WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Once you have determined that your child has a true food allergy, MOCHA recommends that you take several steps right away:

• Find a highly qualified pediatric allergist in your local area. Some helpful links in Chicago:
  • American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
  • Associated Allergists and Asthma Specialists, Ltd.
  • Chicago Family Asthma & Allergy, SC
  • Lurie Children's Hospital
  • UChicago Medicine Food Allergies and Intolerances
• Consider joining Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). It's is an invaluable source of information. Go to www.foodallergy.org to learn more.
• Join MOCHA!
• Contact MedicAlert for a medical identification bracelet.
• Get trained with the auto-injector of your choice. Either the Epi-Pen or Auvi-Q.
• Create a Food Allergy Emergency Care Plan and distribute it to all those who provide care for your child.
• Read ALL food and body product labels at least 3 times before giving to your child. Everything that goes into your child’s mouth or touches their body should be scrutinized. You can never be too careful. We suggest reading the labels at these three points:
  • AT PURCHASE: Read first at the grocery store before purchasing the item.
  • AT HOME: Read again at home before placing the item in your pantry or refrigerator.
  • AT MEAL TIME: Read again before serving your child. Read it when you feed it!
• Gather as much information as possible about your child’s particular allergy. There are many food allergy books to help you get started.
• Begin educating your family, friends, and community about your situation.
• MOST IMPORTANT: Always check with your own doctor about information you receive on the internet. If it sounds too good to be true, it very well may not be true.