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by Kyle Simpson
July 15, 2010
Going to Summer Camp with Food Allergies
Summer camp is a traditional time for children to have fun. However, for children with food allergies, going away to camp is not a simple decision. Any time a child goes to school, camp, or even to a restaurant with a food allergy, it can be frightening.
However, many parents have found a way to successfully allow their children to have the educational and enriching experience of going to summer camp. One mother, Janet Erlich, whose two children are severely allergic to dairy products and eggs admits to feeling anxiety when they go away to camp, but says, “My children love camp. It's the highlight of their year.”
Although food allergies can be life-threatening, camp staff, physicians, parents, and campers themselves can work together to minimize the risk. In addition, medications and procedures can be put in place to deal with accidental ingestion or contact.
Millions of children have food allergies, thousands attend camp safely each year--awareness, education, and cooperation are the keys to success. The following information will ensure that your children with food allergies have a safe and happy camp experience:
• Choose an appropriate camp for the child. Find out who the primary healthcare person is and what their credentials are; how the camp monitors food allergy information; how far the camp is from a medical treatment center; and if any activities would take your child out of cell phone coverage or far way from the camp site.
• Notify the camp of your child's allergies or suspected allergies early in the process so appropriate personnel will be notified and informed on proper procedure. Use the Food Allergy Action Plan (FAAN) to list foods to which the camper is allergic, the specific symptoms of the child's typical reaction, and what medications to give to treat reactions.
• Counselors should know not to feed your child any food not approved by you. Explain that one should never rely on “common sense” to determine if a food is safe. Allergenic ingredients show up in unexpected places. Review the entire menu in detail and make sure the cook is fully trained on preparing foods without cross contamination. Remind your child to read labels and ‘when in doubt do without.' Some parents prefer to supply the camp with their child's food.
• It's important to have a written plan of action so if there is an accidental ingestion and the child has a reaction, people know what to do.
• Make sure your child has a medical alert bracelet so people will know what they are allergic to if the child is unable to explain. Also, it's important your child has an epinephrine injector or EpiPen (if prescribed) in case there is an accidental ingestion and allergic reaction.
• Review with your child safe and unsafe foods, strategies for avoiding exposure to unsafe foods, symptoms of allergic reactions, how and when to tell an adult about a possible allergic response and if applicable, how to use epinephrine. Also remind your child to NEVER trade food with other campers and NEVER go off alone if symptoms are beginning.
• If there are any field trips involved, make sure any emergency medications and authorizations accompany your child.
With some research on the right camp and some important prep work behind the scenes, you can rest assured your little camper will have a safe and memorable time at summer camp!
Kyle Simpson writes for Medical Coding Certification where you can find more information about a career and training in the medical field.
Sources:
www.foodallergy.org
www.epipen.com
www.medicalbillingandcoding.org