Pompano Beach, FL. October 8, 2014 – Getting a diagnosis that your child has a food allergy is life changing – for you, your child and your entire family. Allergic reactions to food can be serious and life-threatening.

Did you know that 90% of allergic reactions in kids happen with 8 foods – milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish?

What is the first thing you should do when your child is diagnosed with a food allergy?

• Ask the doctor for an EMERGENCY CARE PLAN if they haven’t given one and to learn the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.
• Procure and teach your child about how to use and have on hand important epinephrine prescription medicines for a life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis (most likely via an Epi-Pen or Auvi-Q) and calling 911
• Create what’s called a FOOD ALLERGY MANAGEMENT PLAN.

The Balancing Act will air a new series in collaboration with Kids With Food Allergies, a Division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, to raise awareness around the growing numbers of kids with food allergies and to provide education and support for families. The first segment will air on Wednesday, October 15th at 7:30 am (ET/PT) on Lifetime.

The great news is that he Kids With Food Allergies website, with over 40,000 members strong and celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year, is a community offering a wealth of information to all families who are managing a child’s food allergy diagnosis here at www.kidswithfoodallergies.org.

You’ll find incredible resources such as:

• Webinars and web-based education
• Creating an Allergy Action Plan (prevention strategies like learning to prepare foods safely in the kitchen to explaining food labels to kids) 
• Meal and recipe suggestions (i.e. plus in allergen food and find recipes without those foods and food substitutes
• Tips for when taking family vacations 
• Latest media info
• Emergency plans
• Information on fundraisers and fun community events

Everything is FREE so families can access what they need regardless of their financial means.

With 1 in 13 children in America now having a food allergy, parents need to be aware that even if their child doesn’t have one, on average, 2 children in their classroom at school will. KFA is dedicated to raising public awareness and that includes in the schools.

• Kids With Food Allergies encourages school teachers and nurses to know the signs of anaphylaxis and how to treat it
• Encourages schools to try to avoid having those 8 common allergens on hand for parties and special occasions so children with allergies don’t feel isolated at school
• They should also be aware that ANY food can be an allergen

“One in 13 children in America now has a food allergy. Allergic reactions to food can be serious and potentially life-threatening. It is essential for parents and caregivers to learn how to prevent allergic reactions, recognize the symptoms, and be prepared to act quickly should a reaction occur. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Balancing Act to share the latest information on food allergies and how you can keep children safe and healthy,” said Lynda Mitchell, Vice President Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Kids With Food Allergies Division.

Please make sure to tune in to The Balancing Act on Wednesday, October 15th at 7:30 am (ET/PT) on Lifetime (this show will re-air on October 22nd 2014 at 7:30 am (ET/PT) on Lifetime) as Michele Cassalia from Kids with Food Allergies shares the latest information on food allergies and how you can keep children safe and healthy.

And don’t miss part 2 of this special series that will focus on tips for keeping the holiday season fun and safe on Thursday, November 20 and 27th at 7:00 am.

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