Are You a Careful Kisser? A Celiac Fact of the Day, and a Big Shout Out!

Are you a careful kisser??
(Teens and food allergies/gluten sensitivities: Celiac Awareness Month)

For most people kissing can be a fun and harmless activity, but when you have food allergies, sensitivities, or the such, kissing becomes a very dangerous thing.

Although developing a severe reaction from a kiss is rare and unusual, it is not unheard of. When kissing someone with a food allergy (whether it be a grandparent, parent, sibling, or date) try to avoid eating the food allergen.

Kissing safety for food allergic children and teens:
Before you pucker up:

• Remind your kissing partner about your allergies;
• Suggest your partner avoid eating serious allergens, if possible;
• Ask your partner to minimize allergen exposure, such as by washing hands and face, or brushing teeth thoroughly, before kissing;
• Carry appropriate medication and know how to use an injectable epinephrine kit;
• Wear emergency medical identification (such as a Medic Alert® bracelet). 

Although food sensitivities are different than food allergies, it can be very helpful to follow the same rules above. Cross contamination of gluten, for instance, can happen in a variety of ways including kissing and even trace amounts can make a person with Celiac Disease very sick.

Celiac Fact:

Celiac disease is caused by the consumption of gluten a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It is estimated that 83% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.

A Big Shout Out- Thank You!

During the A to Z Challenge in April I received a blogging award from the wonderful, sweet Mary Hill of Mary-adering Mary is a mother, wife, dreamer, and writer. I met her during the A to Z Challenge and am so grateful.

Thank you, thank you Mary for this wonderful honor. You made my day!

 

 

Here are a few of my favs...daisies, yellow, frozen yogurt, superhero movies, Walking Dead, great music, the river, sitting by the swimming pool on a hot day, dogs, summer, sunshine, and happy people.

I will tweet my nominations as I pass on this great award to other wonderful bloggers! Thank you again Mary!

-Rebecca

It's May! And I'm Raising Awareness on Celiac Disease. Also- A to Z is Over and I'm a Survior

May is Celiac Awareness Month

Celiac Disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder triggered by the digestion of gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. It causes damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients. Ingesting gluten will make many individuals with celiac disease very sick.


According to National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, an estimated 1 in 141 Americans has celiac disease, yet 83% of those who have it are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

There isn't a cure for celiac disease, however by eliminating gluten, one can effectively manage the disease.

I was diagnosised with celiac disease almost two years ago. Eating a gluten-free diet can be very challenging at times. I think the hardest part is dealing with cross-contamination. Because of my high sensitivity to gluten, I do not allow any gluten in the house and rarely-if ever- eat out. But since I have gone gluten-free, I have felt a million times better. So it is worth it!

Through out the month of May, join me in raising awareness to celiac disease by supporting gluten-free blogger,   wearing green, sporting a gluten-free bracelet or t-shirt, supporting your local gluten-free restaurant, or even sharing a plate of gluten-free cookies.


Also- The A to Z challenge is over...and I survived.



I had so much fun this past month during the A to Z Challenge. And I must admit that I'm very sad that it's over. I really enjoyed everyone's theme and am grateful for everyone who commented and followed my blog. I thank you all!

I am also grateful to Susan Oloier (and Moxie Writers) for joining up with me. With the "Power of Three" we created a theme of teen tough issues and causes.

Again-thank you all for supporting us. I look forward to seeing you all in the blogosphere.

Sources: National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, Mayo Clinic,