| Be Allergy Aware
"What's for lunch?" Likely not a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich. As many as 1.2 million Canadians may be affected by life-threatening allergies and these numbers are increasing, especially among children. Foods account for most children's allergies, with peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish and seafood, wheat, eggs and milk being the most common food allergens.
When someone ingests even a tiny amount of an allergen, the symptoms of a reaction may develop quickly and can become very serious. The most dangerous symptoms include breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure or shock, which may result in loss of consciousness and even death.
That's why many elementary schools are now restricting certain foods from students' lunches. It's important to follow school policies, even if your child is not allergic. Explain to your child that sharing lunches and snacks can be dangerous for other children. To find out which foods, if any, are restricted in your child's school, contact the school directly.
Source: Health Canada
Specific tips and strategies:
Life Threatening Food Allergies in School and Childcare Settings
Managing Food Allergies in the School Cafeteria
The Food Allergy Network.
Breakfast on the Run
Try a smoothie for a quick, healthy start to your day. Toss into a blender: 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 cup milk, 1 large banana, 1.5 cups fresh or frozen fruit (e.g. berries, or peach and mango), 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal, 0.5 teaspoons vanilla, dash of juice or maple syrup to sweeten to taste. Blend, let sit a minute, and enjoy. Makes 3 to 4 servings.
Can be made ahead of time, frozen in microwaveable containers and defrosted as needed in microwave.
Rivermania
This September, take a symbolic journey down the Fraser River. As part of "BC150 Years: Rivermania," many communities are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Simon Fraser's epic journey. Beginning in Prince George on August 24, the festivities will follow the Fraser River to its end on B.C. Rivers Day in Steveston (Richmond) on September 28.
More info about BC150 Years: Rivermania.
No Panic About False Alarms
Question: Will the panic button on my keypad mean a lot of false alarms?
Answer: In a crisis, a panic button is the most effective button you could employ on your keypad or pendant. However, these panic buttons are also a major source of false alarms. Children and adults alike can accidentally trip this feature if it is a one-keystroke activation. Request double-keystroke codes -- where you must simultaneously press two separate keys down -- as an added security feature for your panic button.
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