Teens with food allergies
September 21, 2009
The reach of adolescence is a challenging period in a child's life. Even with hormonal and physical transformations, teenagers must stay focus on their food allergies and adjust their lifestyle between childhood and adulthood.
Teenagers will have to assume completely the responsibility of their food allergies as earlier as possible during the passage of the elementary to high school as less supervision will be given with more teachers, more students and a new environment. For their own safety, teenagers will have to carry an auto-injector, be careful with food around in the classroom and tell their new friends about the symptoms and reaction. It may be awkward for teenagers to talk openly about their food allergies because they may feel different towards the others students. But if blackmailed, bullied or teased episodes happen, teenagers should seek for help and support with their friends, parents or teachers.
Also, teens should discuss the severity of their allergies at the beginning of a relationship as sleepovers, first kiss and sexual contacts may happen for the first time. For these reasons, they must inform their girlfriend or boyfriend about their condition for their own safety. For example, teenagers could be allergic to latex and have to use a non-latex condom to avoid allergic reaction. Good communication is crucial to provide the confidence of your partner. Parents may have to set aside of their teenagers' life, keep faith in their education and stay available to answer questions, problems or discussions. Even if some decision taken by their teenagers are not always approved, they must provide support and advice to their young adults and encourage them by making the right choices and decisions.
Finally, teenagers may have to face their allergies along with other hormonal and emotive changes, but they should be able to lead a normal life with their friends. Organizations such as Allergy Safe Communities, Anaphylaxis Canada and Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network are working hard to facilitate this passage toward adulthood by providing online resources. Forums and blogs are also available to exchange about food allergies difficulties.
If you wish to express yourself about the content of this article, please share your experiences with mallergies. It will be a pleasure for us to post your stories and hopefully, help others teens to talk more openly about their food allergies.
Sources:
Allergy Safe Communities www.allergysafecommunities.ca
Anaphylaxis Canada www.anaphylaxis.org
FAAN Teens www.faanteen.org
Why Risk It www.whyriskit.ca