Re: peanut allergies

[Guest guest]

I worked at a Chinese food restaurant a long time ago, and they used peanut butter in their egg rolls. Peanut butter pops up in a lot of foods you wouldn't expect it in. I know the doctors can give a prescription for like an emergency antihistamine pack.

[Guest guest]

We don't go to Chick-Fil-A because they fry everything in peanut oil.

I was just going to ask about the peanut oil and you answered my question while I was reading! Can you find out most of the nutritional info online about which places use peanut oil and other peanut related products?

Melody Moris, Leader

TOPS #Tx1454, Pleasanton

http://www.texastops.org

email: topsmama@...

GLUG! GLUG! GLUG! Lost that poor little fish completely

this week! Down he went...hook, line & sinker

-----Original Message-----From: TexasTOPS [mailto:TexasTOPS ] On Behalf Of KathleenSent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 8:15 PMTo: TexasTOPS Subject: Peanut Allergies> Sure is quiet here on the loop with all those "chatty" folks gone to> Day Camp, isn't it??? Will be glad when they get back and report in> to the rest of us who were stuck at home!! LOL> (((HUGS)))> ClaraI'm anxious to here the reports on Day Camp.Ok, Clara, I'll chat with you for a little while about my family's problems. If anyone is not interested in food allergies, just delete this. This is something that is really close to my heart and I'm passionate about spreading the word on food allergies. I don't think this is toooooo far off-topic since we are all having a battle with food and this subject is food related. Two of my granddaughters are allergic to peanut products. The majority of deaths each year from food allergies are from peanuts. I never knew that until we found out about our older granddaugher's allergy. This isn't a mild skin rash or tummy ache type of allergy. Peanut allergies can be life-threatening. Even using an Epi-Pen and going to the hospital does not mean you will survive an exposure to peanuts. Even 1/100th of a peanut can produce an allergic reaction. It's serious.I just got back from seeing my daughter and her family. We are still hashing out first day of school tactics and strategies to keep the kids safe. Starting school is always stressful with the new teachers unfamiliar with peanut allergies despite having prepared informational packets and handing them out and talking to everyone about it giving them as much info as they'll receive or listen to. My daughter teaches school at a different school from where her girls attend. The youngest starts kindergarten and my daughter is sad that she'll miss being the one to take her to her first day of class and share in the fun excitement of starting school as well as her anxiety over peanuts. Daddy will have to take both girls and do what needs doing at school. BUT since both girls are allergic to peanuts it is a little different for them than other kids. I will go with him to help answer questions, etc. while he signs forms, etc.The oldest girl goes into anaphylactic shock from peanut exposure. Her allergy is so severe that if it even touches her skin she goes into life-threatening anaphylactic shock, we have to give her the Epi-Pen and transport her to the ER immediately. Needless to say none of us have any peanut products in the house. We don't know how severe the other little one's allergy is since we've never given her peanut butter. Someone else did several years ago...AFTER telling them NOT to. WHY do people do that? That was the only time she had it. You don't react the first time. We've since then had her tested and she is also allergic. We hope she never is exposed to peanuts again, but you never know, so we carry an Epi-Pen Jr. for her also. We carry them everywhere we go.So we have to be very careful at school (and everywhere else). My son-in-law or I will go to school the first few days during lunch to supervise the cafeteria situation to make sure they don't come into contact with peanut butter. The tables and chairs or stools have to be washed before the girls can sit down, no one can have a PB and J sandwich at their same table, etc.I'll be a room mother to monitor school parties for peanut products.The peanut allergies have certainly changed our lives. They don't fly anywhere because of peanuts being given out on flights. We don't go to Chick-Fil-A because they fry everything in peanut oil. The girls don't get popcorn away from home because it is often cooked in peanut oil. We don't go to Chinese food restaurants because they often use peanut butter to keep the egg rolls from coming apart during frying as well as the peanut oil used for frying. They can't have any sprinkles, etc. in a buffet restaurant because of the peanuts. They don't go to church dinners because of peanuts. I once got some blue cheese salad dressing at a buffet and found a peanut someone had spilled in it. I can't tell you how many times people get a spoonful of peanuts and a few fall off into whatever container is in front of the peanuts. Dairy Queen treats are off limits because the people preparing blizzards, etc. will drop a few peanuts into the other "add-ins". I could go on, but I won't. Malts at fast food places are now out of the question because most places are using mixes and we don't know what's in them. Peanut flour is even in many nuts and even in sunflower seed packages. I never even knew there was peanut flour before this. If you check packges of walnuts, pecans, etc. it usually says "may contain traces of peanuts". We don't use them. I'll just say again...it has really changed our lives. We don't eat peanut products in any form. I'm amazed at how many foods contain peanut products. We don't buy them. Even a kiss on the cheek a few hours after eating a peanut product could send someone into a peanut allergic reaction, although that has never happened to our girls. We just don't eat peanut productsTomorrow is promotion day at church and both girls will be going into new Sunday School departments. I've talked to the teachers, but will go with the youngest one if her mother doesn't. The older one is pretty peanut-savvy by now and knows what to avoid. She usually just turns down all treats or food when away from home.My daughter and her husband just don't use babysitters outside of our family. If we aren't available, they either take the kids with them or they just don't go.Many people don't believe it is this serious. It is.Despite the major changes we've made in our lives, we all live pretty ordinary lives. The girls have well-rounded lives, too and enjoy themselves. We have lots of fun together. The youngest one is my "Sgt. Torture" for exercise. She keeps me on the straight and narrow. I think you can tell we are a tight-knit family.I will be going "no-mail" sometime tomorrow evening so I can concentrate on being available for the girls. Their parents both work so I am the designated "first responder" for the girls in case of emergency. The first few days of school are always a little rocky. Besides, I'll be at school a lot or going to school to pick them up (two different dismissal times!), supervising the cafeteria, etc. I'm going to be checking the list at Yahoo groups to keep tabs on everyone! Maybe I'll just go to the digest version. I don't know yet. Might try that first to see how it goes. I haven't been very active on the list the last couple of weeks and now you know why. Getting ready for school.Thank you for letting me share.Kathleen

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sharing, Kathleen - - I can certainly understand how these peanut allergies dominate and change your lives! Once a long time ago I heard that some girl had died from a reaction to some chili at a cookoff that she never suspected would have peanut butter or what ever for of peanuts someone had used in making chili! I can certainly understand why you couldn't eat away from home!

Do either of the parents have the allergy? Or do you have any idea where they could have acquired such an allergy? I know that most allergies are inherited, but I also know that you can have a lot of allergies that you parents didn't have - - so who knows why these things develop.

Maybe Janet needs to add the girls to the prayer list that they will have a safe and "uneventful" school year. You are a great/good grandmother - - you have my respect and admiration for being their 24/7 guardian angel.

(((HUGS)))

Clara

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[Guest guest]

The girls are staying overnight so they can go to Sunday School

with us in the morning. Soooooooo, after they went to bed, their

parents and Grandpa and I had ANOTHER strategy session. We

feel better now.

I am so " suited up " , so ready for battle for this peanut " challenge " at

school next week I can't figure out if you mean:

A) Is it possible for me to find out online which places use peanut

oil, or

Will I find out for you which places use peanut oil and other

peanut related products?

My mind is just mush at this point. LOL

Commando Grandma, aka Kathleen

> Can you find out most of the nutritional

> info online about which places use peanut oil and other peanut related

> products?

