Milton Parents Tackle Food Allergies in Local Schools
By Megan Bowman
Last summer,
Brooke Bowman was playing joyfully on the Maryland beaches during a potluck picnic. Sounds of laughter and happy squeals filled the air as the children chased waves and played in the sand. But, soon enough, squeals changed to gasps as Brooke’s face rapidly began to swell, her eyes closed, and she began to vomit. Panicked, her parents rushed her to the closest urgent care center, only to learn that Brooke had suffered what was likely a life-threatening food allergy. With no prior history of allergies, her family was shocked to learn that Brooke had a severe nut allergy.
Anxiety levels among parents are on the rise because some children react to foods years after their first exposure. Also, subsequent reactions can be increasingly more dangerous. According to a study released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased approximately 50% between 1997 and 2011, but researchers struggle to pinpoint exactly why.
Despite years of nut exposure with no adverse reaction, Brooke’s body responded violently on that warm summer evening after she ingested a cookie that contained nuts.
However, when a child leaves the home, entering school for example, a whole new layer of worry can emerge and parents wonder how they will keep their children safe with so many variables that are out of their control.
Brooke’s story is not unique. Researchers estimate that 15 million Americans currently have food allergies, including one in 13 children.
Managing food allergies at home brings with it a learning curve, but families usually learn successful coping mechanisms quickly with minimal interruption to their daily routine.
One group of moms is all-too familiar with this concern, and wanted to do something to help al-
42 Milton Magazine June/July 2014