Adventures of an Allergist Mommy

Setting: Son #2's Room, changing table (potty-training hasn't quite happened yet) Allergist Mommy: Whoa! You stink, kiddo! Son #2: I apologize. Dear Husband: What?!?! You're just copying your brother. Do you even know what that means? Son #2: I sorry. We stand corrected, smartypants.

Dear Members of the Illinois State Board of Education, As a parent of a child attending Illinois Public Schools, a taxpayer, and a Board-Certified Pediatric Allergist & Immunologist, I was distressed to hear of the irresponsible comments made by Illinois State Board of Education Members Catherine Campbell and Lawrence Gregorash regarding the requirement for Illinois schools to have a food allergy policy in place by 2011. When the parents of children with severe food allergies send their children to school, they place immense trust in our school system - not only to educate their children, but to keep them safe while in its care.  The safety of our children in the school setting is of tantamount importance, and the assertion by school board members that protecting children with life-threatening food allergies is "the most ridiculous thing" or “This isn’t the dumbest thing I’ve seen in my 64 years…but it sure ranks in the top 10” is worse than offensive - it is dangero...

I have been asked recently if there are plans for a Child #3. This video should help explain why any family expansion should be very thoughtfully considered in advance.

I am pleased to be a part of what I consider a very important educational initiative- the Anaphylaxis Community Experts (ACE) program.   Co-sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) and the Allergy & Asthma Network - Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) , the ACE program's mission is to prevent anaphylaxis deaths and reduce anxieties through education, advocacy and outreach.   In light of the tragic death of a peanut-allergic girl at a Chicago school in December, our mission is even more timely. Who are the ACE team members? ACE Teams consist of one board-certified allergist and one community member who each share this mission. Goal : To understand and improve the care of people at risk for anaphylaxis by providing an evidence-based approach to the identification, diagnosis, assessment and management of anaphylaxis in order to prevent deaths from severe allergic reactions. Objectives: To help patients, families, and healthc...