>

>

> Melody Moris, Leader

[Guest guest]

The girls are staying overnight so they can go to Sunday School

with us in the morning. Soooooooo, after they went to bed, their

parents and Grandpa and I had ANOTHER strategy session. We

feel better now.

I am so " suited up " , so ready for battle for this peanut " challenge " at

school next week I can't figure out if you mean:

A) Is it possible for me to find out online which places use peanut

oil, or

Will I find out for you which places use peanut oil and other

peanut related products?

My mind is just mush at this point. LOL

Commando Grandma, aka Kathleen

> Can you find out most of the nutritional

> info online about which places use peanut oil and other peanut related

> products?

>

>

> Melody Moris, Leader

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your kind words, Clara.

Peanut butter is found in many recipes where you'd never suspect

it. A common food down here is a Mexican dish called pollo en

mole or chicken mole. Most of it has peanut butter in it. Not a lot in

the recipe, just a little, but a little is all it takes to kill an

unsuspecting person. I was raised eating it and you don't notice the

flavor of peanut butter because it is masked by other strong flavors. I

don't even know why it is used in that dish, but it is. We just know

not to let them have it.

> Thanks for sharing, Kathleen - - I can certainly understand how these

> peanut allergies dominate and change your lives! Once a long time ago

> I heard that some girl had died from a reaction to some chili at a

> cookoff that she never suspected would have peanut butter or what ever

> for of peanuts someone had used in making chili!

I can certainly

> understand why you couldn't eat away from home!

Oh, but we do eat away from home!!!!!!!!! We live a well-rounded life.

We just research it and ask questions a million different ways after

we get to the restaurant. You learn that you can't just ask and

necessarily be told the truth the first time. Many times the

restaurant staff think you are just being a picky eater and tell you

there is no peanut product in their food.

> Do either of the parents have the allergy?

No.

Or do you have any idea

> where they could have acquired such an allergy?

No. My husband and I grew up eating peanuts like most other

people. Both our grandfathers were farmers and raised peanuts.

Others in my family also raised peanuts. We had never had anyone

in the family have an allergy to them until this child came along and

then her sister. Peanut allergies are on the rise among young

children according to the experts and nobody knows why for sure.

> Maybe Janet needs to add the girls to the prayer list that they will

> have a safe and " uneventful " school year.

That would be nice!

You are a great/good

> grandmother - - you have my respect and admiration for being their

> 24/7 guardian angel.

Awwwwww, thanks, Clara. They are such sweet kids it's easy to be

nice to them! If they were grouchy and mean it might be harder. LOL

Kathleen

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your kind words, Clara.

Peanut butter is found in many recipes where you'd never suspect

it. A common food down here is a Mexican dish called pollo en

mole or chicken mole. Most of it has peanut butter in it. Not a lot in

the recipe, just a little, but a little is all it takes to kill an

unsuspecting person. I was raised eating it and you don't notice the

flavor of peanut butter because it is masked by other strong flavors. I

don't even know why it is used in that dish, but it is. We just know

not to let them have it.

> Thanks for sharing, Kathleen - - I can certainly understand how these

> peanut allergies dominate and change your lives! Once a long time ago

> I heard that some girl had died from a reaction to some chili at a

> cookoff that she never suspected would have peanut butter or what ever

> for of peanuts someone had used in making chili!

I can certainly

> understand why you couldn't eat away from home!

Oh, but we do eat away from home!!!!!!!!! We live a well-rounded life.

We just research it and ask questions a million different ways after

we get to the restaurant. You learn that you can't just ask and

necessarily be told the truth the first time. Many times the

restaurant staff think you are just being a picky eater and tell you

there is no peanut product in their food.

> Do either of the parents have the allergy?

No.

Or do you have any idea

> where they could have acquired such an allergy?

No. My husband and I grew up eating peanuts like most other

people. Both our grandfathers were farmers and raised peanuts.

Others in my family also raised peanuts. We had never had anyone

in the family have an allergy to them until this child came along and

then her sister. Peanut allergies are on the rise among young

children according to the experts and nobody knows why for sure.

> Maybe Janet needs to add the girls to the prayer list that they will

> have a safe and " uneventful " school year.

That would be nice!

You are a great/good

> grandmother - - you have my respect and admiration for being their

> 24/7 guardian angel.

Awwwwww, thanks, Clara. They are such sweet kids it's easy to be

nice to them! If they were grouchy and mean it might be harder. LOL

Kathleen

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your kind words, Clara.

Peanut butter is found in many recipes where you'd never suspect

it. A common food down here is a Mexican dish called pollo en

mole or chicken mole. Most of it has peanut butter in it. Not a lot in

the recipe, just a little, but a little is all it takes to kill an

unsuspecting person. I was raised eating it and you don't notice the

flavor of peanut butter because it is masked by other strong flavors. I

don't even know why it is used in that dish, but it is. We just know

not to let them have it.

> Thanks for sharing, Kathleen - - I can certainly understand how these

> peanut allergies dominate and change your lives! Once a long time ago

> I heard that some girl had died from a reaction to some chili at a

> cookoff that she never suspected would have peanut butter or what ever

> for of peanuts someone had used in making chili!

I can certainly

> understand why you couldn't eat away from home!

Oh, but we do eat away from home!!!!!!!!! We live a well-rounded life.

We just research it and ask questions a million different ways after

we get to the restaurant. You learn that you can't just ask and

necessarily be told the truth the first time. Many times the

restaurant staff think you are just being a picky eater and tell you

there is no peanut product in their food.

> Do either of the parents have the allergy?

No.

Or do you have any idea

> where they could have acquired such an allergy?

No. My husband and I grew up eating peanuts like most other

people. Both our grandfathers were farmers and raised peanuts.

Others in my family also raised peanuts. We had never had anyone

in the family have an allergy to them until this child came along and

then her sister. Peanut allergies are on the rise among young

children according to the experts and nobody knows why for sure.

> Maybe Janet needs to add the girls to the prayer list that they will

> have a safe and " uneventful " school year.

That would be nice!

You are a great/good

> grandmother - - you have my respect and admiration for being their

> 24/7 guardian angel.

Awwwwww, thanks, Clara. They are such sweet kids it's easy to be

nice to them! If they were grouchy and mean it might be harder. LOL

Kathleen

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Randie! It is soooooooo nice of you.

Kathleen

> Clear DayKathleen ~ I can identify with your concern over peanut

> allergies to a certain extent --- I don't have any myself nor does

> anyone in my family ---- but I know when I was teaching I had a couple

> of students with peanut allergies -- and many years ago we had one on

> campus who was highly allergic to bee stings --- I still remember him

> to this day --in fact, he is good friends with my husband's nephew --

> and I recently met him again (this was about 24 yrs ago !!!!) and his

> mom -- I told her about the fear of his being outside ~~ this is when

> my former school used to have a 15 min. break outside in the morning

> and afternoon ---ANYWAY -- we always made sure we knew where he was

> playing and were really concerned about his being stung ---- one of

> the teachers I used to teach with has a daughter who is allergic to

> peanuts -- don't know if she is so allergic as to have a reaction if

> she touches something that has come in contact with peanuts !!!!!!

> That is so terrible !! Thank goodness your older granddaughter has

> learned to live with it and knows what to watch out for -- I know the

> younger one will too !!! You are a very special grandmother -- I know

> you wouldn't have it any other way --- to be there for them !!!!! They

> are very lucky little girls !!!!!! I wish you the best with them -- I

> know they're in good hands -- with you and with Him !!!!!! Hugs,

> Randie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Maggie,

You're right...peanut products pop up in the strangest places. Even

in Wal-Mart's brand of plain chocolate ice cream. The smooth kind.

