recently posted on her blog that she was losing her voice and wouldn't be to able to produce one this week. I thought I'd help a bit and do a podcast for her to use on her show. Hopefully she can use it, but I'm proud of my first ever almost complete podcast so I thought I'd post it here as well. I spoke about anaphylaxis in schools, have a listen and let me know your thoughts on this topic. Click here for the podcast (MP3). Or as I like to call it a ghetocast (thanks Frank Kern for that term) since it's just me talking and no extra bells or whistles. Thanks Aaron