Page 39 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone entering high school?
Sydney H. - I would say just be yourself and never downplay your allergies to fit in. If people are not
willing to accept you, and respect your safety, then they are not your friends!
Samantha - Make sure to plan ahead and talk to the principal about your allergies before the school year begins. Double-check that all of your teachers are trained how to use an auto-injector and that they know what to do in an emergency.
Emily Rose - I would tell them not to worry. I would also say to make sure that as many people know about your allergy as possible. The more people you make aware of your allergy, and the importance of keeping your allergen away from you, the less chance you have of encountering it.
Were/are there safe foods for you in your high school cafeteria?
Emily Rose - I don’t purchase food from the cafeteria very often but, yes, everything the school sells is
peanut-free.
Samantha - Yes, there are a couple of foods that are safe for me: pizza and french fries. I have asked them what they make on-site, and what is brought in. For the food that is made in the cafeteria, I know what the ingredients are and how it is made. However, I prefer to go with food that is sold in a package with proper labelling that I know is safe for me. Approaching it this way ensures that there is no chance for cross-contamination before it gets to me.
To wrap it up...
The transition to high school is an exciting time full of new opportunities. Managing your allergies through the transition can be challenging at times. But, by ensuring that there are people around you who understand your situation, and being open about explaining your allergies to people you meet, the transition can be relatively seamless.
Summary Tips
1) Give the updated proper health/emergency paperwork to the school every year.
2) Keep your auto-injector on you (backpack, purse or pocket) rather than leaving it in your locker.
3) Look out for yourself by asking about food in the cafeteria, washing your hands, and being aware of
cross-contamination.