Not the nutty, textured or marshallowy kind. Just the smooth

chocolate ice cream has peanuts in it. Strange.

The girls allergies are severe enough that the antihistamine packs

won't work for them. We carry the Epi-Pens (epinephrine shots) for

both girls wherever they go. Their parents have one, I have one and

the school nurse has one that is just for them. The school is also

supposed to have an extra one for emergencies for the children that

don't have one. After using that we have to take them to the

Emergency Room for further treatment and observation. The Epi-

Pens are just a stop-gap measure to get you to the hospital and are

not guaranteed to save your life. That's why everyone with that

allergy or any extreme allergy has to be extra careful.

Kathleen

> I worked at a Chinese food restaurant a long time ago, and they used

> peanut butter in their egg rolls. Peanut butter pops up in a lot of

> foods you wouldn't expect it in. I know the doctors can give a

> prescription for like an emergency antihistamine pack.

>

[Guest guest]

Maggie,

You're right...peanut products pop up in the strangest places. Even

in Wal-Mart's brand of plain chocolate ice cream. The smooth kind.

Not the nutty, textured or marshallowy kind. Just the smooth

chocolate ice cream has peanuts in it. Strange.

The girls allergies are severe enough that the antihistamine packs

won't work for them. We carry the Epi-Pens (epinephrine shots) for

both girls wherever they go. Their parents have one, I have one and

the school nurse has one that is just for them. The school is also

supposed to have an extra one for emergencies for the children that

don't have one. After using that we have to take them to the

Emergency Room for further treatment and observation. The Epi-

Pens are just a stop-gap measure to get you to the hospital and are

not guaranteed to save your life. That's why everyone with that

allergy or any extreme allergy has to be extra careful.

Kathleen

> I worked at a Chinese food restaurant a long time ago, and they used

> peanut butter in their egg rolls. Peanut butter pops up in a lot of

> foods you wouldn't expect it in. I know the doctors can give a

> prescription for like an emergency antihistamine pack.

>

[Guest guest]

nope just "A" - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?

I was thinking "outloud" I guess.......

I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you know the safe places to go and the places to stay away from - or does the doctor have info - or how do you figure all this out? It's scary to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful reaction with something "unknown"....

did that make any sense?

Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA would require warnings or something to keep people safe. I'd be a nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your "babies" are so blessed to have you!

Melody Moris, Leader

TOPS #Tx1454, Pleasanton

http://www.texastops.org

email: topsmama@...

GLUG! GLUG! GLUG! Lost that poor little fish completely

this week! Down he went...hook, line & sinker

-----Original Message-----From: TexasTOPS [mailto:TexasTOPS ] On Behalf Of KathleenSent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 10:36 PMTo: TexasTOPS Subject: RE: Peanut AllergiesThe girls are staying overnight so they can go to Sunday School with us in the morning. Soooooooo, after they went to bed, their parents and Grandpa and I had ANOTHER strategy session. We feel better now. I am so "suited up", so ready for battle for this peanut "challenge" at school next week I can't figure out if you mean:A) Is it possible for me to find out online which places use peanut oil, orB) Will I find out for you which places use peanut oil and other peanut related products?My mind is just mush at this point. LOLCommando Grandma, aka Kathleen> Can you find out most of the nutritional> info online about which places use peanut oil and other peanut related> products?> > > Melody Moris, Leader

[Guest guest]

nope just "A" - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?

I was thinking "outloud" I guess.......

I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you know the safe places to go and the places to stay away from - or does the doctor have info - or how do you figure all this out? It's scary to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful reaction with something "unknown"....

did that make any sense?

Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA would require warnings or something to keep people safe. I'd be a nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your "babies" are so blessed to have you!

Melody Moris, Leader

TOPS #Tx1454, Pleasanton

http://www.texastops.org

email: topsmama@...

GLUG! GLUG! GLUG! Lost that poor little fish completely

this week! Down he went...hook, line & sinker

-----Original Message-----From: TexasTOPS [mailto:TexasTOPS ] On Behalf Of KathleenSent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 10:36 PMTo: TexasTOPS Subject: RE: Peanut AllergiesThe girls are staying overnight so they can go to Sunday School with us in the morning. Soooooooo, after they went to bed, their parents and Grandpa and I had ANOTHER strategy session. We feel better now. I am so "suited up", so ready for battle for this peanut "challenge" at school next week I can't figure out if you mean:A) Is it possible for me to find out online which places use peanut oil, orB) Will I find out for you which places use peanut oil and other peanut related products?My mind is just mush at this point. LOLCommando Grandma, aka Kathleen> Can you find out most of the nutritional> info online about which places use peanut oil and other peanut related> products?> > > Melody Moris, Leader

[Guest guest]

> nope just " A " - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?

Well, after a full day at camp a little brain freeze it to be expected.

LOL

> I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you

> know the safe places to go

No. No place can be considered " safe " without actually going there

and asking questions a million different ways so you can be fairly

certain that they fully understand the question and why you're

asking. Each restaurant has some leeway in what they do. Even the

chains. And from time to time any restaurant will run out of their

usual supplies and have to use a local merchant for something.

We've been turned away from a few places because they were just

too lazy to go to the cook to ask what was in a certain dish or what

oil they use.

and the places to stay away from - or does

> the doctor have info -

No, the doctor doesn't have the info.

or how do you figure all this out?

We do lots of asking. We don't order dishes we aren't familiar with.

And even if we are familiar with them, we still ask and explain why

we're asking so that they'll know we are just " picky " or finicky

eaters.

It's scary

> to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful

> reaction with something " unknown " ....

Yes, it is! At the back of your mind you always know that if you

aren't careful enough to ask the " right " question you might be at the

funeral home the next day making arrangements. I don't like being

so graphic, but a lot of people just don't get it. Food allergies are

serious.

> did that make any sense?

It did. And I appreciate the concern behind it.

> Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut

> products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA

> would require warnings or something to keep people safe.

They are supposed to list all ingredients in food products with a few

exceptions. You often see " spices " listed. That doesn't tell you a

whole lot. But I've never known peanuts to be listed under " spices " .

Products with peanuts clearly state that they have peanuts. Of

course, those ingredient labels need a magnifying glass to read

sometimes! Some products will say that they are manufactured on

equipment that also processes peanuts, so we have to stay away

from those products. The FDA does require the labelling, but

sometimes things " slip by " the manufacturers. Less than a month

ago a lot of Oreos and something else were recalled because they

contained peanut products without the proper labelling. Some

breakfast bars, but I don't remember which ones because we never

buy them. Now THAT is scary too!

Peanut products are beginning to make an appearance in beauty

products now. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At my age, it was hard getting used to reading each and every

ingredient label before throwing something into my shopping cart.

And every now and then something slips into my house that I didn't

check at the store and I have to check it before I open it. That

scares the daylights out of me when I do that.

To make matters worse, some manufacturers have plants in

different cities and states and their recipes are different. One box of

crackers may be fine, the next box on the shelf may have peanut

products in them. Or the manufacturer changes their recipe without

saying so.

Some kinds of Cheese Bits are ok, but another variety of them have

peanut products. I forget what they are called. Cheese Bits Junior? I

forget. I don't buy them anyway. I know about the Ritz Bitz, but this

is something different.

