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36 Skills to Teach Your Food Allergic Child

When teaching your child a life skill, it’s all about baby steps. Whether you’re potty training, practicing the ABCs or learning to cross the street, there’s a lot of hand-holding in the beginning. Ultimately, the job of a parent is to guide their children to independence. Kids with food allergies have an extra set of lessons to master. We’ve huddled with food allergy moms, allergists and psychologists to create a list of skills every food allergic child ultimately needs to learn – whatever the pace – these are simply suggested ages to introduce the concepts. Wherever you are on the journey, we encourage you to take a well-deserved break and look at all that you and your child have undoubtedly accomplished. Early Childhood | Preschool | Elementary School | Middle School | High School  

Food Allergy-Friendly Birthday Cupcakes

Sending your child to a birthday party or school celebration with a safe cupcake is part of the food allergy parent drill. Whether you want to pick up or whip up, we've got the lists that fit your style and schedule. Like cupcakes, these lists are meant to be shared. Forward to all the supportive parents and teachers who want your child to be able to enjoy the same treat as everyone else. This product guide was published on 8/17. Spokin tip: Bake a dozen cupcakes for the first event of the year, freeze the rest, then thaw and frost when needed.  STORE-BOUGHT    |    MIXES    |    FROSTINGS    |    SPRINKLES  

Starbucks Allergy-Friendly Snack Guide

Millions get their caffeine fix from Starbucks every morning, and since this coffee empire expanded their snack offerings, it’s becoming a go-to spot for those looking for tasty, food allergy-friendly options. Whether you’re trying to please a hangry toddler or fill up before a long flight, Starbucks offers an array of packaged goods and bottled beverages for customers with food allergies at any one of their thousands of locations - more than 11,500 stores in the United States and 25,000 worldwide! Next time you stop in your local Starbucks, satisfy any craving with our allergy-friendly snack guide. This product guide was published on 1/17.  
FoodAllergyInnovations

Food Allergy Innovations

While there are millions of people managing food allergies around the world, you can count the number of recommended treatments and therapies on one hand. Innovation around food allergies has been stagnant for years, but recently, a number of startups have emerged that offer allergy sufferers hope that avoidance won't be the only solution for long. From Silicon Valley to the University of Chicago, scientists and entrepreneurs - some of whom live with severe food allergies themselves - there are exciting new innovations that could simplify and save lives. Auto-Injector Alternatives | Products + Gadgets | Preventative | Breakthrough Treatments

7 Best Allergists in Chicago

An allergist plays a vital role in a life with food allergies, from the inevitably overwhelming initial diagnosis and annual updates to, hopefully, eventually introducing us to the latest treatments and therapies. We want a doctor who has a skilled medical professional side and who will also handle us with care, even holding our hands when needed. Spokin is excited to unveil Top Recommended Allergists – this list represents the most recommended allergists from Spokin users. Our inaugural list features the 7 best Chicago-area allergists, and we look forward to bringing you our picks from other cities soon. See our 2023 guide of the top 10 Chicago allergists for updated rankings, or our Top 100 Allergists Guide for the top rated allergists on the Spokin app nationwide.
Dr Ciacco Updated

Prepare For An Allergy Emergency In 3 Steps

Dr. Christina Ciacco is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Chicago and a faculty member in the Section of Allergy/Immunology. The news of a food allergy-related death shocks us to our core. First and foremost, our hearts break open for those families.  The news of anyone losing their life too soon, most recently Oakley Debbs, painfully reminds us of our worst fear. Soon after, we naturally seek to know how it happened in order to ensure it never happens again. Our research shows that the majority of food allergic related deaths have occurred because either the auto-injector was not present or it was not used early enough.  These tragic events are invariably accidents but accidents do happen in life and you need to be prepared. A person with a mild allergy should be just as vigilant. According to Dr. Christina Ciacco with the University of Chicago, past reactions are not an indicator of future reactions. So even if prior reactions have been mild, future reactions have the equal potential to be severe. Don't let your guard down. We honor Oakley by promoting awareness. Here is what you need to know.  
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Spokin’s Favorite Things For Holiday Gifts
managingmultiplefoodallergies

Managing Multiple Food Allergies

Managing one food allergy can be daunting but managing "multiples" and living a robust life is downright admirable. Jennifer Keller, an active and dedicated mother of 3 young children, generously shares some of her best advice and top picks. Her youngest, Elliott, is allergic to dairy, egg, peanuts and several, but not all, tree nuts. She navigates it all with grace and optimism. A self-proclaimed non-cook, Jennifer manages to safely feed her son and her family's soul.  
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