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food allergies

Local Moms of Food Allergic Kids Driven to Effect Change and Promote Awareness

November 12, 2021 by Ella Ilan

Food allergies affect approximately 5 percent of children and 4 percent of adults in the U.S, according to the National Institutes of Health. Food allergies can sometimes trigger a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction marked by constriction of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Living with this threat, especially for parents of children with food allergies, is frightening and challenging. Part of the challenge is navigating a life where many people either are blissfully unaware of or simply do not appreciate the seriousness of food allergies.

The Importance of Spreading Awareness

Armonk mom Michelle Isban, as a former teacher, knows that educating the public is the best method to ensure that her food allergic daughter can live a healthy and safe life. Michelle’s achievements include having helped promote awareness at Armonk’s two playgrounds, IBM and Lombardi parks. Signs posted at the playgrounds list common food allergens and alert park-goers that allergic reactions can happen from tactile contact so children should only eat at designated picnic areas and wash their hands before using the equipment.

“Inclusivity is the most important thing to me,” says Isban. “If my daughter goes on the monkey bars right after a child who just ate peanut butter, she can have an anaphylactic reaction. I want her to feel like she can run safely onto the playground after soccer practice.”

Isban credits the Town of North Castle Recreation Department for their swift action in installing the signs upon her suggestion. “Matt Trainor, superintendent of the rec department was really open to it, raised it at a town board meeting, and got it approved. A few weeks later, the signs were up.”

Photo of mug and playground sign courtesy of Michelle Isban

“It’s upsetting when your child is excluded,” reveals another Armonk mom. “I don’t expect another parent to bake something for my child, but I’m angry when I don’t get a head’s up about a class party or when parents show up to soccer games or practices with Dunkin Donuts or cookies. Your child has to watch empty-handed as their friends delight in their delicious treat. With just a little notice, I can easily bring a comparable treat for my child.”

Ever since Isban’s daughter was diagnosed with allergies, Isban has advocated for her daughter and for food allergic children. With the help of a lawyer, she helped get a 504 plan, the first in Byram Hills granted for food allergies. Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires public schools to offer accommodations for eligible students with disabilities. Now, other families in the district can more freely obtain this legally binding plan to address how the school will accommodate their child’s food allergies.

Isban also started an Instagram page called allergymomwithamission where she recommends new food brands without common allergens and collaborates with companies that make allergy-safe food products. Every Wednesday, she shares a food allergy hero, a young child or teen, and what they are doing in the food allergy community.

Isban uses any opportunity presented to spread awareness. She donates children’s books about food allergies to the school, she organized the Teal Pumpkin Drive in Armonk to collect non-food items for Halloween, she has co-chaired walks for the non-profit Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), and helped organize the 2019 Shoot For A Cure fundraiser at Breezemont Day Camp for the non-profit End Allergies Together (EAT) that raised over $60,000.

A teacher at heart, she will never pass up a teachable moment. Once on an airplane, hearing another passenger complain that peanuts were not being served, Isban approached the woman and explained that her daughter could have an anaphylactic reaction if a bag of peanuts was opened and the dust circulated in the air. She offered to share her own granola bar with the woman.

“I teach my daughter that food allergies don’t define you but they are part of you so it’s important to teach other people,” says Isban. “Everyone can make a difference and you don’t have to stay quiet.”

Legislation Passed That Can Save Lives

Chappaqua mom Stacey Saiontz, a former lawyer, has also committed to using her skills to advocate for legislation to make the world a safer and more inclusive place for people with food allergies. Her 13-year-old son, who has 26 food allergies, has been her driving force.

Mission Accomplished! Stacey Saiontz with family and friends following Governor Cuomo signing a bill giving bus drivers a green light to administer epinephrine in an emergency situation.

Twelve years ago, Saiontz had an idea to create a law that would require all New York State teachers to be trained to recognize a child in anaphylaxis and how to administer an epinephrine auto-injector. While at a child’s birthday party whose grandfather was a state senator, she approached the senator with her idea and he encouraged her to draft proposed legislation, which he later sponsored. Sadly, this bill has taken turns getting passed in either the senate or the assembly, but never both. Saiontz continues to push for this Teacher Training Bill (A523), which is currently being sponsored by Assembly member Linda Rosenthal.

She has since advocated, along with other Chappaqua parents, for multiple bills that have passed into law. Senate bill S7262A allows schools to stock epinephrine auto injectors and permits them to be administered in emergency situations without a prescription.

“Many kids try foods at school that they may not know they are allergic to and they can have a reaction. Previously, nurses’ hands were tied and they couldn’t use an EpiPen on a child without a prescription,” explains Saiontz. “A throat can close within seconds to minutes depending on the reaction and waiting for an ambulance could result in death.”