What really upset us last year, was the older girl had a 4th grade

teacher who had been told how allergic she was and still the

teacher had peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, etc. in the classroom

and ate them in front of her without washing her hands. My

granddaughter stayed away from her when she knew about it. The

teacher also had a peanut butter feeder project for the kids and

another where she was teaching what animals ate and had peanuts

in there. My granddaughter had to remind the teacher that she was

allergic and the teacher said she didn't have to eat them, just do the

project. The poor kid had to explain in front of the whole class about

how she couldn't even touch them without a reaction. You know how

sensitive kids that age can be. This teacher had been told that!

Evidently she is one of the people who flat refuse to believe it. I

know some people think we are making it up, that it is all

psychological, but it isn't. Even WE know it sounds weird! Anyway,

the kid finally FORCED the teacher to allow her to go to the office to

call me to find out what to do! I just about died when she called me.

Needless to say, she didn't do those projects!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are praying

for knowledgeable teachers.

I'd be a

> nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your

> " babies " are so blessed to have you!

Thank you, but I am blessed to have THEM! And sometimes I AM a

nervous wreck. The older girl will go to middle school next year. You

think that won't be a nightmare? Thank goodness these girls have

strong parents.

Thank you everyone, for your concern.

Kathleen

[Guest guest]

> nope just " A " - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?

Well, after a full day at camp a little brain freeze it to be expected.

LOL

> I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you

> know the safe places to go

No. No place can be considered " safe " without actually going there

and asking questions a million different ways so you can be fairly

certain that they fully understand the question and why you're

asking. Each restaurant has some leeway in what they do. Even the

chains. And from time to time any restaurant will run out of their

usual supplies and have to use a local merchant for something.

We've been turned away from a few places because they were just

too lazy to go to the cook to ask what was in a certain dish or what

oil they use.

and the places to stay away from - or does

> the doctor have info -

No, the doctor doesn't have the info.

or how do you figure all this out?

We do lots of asking. We don't order dishes we aren't familiar with.

And even if we are familiar with them, we still ask and explain why

we're asking so that they'll know we are just " picky " or finicky

eaters.

It's scary

> to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful

> reaction with something " unknown " ....

Yes, it is! At the back of your mind you always know that if you

aren't careful enough to ask the " right " question you might be at the

funeral home the next day making arrangements. I don't like being

so graphic, but a lot of people just don't get it. Food allergies are

serious.

> did that make any sense?

It did. And I appreciate the concern behind it.

> Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut

> products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA

> would require warnings or something to keep people safe.

They are supposed to list all ingredients in food products with a few

exceptions. You often see " spices " listed. That doesn't tell you a

whole lot. But I've never known peanuts to be listed under " spices " .

Products with peanuts clearly state that they have peanuts. Of

course, those ingredient labels need a magnifying glass to read

sometimes! Some products will say that they are manufactured on

equipment that also processes peanuts, so we have to stay away

from those products. The FDA does require the labelling, but

sometimes things " slip by " the manufacturers. Less than a month

ago a lot of Oreos and something else were recalled because they

contained peanut products without the proper labelling. Some

breakfast bars, but I don't remember which ones because we never

buy them. Now THAT is scary too!

Peanut products are beginning to make an appearance in beauty

products now. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At my age, it was hard getting used to reading each and every

ingredient label before throwing something into my shopping cart.

And every now and then something slips into my house that I didn't

check at the store and I have to check it before I open it. That

scares the daylights out of me when I do that.

To make matters worse, some manufacturers have plants in

different cities and states and their recipes are different. One box of

crackers may be fine, the next box on the shelf may have peanut

products in them. Or the manufacturer changes their recipe without

saying so.

Some kinds of Cheese Bits are ok, but another variety of them have

peanut products. I forget what they are called. Cheese Bits Junior? I

forget. I don't buy them anyway. I know about the Ritz Bitz, but this

is something different.

What really upset us last year, was the older girl had a 4th grade

teacher who had been told how allergic she was and still the

teacher had peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, etc. in the classroom

and ate them in front of her without washing her hands. My

granddaughter stayed away from her when she knew about it. The

teacher also had a peanut butter feeder project for the kids and

another where she was teaching what animals ate and had peanuts

in there. My granddaughter had to remind the teacher that she was

allergic and the teacher said she didn't have to eat them, just do the

project. The poor kid had to explain in front of the whole class about

how she couldn't even touch them without a reaction. You know how

sensitive kids that age can be. This teacher had been told that!

Evidently she is one of the people who flat refuse to believe it. I

know some people think we are making it up, that it is all

psychological, but it isn't. Even WE know it sounds weird! Anyway,

the kid finally FORCED the teacher to allow her to go to the office to

call me to find out what to do! I just about died when she called me.

Needless to say, she didn't do those projects!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are praying

for knowledgeable teachers.

I'd be a

> nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your

> " babies " are so blessed to have you!

Thank you, but I am blessed to have THEM! And sometimes I AM a

nervous wreck. The older girl will go to middle school next year. You

think that won't be a nightmare? Thank goodness these girls have

strong parents.

Thank you everyone, for your concern.

Kathleen

[Guest guest]

wow! that is a lot of work, but when you think of the consequences - such a small price ya know? You're right that people just don't realize how dangerous these allergies can be! They even make light of it in movies.....they need to show just HOW dangerous this can be so that more people will take it seriously and be more helpful and maybe even knowledgeable when it comes to asking questions! There a lot of people who have peanut allergies and other food allergies - that you would think people could take a little bit of time to educate themselves!

I noticed that our DQ here in Poteet, has a sign that actually warns people if they have peanut allergies that it is possible peanuts could get into something! Ya don't suppose they could just be CAREFUL when they make something do ya? sheesh!

I have an allergy to bees and for years would rush to the hospital for shots....until I found out that I could get the same thing from taking 5-6 benedryls and saving 150.00 in ER fees. BUT the catch is "where" I get stung - anywhere near my neck or chest and the pills wouldn't work fast enough - anywhere else, I just have to deal with the swelling until the pills kick in. I can't imagine having that kind of scare! I just know to stay the heck away from bees (which is why I LOVE Clara's pictures - cuz I stay away from those in person too LOL)

Melody Moris, Leader

TOPS #Tx1454, Pleasanton

http://www.texastops.org

email: topsmama@...

