Anyone who knows me in real life knows I am allergic to everything. Okay, that is a gross exaggeration, since I have no known food allergies. I am also a very picky eater, so I could very well have a reaction to some foods that are already on my "do not eat" list. But the things I am allergic to, I am deathly allergic to.
Take pets,for example. I am horribly allergic to most animals. Cats? Forget about it. If I come into an environment that is home to felines, I literally break out in hives, my eyes start to itch and my throat closes up. Add to that sneezing, wheezing, and absolute misery, and you can surely see why I am not a cat person.
The same goes for the vast majority of other animals. I remember having this God-awful rabbit fur coat when I was a kid, and it caused me to have allergy attacks as well. My parents thought it was cute, so I had to wear it anyway. Dogs are a problem, too. Any breed that sheds, whether it be a short or long coat, causes me to have bad reactions. For this reason, we have a hypoallergenic Yorkie named Trouble. My husband would much prefer a larger, more "manly" dog, but he's witnessed my allergies first-hand, and accepts the fact that this simply isn't an option.
If pet allergies weren't bad enough, I also have seasonal, pollen allergies that can cause the same horrible reactions. I spend a good chunk of the spring, summer and fall in a medicated funk just to combat my allergies. Thank goodness for the newer, non-drowsy medications that are available now!
Unfortunately, my kids seem to have inherited my bad luck when it comes to these types of allergies. My 12 year old son in particular. He is also allergic to cats and to pollen. Sometimes it gets so bad that I have to send children's allergy medications with him wherever he goes.
Now I realize that as far as childhood allergies go, we're quite fortunate. Pet and pollen allergies are quite manageable in comparison to more life-threatening allergies that many kids have. I used to work in my local elementary schools, and several of my students over the years have had allergies to gluten, dairy, peanuts, shellfish, bee stings, and even oranges. (Yes, there was a little girl who couldn't have oranges. This was a new one to me!)
When dealing with childhood allergies, especially in a group setting, it's imperative to know who has allergies and what steps need to be taken when they're triggered. Some allergies can be fatal, so this is nothing to take lightly! Most teachers and caregivers become quite familiar with their students' needs and take the proper steps to ensure a child won't be exposed to something that can be potentially harmful. But what happens when there is a substitute teacher, new staff, or even volunteers who don't know the individual children as well?
This is where AllerMates can save the day! AllerMates are fashion-forward, fun accessories that can help adults visually identify kids with allergies. These come in the form of adorable wristbands, dog tags, and even t-shirts! The best part, in my opinion, is that since these tools feature friendly, cartoon-like identifiers, kids won't feel singled out when wearing them. Their friends will probably be envious and want one of their own! Who says safety measures can't make a fashion statement?!
Take pets,for example. I am horribly allergic to most animals. Cats? Forget about it. If I come into an environment that is home to felines, I literally break out in hives, my eyes start to itch and my throat closes up. Add to that sneezing, wheezing, and absolute misery, and you can surely see why I am not a cat person.
The same goes for the vast majority of other animals. I remember having this God-awful rabbit fur coat when I was a kid, and it caused me to have allergy attacks as well. My parents thought it was cute, so I had to wear it anyway. Dogs are a problem, too. Any breed that sheds, whether it be a short or long coat, causes me to have bad reactions. For this reason, we have a hypoallergenic Yorkie named Trouble. My husband would much prefer a larger, more "manly" dog, but he's witnessed my allergies first-hand, and accepts the fact that this simply isn't an option.
If pet allergies weren't bad enough, I also have seasonal, pollen allergies that can cause the same horrible reactions. I spend a good chunk of the spring, summer and fall in a medicated funk just to combat my allergies. Thank goodness for the newer, non-drowsy medications that are available now!
Unfortunately, my kids seem to have inherited my bad luck when it comes to these types of allergies. My 12 year old son in particular. He is also allergic to cats and to pollen. Sometimes it gets so bad that I have to send children's allergy medications with him wherever he goes.