Another bill Saiontz helped pass into law, Assembly bill A09334B, allows students to self-carry EpiPens in schools. Thanks to this law, students could carry EpiPens in their backpacks and go to their friends’ houses and on their friends’ buses with them after school.

A third bill was inspired by Saiontz’ son when he was in the 4th grade and really wanted to take the bus but bus drivers were not authorized to administer epinephrine. Saiontz included her son in the whole process, brought him to Albany, and he proposed a law allowing bus drivers to administer epinephrine. Assembly bill A7635A was passed into law.

Saiontz is currently working on restaurant legislation in New York State that would require training of restaurant personnel and adding allergens to the menu. On the federal level, Saiontz and fellow local advocates advocated for the passage of the FASTER (Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research) Act that now requires sesame to be labeled on packaged food.

Saiontz has been bringing her son with her to Albany to advocate since he was 4-years old, along with a group of fellow parents and their kids.

“I don’t want him to feel sorry for himself.

I want him to see what he can do to make life better for him and others,” emphasizes Saiontz.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Epinephrine, food allergies, Michelle Isban, playground, Stacey Saiontz

The Beauty of Publishing

November 10, 2021 by Grace Bennett

There’s no business like show business… except for maybe publishing community magazines!  With a cover story in Inside Armonk Magazine about Treasures and its wonderful volunteer and philanthropic efforts, I’m feeling that too. I’m also delighted we could bring you our Inside Chappaqua Magazine cover story in which BGCNW executive director Alyzza Ozer shares so many of the amazing accomplishments of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester. Both these stories were ‘from the source’–sharing from their hearts–and we may include more of these in future articles about non-profits, too.

Toiling away in my own little corner in my own little chair over the last 18 years, I’m not always immediately aware, but over time, I can become quite buoyed by the impact different stories have on a person, a single organization, or an entire community for that matter.

I won’t lie either. The occasional expressions of gratitude we receive in producing our own little show makes publishing feel like a truly beautiful and worthwhile endeavor. This past fall, we received two such letters! Please see excerpts from each below.

We have some wonderful stories about several of our sponsors in this edition as well, and I present those with deep gratitude, too. The ‘independent’ stories we produce would not be possible without advertising/advertorial support, and in truth, the stories about our sponsors can be equally well received–as most of them are your neighbors and friends, too! And, oh, so impressive.

The beauty of expressing gratitude also emerges as a theme in these current and end of the year ‘beautiful-inside and out’ themed holiday editions. We have several essays addressing that vital feeling of appreciation of others, or even of oneself (if you’re prone to discounting your own beauty; I know I am). I’m personally grateful for all the arts venues bursting back onto the scene, and yup, I sure love getting out of the house again! As much as possible, in fact! in these editions, we visit the Taconic Opera Company and the iconic Capitol Theatre (rock and roll heaven in our backyard) to acquaint you, or at least remind you of all the irresistible shows.

An end note here as well that the holiday season can be especially treacherous for families with children with food allergies, so don’t miss Ella Ilan’s story about two moms making a huge difference. And that’s beautiful too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Letters to the Editor

“I am writing to send you sincere thanks for your story about the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden in your September-October issues of Inside Armonk and Inside Chappaqua & Millwood. The articles were so well written and illustrated that we could not have done a better job ourselves! It is clear that the results of your articles have increased our admissions at the Hammond Museum, both because the past several Saturdays have brought the most visitors that we have had in a single day (except our Opening Day), with about a 1/3 increase over prior Saturdays, and also because several individuals specifically remarked that their visit was the result of seeing your article in their local magazine. In fact, a visitor, who is the head of a local community group, remarked today that she heard about the Hammond at a gathering several weeks ago but suddenly “I’m seeing the Hammond promoted everywhere!” She specifically mentioned that one of the primary sources was your magazine. So we cannot thank you enough for your interest and support in our institution…  — Elizabeth Hammer, Executive Director, Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden

“I’m writing to express my gratitude to you and Pia Haas for the story in the September-October issues of Inside Chappaqua & Millwood and Inside Armonk magazines welcoming me in my new role as President and CEO of Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts. The piece captures the richness of the experiences that can be enjoyed at Caramoor year round, whether it be teas, tours and concerts in the Music Room of the Rosen House in the Fall through Spring, or our extensive summer season of outdoor musical performances enhanced by garden strolls, picnics and our Sonic Innovations Sound Art collection. Caramoor is a local gem and we can’t thank you enough for sharing it with your readers. Publications like yours play a vital role in the community and it was an honor to be included. It was also wonderful to work with your photographer Donna Mueller (who, by the way, miraculously coaxed our Sandy to pose for a photo!) and to meet you in person on Chappaqua Day! …  — Edward J. Lewis III, President & CEO, Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts

Filed Under: Just Between Us Tagged With: beauty, Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester, Caramoor, community magazines, food allergies, Gratitude, Hammond Museum, holiday season, Holidays, Inside Armonk, Inside Chappaqua & Millwood, Magazines, publishing, Treasures

Basketball Fundraiser to End Food Allergies

April 18, 2019 by The Inside Press

Lace up your sneakers! Michelle Feit Isban, a parent of a child with multiple anaphylactic food allergies, has created an event with an amazing group of food allergy families called “EAT’s Shoot for a Cure and Family Fun Day” on May 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Breezemont Day Camp. The event will feature basketball games for the whole family and carnival-style activities. Visit eat.rallybound.org/shootforacure for additional information.