GLUG! GLUG! GLUG! Lost that poor little fish completely

this week! Down he went...hook, line & sinker

-----Original Message-----From: TexasTOPS [mailto:TexasTOPS ] On Behalf Of KathleenSent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 11:34 PMTo: TexasTOPS Subject: RE: Peanut Allergies> nope just "A" - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?Well, after a full day at camp a little brain freeze it to be expected. LOL> I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you> know the safe places to go No. No place can be considered "safe" without actually going there and asking questions a million different ways so you can be fairly certain that they fully understand the question and why you're asking. Each restaurant has some leeway in what they do. Even the chains. And from time to time any restaurant will run out of their usual supplies and have to use a local merchant for something. We've been turned away from a few places because they were just too lazy to go to the cook to ask what was in a certain dish or what oil they use.and the places to stay away from - or does> the doctor have info - No, the doctor doesn't have the info.or how do you figure all this out? We do lots of asking. We don't order dishes we aren't familiar with. And even if we are familiar with them, we still ask and explain why we're asking so that they'll know we are just "picky" or finicky eaters.It's scary> to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful> reaction with something "unknown"....Yes, it is! At the back of your mind you always know that if you aren't careful enough to ask the "right" question you might be at the funeral home the next day making arrangements. I don't like being so graphic, but a lot of people just don't get it. Food allergies are serious.> did that make any sense?It did. And I appreciate the concern behind it.> Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut> products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA> would require warnings or something to keep people safe. They are supposed to list all ingredients in food products with a few exceptions. You often see "spices" listed. That doesn't tell you a whole lot. But I've never known peanuts to be listed under "spices". Products with peanuts clearly state that they have peanuts. Of course, those ingredient labels need a magnifying glass to read sometimes! Some products will say that they are manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts, so we have to stay away from those products. The FDA does require the labelling, but sometimes things "slip by" the manufacturers. Less than a month ago a lot of Oreos and something else were recalled because they contained peanut products without the proper labelling. Some breakfast bars, but I don't remember which ones because we never buy them. Now THAT is scary too!Peanut products are beginning to make an appearance in beauty products now. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!At my age, it was hard getting used to reading each and every ingredient label before throwing something into my shopping cart. And every now and then something slips into my house that I didn't check at the store and I have to check it before I open it. That scares the daylights out of me when I do that.To make matters worse, some manufacturers have plants in different cities and states and their recipes are different. One box of crackers may be fine, the next box on the shelf may have peanut products in them. Or the manufacturer changes their recipe without saying so.Some kinds of Cheese Bits are ok, but another variety of them have peanut products. I forget what they are called. Cheese Bits Junior? I forget. I don't buy them anyway. I know about the Ritz Bitz, but this is something different.What really upset us last year, was the older girl had a 4th grade teacher who had been told how allergic she was and still the teacher had peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, etc. in the classroom and ate them in front of her without washing her hands. My granddaughter stayed away from her when she knew about it. The teacher also had a peanut butter feeder project for the kids and another where she was teaching what animals ate and had peanuts in there. My granddaughter had to remind the teacher that she was allergic and the teacher said she didn't have to eat them, just do the project. The poor kid had to explain in front of the whole class about how she couldn't even touch them without a reaction. You know how sensitive kids that age can be. This teacher had been told that! Evidently she is one of the people who flat refuse to believe it. I know some people think we are making it up, that it is all psychological, but it isn't. Even WE know it sounds weird! Anyway, the kid finally FORCED the teacher to allow her to go to the office to call me to find out what to do! I just about died when she called me. Needless to say, she didn't do those projects!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are praying for knowledgeable teachers.I'd be a> nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your> "babies" are so blessed to have you!Thank you, but I am blessed to have THEM! And sometimes I AM a nervous wreck. The older girl will go to middle school next year. You think that won't be a nightmare? Thank goodness these girls have strong parents.Thank you everyone, for your concern.Kathleen

[Guest guest]

wow! that is a lot of work, but when you think of the consequences - such a small price ya know? You're right that people just don't realize how dangerous these allergies can be! They even make light of it in movies.....they need to show just HOW dangerous this can be so that more people will take it seriously and be more helpful and maybe even knowledgeable when it comes to asking questions! There a lot of people who have peanut allergies and other food allergies - that you would think people could take a little bit of time to educate themselves!

I noticed that our DQ here in Poteet, has a sign that actually warns people if they have peanut allergies that it is possible peanuts could get into something! Ya don't suppose they could just be CAREFUL when they make something do ya? sheesh!

I have an allergy to bees and for years would rush to the hospital for shots....until I found out that I could get the same thing from taking 5-6 benedryls and saving 150.00 in ER fees. BUT the catch is "where" I get stung - anywhere near my neck or chest and the pills wouldn't work fast enough - anywhere else, I just have to deal with the swelling until the pills kick in. I can't imagine having that kind of scare! I just know to stay the heck away from bees (which is why I LOVE Clara's pictures - cuz I stay away from those in person too LOL)

Melody Moris, Leader

TOPS #Tx1454, Pleasanton

http://www.texastops.org

email: topsmama@...

GLUG! GLUG! GLUG! Lost that poor little fish completely

this week! Down he went...hook, line & sinker

-----Original Message-----From: TexasTOPS [mailto:TexasTOPS ] On Behalf Of KathleenSent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 11:34 PMTo: TexasTOPS Subject: RE: Peanut Allergies> nope just "A" - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?Well, after a full day at camp a little brain freeze it to be expected. LOL> I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you> know the safe places to go No. No place can be considered "safe" without actually going there and asking questions a million different ways so you can be fairly certain that they fully understand the question and why you're asking. Each restaurant has some leeway in what they do. Even the chains. And from time to time any restaurant will run out of their usual supplies and have to use a local merchant for something. We've been turned away from a few places because they were just too lazy to go to the cook to ask what was in a certain dish or what oil they use.and the places to stay away from - or does> the doctor have info - No, the doctor doesn't have the info.or how do you figure all this out? We do lots of asking. We don't order dishes we aren't familiar with. And even if we are familiar with them, we still ask and explain why we're asking so that they'll know we are just "picky" or finicky eaters.It's scary> to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful> reaction with something "unknown"....Yes, it is! At the back of your mind you always know that if you aren't careful enough to ask the "right" question you might be at the funeral home the next day making arrangements. I don't like being so graphic, but a lot of people just don't get it. Food allergies are serious.> did that make any sense?It did. And I appreciate the concern behind it.> Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut> products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA> would require warnings or something to keep people safe. They are supposed to list all ingredients in food products with a few exceptions. You often see "spices" listed. That doesn't tell you a whole lot. But I've never known peanuts to be listed under "spices". Products with peanuts clearly state that they have peanuts. Of course, those ingredient labels need a magnifying glass to read sometimes! Some products will say that they are manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts, so we have to stay away from those products. The FDA does require the labelling, but sometimes things "slip by" the manufacturers. Less than a month ago a lot of Oreos and something else were recalled because they contained peanut products without the proper labelling. Some breakfast bars, but I don't remember which ones because we never buy them. Now THAT is scary too!Peanut products are beginning to make an appearance in beauty products now. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!At my age, it was hard getting used to reading each and every ingredient label before throwing something into my shopping cart. And every now and then something slips into my house that I didn't check at the store and I have to check it before I open it. That scares the daylights out of me when I do that.To make matters worse, some manufacturers have plants in different cities and states and their recipes are different. One box of crackers may be fine, the next box on the shelf may have peanut products in them. Or the manufacturer changes their recipe without saying so.Some kinds of Cheese Bits are ok, but another variety of them have peanut products. I forget what they are called. Cheese Bits Junior? I forget. I don't buy them anyway. I know about the Ritz Bitz, but this is something different.What really upset us last year, was the older girl had a 4th grade teacher who had been told how allergic she was and still the teacher had peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, etc. in the classroom and ate them in front of her without washing her hands. My granddaughter stayed away from her when she knew about it. The teacher also had a peanut butter feeder project for the kids and another where she was teaching what animals ate and had peanuts in there. My granddaughter had to remind the teacher that she was allergic and the teacher said she didn't have to eat them, just do the project. The poor kid had to explain in front of the whole class about how she couldn't even touch them without a reaction. You know how sensitive kids that age can be. This teacher had been told that! Evidently she is one of the people who flat refuse to believe it. I know some people think we are making it up, that it is all psychological, but it isn't. Even WE know it sounds weird! Anyway, the kid finally FORCED the teacher to allow her to go to the office to call me to find out what to do! I just about died when she called me. Needless to say, she didn't do those projects!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are praying for knowledgeable teachers.I'd be a> nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your> "babies" are so blessed to have you!Thank you, but I am blessed to have THEM! And sometimes I AM a nervous wreck. The older girl will go to middle school next year. You think that won't be a nightmare? Thank goodness these girls have strong parents.Thank you everyone, for your concern.Kathleen

[Guest guest]

wow! that is a lot of work, but when you think of the consequences - such a small price ya know? You're right that people just don't realize how dangerous these allergies can be! They even make light of it in movies.....they need to show just HOW dangerous this can be so that more people will take it seriously and be more helpful and maybe even knowledgeable when it comes to asking questions! There a lot of people who have peanut allergies and other food allergies - that you would think people could take a little bit of time to educate themselves!

