When my brother discovered his peanut allergy, he was a teen. At first, my mother had the impression that he wasn’t trying to finish his dinner. He struggled to explain the discomfort he was filling in his throat, which quickly elevated to a point where he felt he could barely breathe. Once the nature of his #allergy was revealed, my family and I took extra steps to become more aware of what was in his food as well as ours.
So, as I read Mirelle Schwartz describe her daughter’s strong reaction to unknowingly consuming food she was allergic to, I completely understand Schwartz's level of fear.
While reading Schwartz's book, "When Your Child Has Food Allergies," I found myself becoming more aware of the foods that I offered my four-year-old nephew. For instance, one night I was eating General Tso shrimp for dinner while my nephew munched on his chicken nuggets. He turned and started to stare at my food. His curiosity perked, and like many kids his age, he wanted to taste the food I was eating. As a loving Aunt, I instantly shared my food. Once I put a sample on his plate, I instantly heard the sound of a record scratching in my head, and I thought: "whoa, what if he has an allergic reaction to #shellfish." Fortunately, I recalled my sister-in-law saying he didn’t have any allergies. Regardless, my level of awareness was raised.
Food allergies are a discovery, and sometimes the revelation can go from concerning to downright frightening. Schwartz shares how she has several #foodallergies herself, and how it has affected her life. Severe reactions to her food allergies as well as her daughter’s allergies have altered how she approaches their daily routine. Each day involves a great deal of preparation as well as an extreme vigilance. Her book addresses nearly every instance where having a food allergy can alter behavior. She reveals how a food allergy or allergies can become a constant participant in any activity. It’s present in nearly all relationships and events, such as holiday gatherings.
Schwartz researched her topic well. She provides recent and relevant facts, and she considers nearly every lifestyle change as a result of having a severe food allergy. This book is a good resource to have on hand whether or not your child has a severe reaction to certain foods.
It will help you to further your understanding of food allergies and become well informed when preparing food for family, friends, and associates.
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