Now I realize that as far as childhood allergies go, we're quite fortunate. Pet and pollen allergies are quite manageable in comparison to more life-threatening allergies that many kids have. I used to work in my local elementary schools, and several of my students over the years have had allergies to gluten, dairy, peanuts, shellfish, bee stings, and even oranges. (Yes, there was a little girl who couldn't have oranges. This was a new one to me!)
When dealing with childhood allergies, especially in a group setting, it's imperative to know who has allergies and what steps need to be taken when they're triggered. Some allergies can be fatal, so this is nothing to take lightly! Most teachers and caregivers become quite familiar with their students' needs and take the proper steps to ensure a child won't be exposed to something that can be potentially harmful. But what happens when there is a substitute teacher, new staff, or even volunteers who don't know the individual children as well?
This is where AllerMates can save the day! AllerMates are fashion-forward, fun accessories that can help adults visually identify kids with allergies. These come in the form of adorable wristbands, dog tags, and even t-shirts! The best part, in my opinion, is that since these tools feature friendly, cartoon-like identifiers, kids won't feel singled out when wearing them. Their friends will probably be envious and want one of their own! Who says safety measures can't make a fashion statement?!
AllerMates Allergy Wristbands are bright and colorful and designed to be noticed. They come with three adjustable snaps and should fit most kids from the age of 2 and up. As always, AllerMates products are hypo-allergenic (latex-free), waterproof and thoroughly tested for safety and quality.
They come in the following varieties to help identify specific allergies:
P. Nutty (Peanut Allergy)
Nutso (Nut Allergy)
Professor Wheatley (Gluten / Wheat Allergy)
Pint (Milk Allergy)
Eggie (Egg Allergy)
Crabby (Shellfish Allergy)
Super-Cillin (Penicillin Allergy)
Bizzy (Insect Sting Allergy)
Dr. Strangeglove (Latex Allergy)
Drift (Pollen Allergy)
Detective Fin (Fish Allergy)
Soy Cool (Soy Allergy)
Teeni Tahini (Sesame Allergy)
Nine (Cat Allergy)
For the child who suffers multiple allergies, there is also an AllerMates Charm Bracelet that you can attach the various allergy identifiers to!
We received the Cat and Pollen Allergy wristbands to review. They are quite durable, very colorful, and designed to withstand the use and abuse of active kids! Plus, they're absolutely adorable! My 12 year old loves them!
They come in the following varieties to help identify specific allergies:
P. Nutty (Peanut Allergy)
Nutso (Nut Allergy)
Professor Wheatley (Gluten / Wheat Allergy)
Pint (Milk Allergy)
Eggie (Egg Allergy)
Crabby (Shellfish Allergy)
Super-Cillin (Penicillin Allergy)
Bizzy (Insect Sting Allergy)
Dr. Strangeglove (Latex Allergy)
Drift (Pollen Allergy)
Detective Fin (Fish Allergy)
Soy Cool (Soy Allergy)
Teeni Tahini (Sesame Allergy)
Nine (Cat Allergy)
For the child who suffers multiple allergies, there is also an AllerMates Charm Bracelet that you can attach the various allergy identifiers to!
We received the Cat and Pollen Allergy wristbands to review. They are quite durable, very colorful, and designed to withstand the use and abuse of active kids! Plus, they're absolutely adorable! My 12 year old loves them!
While these are said to fit most kids ages 2+, they were a bit snug on my 5 ft 1 inch, 125lb 12 year old. He could still get them on, but it won't be long before he totally outgrows them.
Overall, I love the idea of AllerMates. These great accessories can help kids feel hip and help parents breathe easier as they send their little ones out into the world. These are perfect for school, play-dates, camp, daycare centers, field trips, and anywhere else your kids may go! In addition to these great wristbands, dog tags, and t-shirts, AllerMates also has lunch bags with allergy cards to remind adults of a child's allergies! These products are fun, affordable, and can help save lives.
HOW TO CONNECT:
You can check out AllerMates on their website. They have a ton of helpful resources for families dealing with allergies!
You can also connect with AllerMates on Facebook and on twitter!
***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
HOW TO CONNECT:
You can check out AllerMates on their website. They have a ton of helpful resources for families dealing with allergies!
You can also connect with AllerMates on Facebook and on twitter!
***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
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