I noticed that our DQ here in Poteet, has a sign that actually warns people if they have peanut allergies that it is possible peanuts could get into something! Ya don't suppose they could just be CAREFUL when they make something do ya? sheesh!

I have an allergy to bees and for years would rush to the hospital for shots....until I found out that I could get the same thing from taking 5-6 benedryls and saving 150.00 in ER fees. BUT the catch is "where" I get stung - anywhere near my neck or chest and the pills wouldn't work fast enough - anywhere else, I just have to deal with the swelling until the pills kick in. I can't imagine having that kind of scare! I just know to stay the heck away from bees (which is why I LOVE Clara's pictures - cuz I stay away from those in person too LOL)

Melody Moris, Leader

TOPS #Tx1454, Pleasanton

http://www.texastops.org

email: topsmama@...

GLUG! GLUG! GLUG! Lost that poor little fish completely

this week! Down he went...hook, line & sinker

-----Original Message-----From: TexasTOPS [mailto:TexasTOPS ] On Behalf Of KathleenSent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 11:34 PMTo: TexasTOPS Subject: RE: Peanut Allergies> nope just "A" - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?Well, after a full day at camp a little brain freeze it to be expected. LOL> I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you> know the safe places to go No. No place can be considered "safe" without actually going there and asking questions a million different ways so you can be fairly certain that they fully understand the question and why you're asking. Each restaurant has some leeway in what they do. Even the chains. And from time to time any restaurant will run out of their usual supplies and have to use a local merchant for something. We've been turned away from a few places because they were just too lazy to go to the cook to ask what was in a certain dish or what oil they use.and the places to stay away from - or does> the doctor have info - No, the doctor doesn't have the info.or how do you figure all this out? We do lots of asking. We don't order dishes we aren't familiar with. And even if we are familiar with them, we still ask and explain why we're asking so that they'll know we are just "picky" or finicky eaters.It's scary> to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful> reaction with something "unknown"....Yes, it is! At the back of your mind you always know that if you aren't careful enough to ask the "right" question you might be at the funeral home the next day making arrangements. I don't like being so graphic, but a lot of people just don't get it. Food allergies are serious.> did that make any sense?It did. And I appreciate the concern behind it.> Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut> products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA> would require warnings or something to keep people safe. They are supposed to list all ingredients in food products with a few exceptions. You often see "spices" listed. That doesn't tell you a whole lot. But I've never known peanuts to be listed under "spices". Products with peanuts clearly state that they have peanuts. Of course, those ingredient labels need a magnifying glass to read sometimes! Some products will say that they are manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts, so we have to stay away from those products. The FDA does require the labelling, but sometimes things "slip by" the manufacturers. Less than a month ago a lot of Oreos and something else were recalled because they contained peanut products without the proper labelling. Some breakfast bars, but I don't remember which ones because we never buy them. Now THAT is scary too!Peanut products are beginning to make an appearance in beauty products now. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!At my age, it was hard getting used to reading each and every ingredient label before throwing something into my shopping cart. And every now and then something slips into my house that I didn't check at the store and I have to check it before I open it. That scares the daylights out of me when I do that.To make matters worse, some manufacturers have plants in different cities and states and their recipes are different. One box of crackers may be fine, the next box on the shelf may have peanut products in them. Or the manufacturer changes their recipe without saying so.Some kinds of Cheese Bits are ok, but another variety of them have peanut products. I forget what they are called. Cheese Bits Junior? I forget. I don't buy them anyway. I know about the Ritz Bitz, but this is something different.What really upset us last year, was the older girl had a 4th grade teacher who had been told how allergic she was and still the teacher had peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, etc. in the classroom and ate them in front of her without washing her hands. My granddaughter stayed away from her when she knew about it. The teacher also had a peanut butter feeder project for the kids and another where she was teaching what animals ate and had peanuts in there. My granddaughter had to remind the teacher that she was allergic and the teacher said she didn't have to eat them, just do the project. The poor kid had to explain in front of the whole class about how she couldn't even touch them without a reaction. You know how sensitive kids that age can be. This teacher had been told that! Evidently she is one of the people who flat refuse to believe it. I know some people think we are making it up, that it is all psychological, but it isn't. Even WE know it sounds weird! Anyway, the kid finally FORCED the teacher to allow her to go to the office to call me to find out what to do! I just about died when she called me. Needless to say, she didn't do those projects!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are praying for knowledgeable teachers.I'd be a> nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your> "babies" are so blessed to have you!Thank you, but I am blessed to have THEM! And sometimes I AM a nervous wreck. The older girl will go to middle school next year. You think that won't be a nightmare? Thank goodness these girls have strong parents.Thank you everyone, for your concern.Kathleen

[Guest guest]

My best friend, Wilma, is allergic to bees and her husband has several bee hives out back! I worry about her, but, the bees are located a little ways from the back door and she does not go out back very often. Still if I was allergic to bees I don't think i would be very confortable with bees in my back yard! Love PepperMelody Moris wrote:

wow! that is a lot of work, but when you think of the consequences - such a small price ya know? You're right that people just don't realize how dangerous these allergies can be! They even make light of it in movies.....they need to show just HOW dangerous this can be so that more people will take it seriously and be more helpful and maybe even knowledgeable when it comes to asking questions! There a lot of people who have peanut allergies and other food allergies - that you would think people could take a little bit of time to educate themselves!

I noticed that our DQ here in Poteet, has a sign that actually warns people if they have peanut allergies that it is possible peanuts could get into something! Ya don't suppose they could just be CAREFUL when they make something do ya? sheesh!

I have an allergy to bees and for years would rush to the hospital for shots....until I found out that I could get the same thing from taking 5-6 benedryls and saving 150.00 in ER fees. BUT the catch is "where" I get stung - anywhere near my neck or chest and the pills wouldn't work fast enough - anywhere else, I just have to deal with the swelling until the pills kick in. I can't imagine having that kind of scare! I just know to stay the heck away from bees (which is why I LOVE Clara's pictures - cuz I stay away from those in person too LOL)

Melody Moris, Leader

TOPS #Tx1454, Pleasanton

http://www.texastops.org

email: topsmama@...

