Page 49 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

This incident was a rude wake-up call. No matter how safe I might have felt or how well-intentioned someone might have been, the reality is that people make mistakes.
For every night after this experience, I made sure that the waiter double-checked everything that came out of the kitchen. I chose simple meals where I could see most of the ingredients and I skipped any chocolaty dessert from then on. My advice to anyone with food allergies is to, first and foremost, know your allergens and where they can hide. Making yourself informed and being vigilant are crucial because, in the end, no one is responsible for your health but you.
Quick Tip - Consider making a food allergy “cheat sheet” for the place you’re visiting. Write down translations of your allergens, foods to avoid, the local emergency numbers, and your own emergency contact information in case you need help.
What would you say? (Q&A)
Daniela, Emily Rose, Giulia, Stephanie
Does airline travel make you nervous? Do you notify airlines ahead of time?
Emily Rose - No I am not nervous to travel on an airline. I always call ahead to notify them. As well,
when I get on the plane, I tell the flight attendants. They usually handle it very well and are helpful.
Giulia - I have never notified airlines ahead of time regarding my allergies. I usually notify the airline staff upon entering the plane and they have sometimes designated a ‘safety zone’ for me where the people three rows ahead, to the side, and behind me are asked not to eat my allergen. I have never had a bad experience on a plane and I, therefore, tend not to get nervous.
Stephanie - I am nervous when I fly because, if I have an allergic reaction, I want to make sure that I am prepared. I always carry my auto-injector, inform the airline in advance, pack my own food, and inform the flight attendants about my allergies. They are usually more than willing to accommodate me.
Where is the most exotic place you have been with your allergies?
Daniela - I went to Mexico for a conference while I was in middle school. It was tricky because I only knew a few phrases of Spanish and allergies did not seem common where I was. Since I was only gone for six days, I was able to bring some of my own food and I managed to find some basic food that I could eat while I was there.
Giulia - I have been to Costa Rica twice. I was initially anxious about travelling to such an exotic place with my allergies. But I found that they cooked very plainly. The most exotic dish I had was rice and beans!