Allergy Week - Educational afternoon @ Early Learning Centre Gladstone Park

Thanks to the team at Gladstone Park for helping raise awareness of food allergies during food allergy week.

Awareness, education and empowerment help ease anxiety associated with the risk of anaphylaxis. In the classroom we were able to use examples and pictures to help the children understand the risks of eating allergy foods and the complications that may occur. Through story-time we were able to make connections with examples and the correct use of the epipen. Using a training epipen, the children were able to see how it is used to save lives.

Each of the children had one nail painted and a show bag to take home to show that they participated in Allergy week. They also picked an item from the alertband allergy shop to take home, inspired by recipes found in the Allergy Friendly Family Cookbook.

A wonderful afternoon was had by all.

Allergy Week at Overnewton 20/5/15

This morning, some of the kids at Overnewton showed their support for their classmates with allergies, by painting one of their fingernails. This year 2 classroom has an allergy rate higher than the national average at 1 in 4 kids having an allergy. 

They will now spread the word to their friends and families that food allergies are serious and could be a matter of life and death.

It's up to all of us to spread the word about food allergies and raise awareness for those of us that live with them everyday.

Well done kids

Allergy Week at Mulberry Early Learning 18/5/15

Alertband conducted an educational workshop with the children of Mulberry Early Learning yesterday. The children were involved in discussions about the top 8 allergy foods. They also participated in activities outlining Allergy Week including painting one out of 10 fingernails representing 1 in 10 babies born in Australia today will develop an allergy.

The children had interactive learning through allergy books and a demonstration of an epi pen and what to do in an emergency when an anaphylactic reaction occurs.

Each child was given a show bag to take home providing information on allergy week and the activities their children participated in. They were also able to select an allergy free food from the allergy store to take home and discuss with their families. 

Thank you to all the staff and parents that took part in this event. Be aware show you care, get involved food Allergy Week 2015. May 17th - 23rd.

Allergy Week Morning Tea Fundraiser

Sundays Morning tea fundraiser, will showcase fabulous examples of food that "does not" contain any of the top 8 Allergens, and is still absolutely delicious.

All welcome for taste testing and a cuppa between 9am and 12pm

Top 8 Allergy Foods

           Eggs            Tree Nuts                      Peanuts                            Dairy

     Soy                              Wheat                       Shellfish                           Seafood

90% of allergic food reactions are caused by these foods in Australia.

Baked Egg Challenge 7-5-2015

A week ago, Leon spent the day at the Royal Childrens Hospital to undertake a baked egg challenge.

Whilst we were all nervous for him, Leon was more than happy to feast on a muffin.

The dosage given was only 1/6th of an egg over the course of seven hours. A very small portion was given to Leon every 20 mins and observations were taken over the entire duration.

He started to complain of a sore tummy and while several other children in the ward failed their challenges around him, he began to feel uncomfortable.

We met several other families being challenged for different foods including: Dairy, Soy and Eggs however the sad fact on the day was that all children in the ward failed the challenges. 

It was quite upsetting witnessing the hives, vomiting, screaming, crying and stomach cramps. One childs face went completely red and was badly swollen. Leon managed  to push through the pain for a short period before his reaction became that of Diarrhoea and varying forms of bowel motion.

Although he had these symptoms, the nurses continued to follow through until Leon finished the entire muffin. He was observed for two hours following the final mouthful and eventually discharged to go home.

For the following week we have continued the challenge at home by baking products with egg in them, in controlled quantities. The recipes need to be strictly followed and have been provided by the allergy department. We strongly advise against trying this by yourself without being under the strict guidance of an allergy professional.

As today is the final day of the challenge, we are pleased to announce that Leon is able to tolerate egg, however only in baked goods.

Whilst he was in the hospital, he made a buddy in Mika. They were helping each other get through the day, and also keeping their minds off what was going on around them.

I also need to acknowledge the wonderful staff at the RCH in the allergy department, who do an amazing job keeping the kids and parents calm in what must be very trying conditions. Amongst all that they manage to keep the ward fun and a great place to be.

So proud of our little man for putting on a very brave face all day.

Making Anzac buscuits 26/4/15

The best thing about Anzac biscuits is that they are easy peasy. There are no fancy ingredients. No methods that leave you scratching your head, just grab a bowl, wooden spoon, melt, mix and bake. Now with my gluten-free option, im sure they will make your tastebuds sing.

Check out some photos of the ones my family made yesterday and check out the full recipe on our recipes page or click on the link below:

http://www.alertband.com.au/blogs/recipes/18822337-anzac-biscuits-egg-free-nut-free-dairy-free-soy-free-gluten-free

New School term - lunchbox ideas 13-4-15

Wishing all the kids a very safe term for those that started back at school today.

Great healthy, allergy friendly lunchbox ideas:

• Keftethes wrapped in lettuce leaves
• Kiwi Fruit and Strawberries
• Cheese and Rice crackers
• Popcorn

Happy Orthodox Easter 12-4-2015

Easter is such a fun time of year, but also so very dangerous for our children. With all the chocolate around comes nuts and the risk of contamination.  As well as eggs in all authentic desserts, traditional biscuits, cakes, tsoureki (easter bread) and of course red eggs for smashing.

In order to protect our children, these traditions need to be put on hold for their safety. So instead I developed the Egg Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Gluten Free Rocky Road. Just as awesome as any chocolate ever.

Check it out via the link below

http://www.alertband.com.au/blogs/recipes/18320841-rocky-road-egg-free-nut-free-dairy-free-soy-free

Happy Easter and happy baking everybody, hope you enjoy!!

Allergy Friendly Family Cooking - Book Launch 9/2/2015

I never thought this day would arrive, however low and behold it has. After 7 years of living with allergies, with a total of 7 allergies between the 3 kids it has definitely been challenging. 

This journey has been filled with many ups and downs, but I couldn't be more grateful that i kept the faith in this project. Without a doubt this book wouldn't have happened without your support and encouragement. Everyone needs that fearless friend in their lives pushing them a bit harder and giving them encouragement. I was just lucky to have a whole group of you doing that for me.

I hope that this book is a reflection of all the love and gratitude that I have received. I have a real passion for helping families with food allergies and intolerance's and making sure that they do not have to compromise great tasting healthy food just because they have an allergy or intolerance. I wish something like this was out there when we first started to live with allergies.

Each recipe has allergen information indicating whether it is egg free, nut free, dairy free, gluten and wheat free, soy free or low in FODMAP's. The recipes are made with real whole food ingredients, nothing processed. Each recipe will have a base note indicating allergy advice and recommendations.

Thank - you to all that attended the launch last night. It was definitely a successful night. 

Great friends/family + Good food = Recipe for success.

Hope you enjoy the photos.

Esta xx

Book Launch : Allergy Friendly Family Cooking February 9 2015

Exciting News - Our Book Launch day has finally arrived Feb 9th 2015

You are invited to attend the eagerly awaited book launch of  "Allergy Friendly Family Cooking"

Where: Caroline Springs Library 193-201 Caroline Springs Blvd Caroline Springs 6:30-8:00pm

Bring a friend and enjoy drinks and taste testing on the night.

Books will be available to purchase during the evening, along with book signings from the Author Esta De Araugo.

Please RSVP by Ph:  9747 5300 option "2"   or via email libraryevents@melton.vic.gov.au

Books can be pre-purchased @   www.alertband.com.au/collections/cookbooks 

If ordering online please stipulate "Pick up at book launch"  in comments section of order.

Look forward to meeting you

Esta