GLUG! GLUG! GLUG! Lost that poor little fish completely

this week! Down he went...hook, line & sinker

-----Original Message-----From: TexasTOPS [mailto:TexasTOPS ] On Behalf Of KathleenSent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 11:34 PMTo: TexasTOPS Subject: RE: Peanut Allergies> nope just "A" - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?Well, after a full day at camp a little brain freeze it to be expected. LOL> I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you> know the safe places to go No. No place can be considered "safe" without actually going there and asking questions a million different ways so you can be fairly certain that they fully understand the question and why you're asking. Each restaurant has some leeway in what they do. Even the chains. And from time to time any restaurant will run

out of their usual supplies and have to use a local merchant for something. We've been turned away from a few places because they were just too lazy to go to the cook to ask what was in a certain dish or what oil they use.and the places to stay away from - or does> the doctor have info - No, the doctor doesn't have the info.or how do you figure all this out? We do lots of asking. We don't order dishes we aren't familiar with. And even if we are familiar with them, we still ask and explain why we're asking so that they'll know we are just "picky" or finicky eaters.It's scary> to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful> reaction with something "unknown"....Yes, it is! At the back of your mind you always know that if you aren't careful enough to ask the "right" question you might be at the funeral home the next day making arrangements. I don't like being

so graphic, but a lot of people just don't get it. Food allergies are serious.> did that make any sense?It did. And I appreciate the concern behind it.> Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut> products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA> would require warnings or something to keep people safe. They are supposed to list all ingredients in food products with a few exceptions. You often see "spices" listed. That doesn't tell you a whole lot. But I've never known peanuts to be listed under "spices". Products with peanuts clearly state that they have peanuts. Of course, those ingredient labels need a magnifying glass to read sometimes! Some products will say that they are manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts, so we have to stay away from those products. The FDA does require the labelling, but sometimes things "slip by" the

manufacturers. Less than a month ago a lot of Oreos and something else were recalled because they contained peanut products without the proper labelling. Some breakfast bars, but I don't remember which ones because we never buy them. Now THAT is scary too!Peanut products are beginning to make an appearance in beauty products now. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!At my age, it was hard getting used to reading each and every ingredient label before throwing something into my shopping cart. And every now and then something slips into my house that I didn't check at the store and I have to check it before I open it. That scares the daylights out of me when I do that.To make matters worse, some manufacturers have plants in different cities and states and their recipes are different. One box of crackers may be fine, the next box on the shelf may have peanut products in them. Or the manufacturer changes their recipe without

saying so.Some kinds of Cheese Bits are ok, but another variety of them have peanut products. I forget what they are called. Cheese Bits Junior? I forget. I don't buy them anyway. I know about the Ritz Bitz, but this is something different.What really upset us last year, was the older girl had a 4th grade teacher who had been told how allergic she was and still the teacher had peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, etc. in the classroom and ate them in front of her without washing her hands. My granddaughter stayed away from her when she knew about it. The teacher also had a peanut butter feeder project for the kids and another where she was teaching what animals ate and had peanuts in there. My granddaughter had to remind the teacher that she was allergic and the teacher said she didn't have to eat them, just do the project. The poor kid had to explain in front of the whole class about how she couldn't even touch them

without a reaction. You know how sensitive kids that age can be. This teacher had been told that! Evidently she is one of the people who flat refuse to believe it. I know some people think we are making it up, that it is all psychological, but it isn't. Even WE know it sounds weird! Anyway, the kid finally FORCED the teacher to allow her to go to the office to call me to find out what to do! I just about died when she called me. Needless to say, she didn't do those projects!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are praying for knowledgeable teachers.I'd be a> nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your> "babies" are so blessed to have you!Thank you, but I am blessed to have THEM! And sometimes I AM a nervous wreck. The older girl will go to middle school next year. You think that won't be a nightmare? Thank goodness these girls have strong parents.Thank you everyone, for your

concern.Kathleen__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

My best friend, Wilma, is allergic to bees and her husband has several bee hives out back! I worry about her, but, the bees are located a little ways from the back door and she does not go out back very often. Still if I was allergic to bees I don't think i would be very confortable with bees in my back yard! Love PepperMelody Moris wrote:

wow! that is a lot of work, but when you think of the consequences - such a small price ya know? You're right that people just don't realize how dangerous these allergies can be! They even make light of it in movies.....they need to show just HOW dangerous this can be so that more people will take it seriously and be more helpful and maybe even knowledgeable when it comes to asking questions! There a lot of people who have peanut allergies and other food allergies - that you would think people could take a little bit of time to educate themselves!

I noticed that our DQ here in Poteet, has a sign that actually warns people if they have peanut allergies that it is possible peanuts could get into something! Ya don't suppose they could just be CAREFUL when they make something do ya? sheesh!

I have an allergy to bees and for years would rush to the hospital for shots....until I found out that I could get the same thing from taking 5-6 benedryls and saving 150.00 in ER fees. BUT the catch is "where" I get stung - anywhere near my neck or chest and the pills wouldn't work fast enough - anywhere else, I just have to deal with the swelling until the pills kick in. I can't imagine having that kind of scare! I just know to stay the heck away from bees (which is why I LOVE Clara's pictures - cuz I stay away from those in person too LOL)

Melody Moris, Leader

TOPS #Tx1454, Pleasanton

http://www.texastops.org

email: topsmama@...

GLUG! GLUG! GLUG! Lost that poor little fish completely

this week! Down he went...hook, line & sinker

-----Original Message-----From: TexasTOPS [mailto:TexasTOPS ] On Behalf Of KathleenSent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 11:34 PMTo: TexasTOPS Subject: RE: Peanut Allergies> nope just "A" - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?Well, after a full day at camp a little brain freeze it to be expected. LOL> I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you> know the safe places to go No. No place can be considered "safe" without actually going there and asking questions a million different ways so you can be fairly certain that they fully understand the question and why you're asking. Each restaurant has some leeway in what they do. Even the chains. And from time to time any restaurant will run

out of their usual supplies and have to use a local merchant for something. We've been turned away from a few places because they were just too lazy to go to the cook to ask what was in a certain dish or what oil they use.and the places to stay away from - or does> the doctor have info - No, the doctor doesn't have the info.or how do you figure all this out? We do lots of asking. We don't order dishes we aren't familiar with. And even if we are familiar with them, we still ask and explain why we're asking so that they'll know we are just "picky" or finicky eaters.It's scary> to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful> reaction with something "unknown"....Yes, it is! At the back of your mind you always know that if you aren't careful enough to ask the "right" question you might be at the funeral home the next day making arrangements. I don't like being

so graphic, but a lot of people just don't get it. Food allergies are serious.> did that make any sense?It did. And I appreciate the concern behind it.> Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut> products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA> would require warnings or something to keep people safe. They are supposed to list all ingredients in food products with a few exceptions. You often see "spices" listed. That doesn't tell you a whole lot. But I've never known peanuts to be listed under "spices". Products with peanuts clearly state that they have peanuts. Of course, those ingredient labels need a magnifying glass to read sometimes! Some products will say that they are manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts, so we have to stay away from those products. The FDA does require the labelling, but sometimes things "slip by" the

manufacturers. Less than a month ago a lot of Oreos and something else were recalled because they contained peanut products without the proper labelling. Some breakfast bars, but I don't remember which ones because we never buy them. Now THAT is scary too!Peanut products are beginning to make an appearance in beauty products now. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!At my age, it was hard getting used to reading each and every ingredient label before throwing something into my shopping cart. And every now and then something slips into my house that I didn't check at the store and I have to check it before I open it. That scares the daylights out of me when I do that.To make matters worse, some manufacturers have plants in different cities and states and their recipes are different. One box of crackers may be fine, the next box on the shelf may have peanut products in them. Or the manufacturer changes their recipe without