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: basketball, Breezemont Day Camp, Event, food allergies, Shoot for a Cure

Fare Walk for Food Allergies Comes to Westchester

August 17, 2015 by Inside Press

15 Million Americans with Food Allergies = 15 Million Reasons to Walk

The FARE Walk for Food Allergy, presented by Mylan Specialty L.P., raises critical funds and awareness each year to support Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) in its mission to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments.
FARE WALK IMAGE

Join FARE and the food allergy community in Westchester to raise critical funds for and awareness about this growing public health issue. The FARE Walk for Food Allergy in Westchester will be held Saturday, October 10th at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle at 1pm.

This year, tens of thousands of people will gather at walks in nearly 60 communities nationwide to support their loved ones, friends, co-workers and neighbors living with life-threatening food allergies. The FARE Walk for Food Allergy offers fun activities for the entire family while helping to advance food allergy research, education, advocacy and awareness initiatives.

“Fifteen million people in the United States are living with food allergy, a life-altering and potentially life-threatening disease,” said Donna McKelvey, senior vice president and chief development officer at FARE. “It is for each of these individuals and their families that we work to find life-changing treatments, educate, advocate – and of course, walk. Every step we take and every dollar raised brings us closer to the day when we say FAREwell to food allergies.”

Sandi Kornblum, a Westchester resident and parent of a child with food allergies, is Westchester’s Walk Chair. She shares, “I am very excited about the 6th annual food allergy walk in Westchester. We are working diligently and planning a spectacular family day with fun-filled activities for the kids. Please fundraise and register to attend on October10th to help spread awareness as we walk together towards progress and growth in the research and education of food allergies.”

The 2013 and 2014 FARE Walk for Food Allergy programs raised over $3 million each. Participants can sign up to walk individually or as part of a team. For more information, or to register or volunteer, visit www.foodallergywalk.org/westchester2015. Sponsorship opportunities remain available, enabling businesses to show their support for families who are managing food allergies.

ABOUT FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. FARE’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments. Our work is organized around three core tenets: LIFE – support the ability of individuals with food allergies to live safe, productive lives with the respect of others through our education and advocacy initiatives; HEALTH – enhance the healthcare access of individuals with food allergies to state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment; and HOPE – encourage and fund research in both industry and academia that promises new therapies to improve the allergic condition. For more information, please visit www.foodallergy.org and find us on Twitter @FoodAllergy, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest.

The information presented here was via a Press Release from The FARE Walk for Food Allergy.

Filed Under: Westchester Tagged With: awareness, food allergies, fundraising, Inside Press, theinsidepress.com, Westchester

Food, Glorious Food …with Caution

November 29, 2014 by The Inside Press

Organic radishes
Organic radishes

By Sarah Ellen Rindsberg

In the carefree days of yesteryear, people gave nary a thought to the types of food they chose to savor. Parties were planned and no one asked whether anyone was allergic to anything. Children took their favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to school, no questions asked. Supermarket products were fairly uniform; white Wonder bread reigned in the bread aisle and Fluff was a pantry staple. The admonition, “stay safe,” pertained to keeping a close eye on one’s valuables and person.

Fast forward to today, and life, as it relates to food, has totally changed. Peanut-free tables are de rigueur at schools and camps. Dinner parties are painstakingly planned around friends’ gluten-free, lactose-intolerant, vegetarian/vegan and organic-only (to name just a few) diets. For some, food choices are governed by the desire to maintain a sensible weight; “jumping on the gluten-free wagon makes it easier to watch my diet,” says one local resident who requested anonymity. Still, for an increasing number of people for whom what passes through their lips can be a matter of life and death, food is far more and increasingly complicated. The term “food allergen”, now an integral part of contemporary language, is defined as a substance that causes a reaction in a person who has a food allergy.

What are these maleficent allergens and why should we care? The most common allergens–referred to as “the top 8”–are: dairy, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts ( i.e. walnuts, pecans, almonds, and cashews), fish and shellfish.

