Sam's Story
A frank take on motherhood
and allergies (web exclusive)
By Samantha Yaffe
Entry 14: United We Stand, Right?
When Lucas was about 3, I had him enrolled two afternoons a week in this cute little neighbourhood program. On account of his allergies, the kind people in charge declared the space peanut- and nut-free, directly informing each parent (or nanny) to send only nut-free snacks for their little ones. Not such a remarkable scenario today, but four years ago this type of directive was new to some.
So, there I was on the third day getting ready to exit when this mom came in with her tot, to whom Lucas had taken a shine. She’d looked up at the NO NUTS sign on the wall and, obviously unaware that I was the cause, made some remark about how ridiculous that was.... More
the gluten-free girl
By Shauna James Ahern
The Joy of Preserves
On a warm July day, my friend Jeanne and I stand side by side, in companionable silence. She and I are slicing strawberries, the juices staining our fingers red. The tips of our knives click on the cutting board. One more topped and sliced, ready. We are making jam.
Jeanne has come to my home to teach me how to can. Like generations of women before her, she learned from her mother how to stir fruits and sugar together, making preserves and then seal them safely in glass jars. In the dead of winter, Jeanne can open her cupboards to find.... More
ask the allergists
With Dr. Susan Waserman
and Dr. Wade Watson
Q Weve been given the opportunity to purchase a lakefront lot at a good price. However, the property has some hazelnut trees, and our three kids are allergic to tree nuts and peanuts. Could being in the presence of these trees cause a reaction (aside from the risk of hazelnuts on the ground)? What do you think? More
editor's note
By Gwen Smith
Negative Allergy Article Draws Readers' Wrath
With many years in the publishing industry, I thought Id seen it all when it comes to negative or one-sided reporting. Then I read a story in the December issue of Chatelaine magazine entitled, “Its Just Nuts.” This one made my jaw drop.
The article is at once breathtaking in its cynicism about the rise of food allergies and misleading in its abuse of facts and statistics. It begins with the image of parents and schools across the land “cowering in fear of the tiny peanut”.... More
hot topics
By Laurie Harada
Executive Director of Anaphylaxis Canada
Talking to the School
While many schools are making greater efforts to encourage healthy eating, it will be a while before sweeping changes are made which result in less food in schools. In the meantime, parents should continue to advocate for safe environments, and do it in a positive way. Some advice from the trenches.... More