saying so.Some kinds of Cheese Bits are ok, but another variety of them have peanut products. I forget what they are called. Cheese Bits Junior? I forget. I don't buy them anyway. I know about the Ritz Bitz, but this is something different.What really upset us last year, was the older girl had a 4th grade teacher who had been told how allergic she was and still the teacher had peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, etc. in the classroom and ate them in front of her without washing her hands. My granddaughter stayed away from her when she knew about it. The teacher also had a peanut butter feeder project for the kids and another where she was teaching what animals ate and had peanuts in there. My granddaughter had to remind the teacher that she was allergic and the teacher said she didn't have to eat them, just do the project. The poor kid had to explain in front of the whole class about how she couldn't even touch them

without a reaction. You know how sensitive kids that age can be. This teacher had been told that! Evidently she is one of the people who flat refuse to believe it. I know some people think we are making it up, that it is all psychological, but it isn't. Even WE know it sounds weird! Anyway, the kid finally FORCED the teacher to allow her to go to the office to call me to find out what to do! I just about died when she called me. Needless to say, she didn't do those projects!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are praying for knowledgeable teachers.I'd be a> nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your> "babies" are so blessed to have you!Thank you, but I am blessed to have THEM! And sometimes I AM a nervous wreck. The older girl will go to middle school next year. You think that won't be a nightmare? Thank goodness these girls have strong parents.Thank you everyone, for your

concern.Kathleen__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

My best friend, Wilma, is allergic to bees and her husband has several bee hives out back! I worry about her, but, the bees are located a little ways from the back door and she does not go out back very often. Still if I was allergic to bees I don't think i would be very confortable with bees in my back yard! Love PepperMelody Moris wrote:

wow! that is a lot of work, but when you think of the consequences - such a small price ya know? You're right that people just don't realize how dangerous these allergies can be! They even make light of it in movies.....they need to show just HOW dangerous this can be so that more people will take it seriously and be more helpful and maybe even knowledgeable when it comes to asking questions! There a lot of people who have peanut allergies and other food allergies - that you would think people could take a little bit of time to educate themselves!

I noticed that our DQ here in Poteet, has a sign that actually warns people if they have peanut allergies that it is possible peanuts could get into something! Ya don't suppose they could just be CAREFUL when they make something do ya? sheesh!

I have an allergy to bees and for years would rush to the hospital for shots....until I found out that I could get the same thing from taking 5-6 benedryls and saving 150.00 in ER fees. BUT the catch is "where" I get stung - anywhere near my neck or chest and the pills wouldn't work fast enough - anywhere else, I just have to deal with the swelling until the pills kick in. I can't imagine having that kind of scare! I just know to stay the heck away from bees (which is why I LOVE Clara's pictures - cuz I stay away from those in person too LOL)

Melody Moris, Leader

TOPS #Tx1454, Pleasanton

http://www.texastops.org

email: topsmama@...

GLUG! GLUG! GLUG! Lost that poor little fish completely

this week! Down he went...hook, line & sinker

-----Original Message-----From: TexasTOPS [mailto:TexasTOPS ] On Behalf Of KathleenSent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 11:34 PMTo: TexasTOPS Subject: RE: Peanut Allergies> nope just "A" - I guess I should've finished my thought huh?Well, after a full day at camp a little brain freeze it to be expected. LOL> I was wondering if you can look things up online ahead of time so you> know the safe places to go No. No place can be considered "safe" without actually going there and asking questions a million different ways so you can be fairly certain that they fully understand the question and why you're asking. Each restaurant has some leeway in what they do. Even the chains. And from time to time any restaurant will run

out of their usual supplies and have to use a local merchant for something. We've been turned away from a few places because they were just too lazy to go to the cook to ask what was in a certain dish or what oil they use.and the places to stay away from - or does> the doctor have info - No, the doctor doesn't have the info.or how do you figure all this out? We do lots of asking. We don't order dishes we aren't familiar with. And even if we are familiar with them, we still ask and explain why we're asking so that they'll know we are just "picky" or finicky eaters.It's scary> to think that one of your grandbabies could have such an awful> reaction with something "unknown"....Yes, it is! At the back of your mind you always know that if you aren't careful enough to ask the "right" question you might be at the funeral home the next day making arrangements. I don't like being

so graphic, but a lot of people just don't get it. Food allergies are serious.> did that make any sense?It did. And I appreciate the concern behind it.> Do the food labels or nutritional info always disclose the peanut> products? You would think with severe reactions like that - the FDA> would require warnings or something to keep people safe. They are supposed to list all ingredients in food products with a few exceptions. You often see "spices" listed. That doesn't tell you a whole lot. But I've never known peanuts to be listed under "spices". Products with peanuts clearly state that they have peanuts. Of course, those ingredient labels need a magnifying glass to read sometimes! Some products will say that they are manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts, so we have to stay away from those products. The FDA does require the labelling, but sometimes things "slip by" the

manufacturers. Less than a month ago a lot of Oreos and something else were recalled because they contained peanut products without the proper labelling. Some breakfast bars, but I don't remember which ones because we never buy them. Now THAT is scary too!Peanut products are beginning to make an appearance in beauty products now. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!At my age, it was hard getting used to reading each and every ingredient label before throwing something into my shopping cart. And every now and then something slips into my house that I didn't check at the store and I have to check it before I open it. That scares the daylights out of me when I do that.To make matters worse, some manufacturers have plants in different cities and states and their recipes are different. One box of crackers may be fine, the next box on the shelf may have peanut products in them. Or the manufacturer changes their recipe without

saying so.Some kinds of Cheese Bits are ok, but another variety of them have peanut products. I forget what they are called. Cheese Bits Junior? I forget. I don't buy them anyway. I know about the Ritz Bitz, but this is something different.What really upset us last year, was the older girl had a 4th grade teacher who had been told how allergic she was and still the teacher had peanut butter, Reese's Pieces, etc. in the classroom and ate them in front of her without washing her hands. My granddaughter stayed away from her when she knew about it. The teacher also had a peanut butter feeder project for the kids and another where she was teaching what animals ate and had peanuts in there. My granddaughter had to remind the teacher that she was allergic and the teacher said she didn't have to eat them, just do the project. The poor kid had to explain in front of the whole class about how she couldn't even touch them

without a reaction. You know how sensitive kids that age can be. This teacher had been told that! Evidently she is one of the people who flat refuse to believe it. I know some people think we are making it up, that it is all psychological, but it isn't. Even WE know it sounds weird! Anyway, the kid finally FORCED the teacher to allow her to go to the office to call me to find out what to do! I just about died when she called me. Needless to say, she didn't do those projects!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are praying for knowledgeable teachers.I'd be a> nervous wreck LOL - you are an amazing grandma Kathleen!! Your> "babies" are so blessed to have you!Thank you, but I am blessed to have THEM! And sometimes I AM a nervous wreck. The older girl will go to middle school next year. You think that won't be a nightmare? Thank goodness these girls have strong parents.Thank you everyone, for your

concern.Kathleen__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Kathlean thankyou for telling us about peanut allergies. Sorry your Granddaughters have them.

Betty 2

[Guest guest]

Kathlean thankyou for telling us about peanut allergies. Sorry your Granddaughters have them.

Betty 2

[Guest guest]

Kathlean thankyou for telling us about peanut allergies. Sorry your Granddaughters have them.

Betty 2

[Guest guest]

My best friend, Wilma, is allergic to bees and her husband has several bee hives out back!

* * * * *NOW THAT'S WHAT YOU CALL A REALLY UNDERSTANDING/CONSIDERATE HUSBAND!! I think I'd tell him, "Hey, Bud, it's me or the bees - - take your pick!" JERK!!

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