The National Restaurant Association places a high priority on everything related to food safety. ServSafe, their food training and safety program, is regarded as gospel among the 500,000 restaurant 
businesses they represent. They cover the rudiments (including hand washing, proper preparation and temperature guidelines) as well as the more extensive allergen training.

ServSafe product manager, David Crownover stresses that food safety begins with the source. “One o

Organic ginger root and oriental yams
Organic ginger root and oriental yams

f the basic foundations of food safety is to be using a reputable food supplier.” When frozen items arrive: “Look at the truck. Keep track of the temperature they’re being delivered at.”

The issue of food safety in general (with or without allergies) is practically mind-boggling in modern times. To eat or not to eat is not the question; it is instead, is it safe to eat? Normal precautions like washing all fruits and vegetables are not sufficient for some. Hyper-vigilance toward anything containing pesticides, GMOs, additives and hormones prevails.

Sage advice is proffered by Joseph Gentilesco, Captain of the Chappaqua Ambulance Corps. He begins by recounting a mother’s call to 911, saying that her young son who has a food allergy was going into shock. She had administered their EpiPen (one of a handful of well known trade-named epinephrine autoinjectors), and was waiting for it to take effect. The boy recovered and was fine until the next day when the same call came in. This time, the boy’s older brother had been eating peanuts and the younger one helped himself. The moral of this story is that both preparedness and supervision play key roles in food safety too.

“Shock is a life-threatening situation,” Gentilesco says. Even if people have used an EpiPen and feel confident that they or their friend or relative will be fine, Gentilesco prefers that they call 911: “We’d rather come and hear we’re not needed [than be called later for something much more serious].” He also emphasizes that the presence of an EpiPen (and a backup in case a second dose is needed) is not enough. Careful, periodic examination of the expiration date is also vital. When driving a bus for Chappaqua Transportation, another of the hats he wears, Gentilesco not only asks all allergic children to show him where their medicine is stowed; he goes the extra mile to verify that the medicine is effective.

Auvi-Q epinephrine injection device, front and back
Auvi-Q epinephrine injection device, front and back

Food safety is paramount in Dr. Susan Rubin’s mind. Rubin, a self-described eco-gastronomically focused food educator and leader in the world of school-food activism, cites many threats including one in corn and soy, both of which are likely to have a residue of the pesticide Roundup. “Your best bet is to go organic,” Rubin urges. That being said, she also advises being discriminate in determining what is truly organic. Rubin cautions against the “health halo” of enterprises like Whole Foods where the perception is that everything is organic, while in reality, it is not. Rubin grows her own food–she is the co-chair of the Chappaqua community garden–and is a member of the Roxbury Farm CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). She also mentions a rule of thumb 
she instilled in her children at a very 
young age, “If you can’t pronounce it, it’s not food.”

Still, even Rubin keeps food safety in perspective. “Eliminate foods with the highest pesticide residue (non organic strawberries top this list). I eat clean 80% of the time. Perfection simply doesn’t exist.”

Sarah Ellen Rindsberg embraces the knowledge acquired herein and does not take it with a grain of salt.

—-

Food Safety: Be an Advocate for your Family

For many families here and around the world, a laissez-faire attitude toward food consumption is not an option. Chappaqua resident Ellen Byck vividly recalls the moment she realized that food choices were to be strictly regulated. Her young daughter Sasha had been terribly ill and, despite many visits to the pediatrician, no diagnosis had been made. So, when Sasha was two years old, Ellen took her to see a gastroenterologist. “He knew immediately by looking at her,” Ellen says.

The specialist diagnosed celiac disease–an autoimmune disorder in which gluten consumption harms the small intestine. Blood work and a gluten-free diet were ordered. Sasha, now a healthy college freshman, categorizes herself as “a very cautious person.” She reads labels religiously and eschews risk by avoiding known dangers–gluten, peanuts and peas.

She emphasizes the importance not only of having an Auvi-Q device (another of the well known epinephrine autoinjectors) on hand at all times, but being trained in its use as well. Sasha plans to study hospitality and is cognizant of the skill set she brings to the table:

“Because I’ve had these allergies, I know what it’s like to order something and not have it prepared properly. I’ve had to suffer the consequences.” Under her watch, she vows to “make sure that what people are asking [in terms of dietary requests] really does happen.”

Another recent HGHS graduate, Rachel Schelling is her own best advocate. “Not long ago, I went to a new restaurant in Mount Kisco for the first time. I said, ‘I have a severe nut allergy, what’s your protocol?’” The staff’s explanation of their precautionary procedures assured her that it was safe to patronize the establishment. Rachel credits her parents for teaching her what to ask and how to listen, interpret and follow up. Parents who teach and model effective allergy interventions empower their children as they grow.

– Sarah Ellen Rindsberg

 

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: allergens, EpiPen, food allergies, ServSafe

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