by Aline Neal

Created on: February 24, 2008

HELPFUL TIPS TO EASE YOUR MIND

When it comes to our children's safety, dining out can be a life or death situation, we NEED to protect them! With over 2 million children having life threatening allergies, it's truly a cause for concern. Most people just don't know how serious it can be. Parents who have children with a food allergy always have to take an extra step when it comes to their child's safety.

It can be very scary eating out at a restaurant or anywhere else for that matter. Sure you can tell the waiter/waitress that your daughter has an "allergy to peanuts", however most people who hear this are thinking well there is no peanuts or peanut butter here. They forget about salad dressings, desserts & peanut oil that they fry with and what not. HOW scary is that?
Read on for some tips that are sure to help keep your mind sane and your little ones safe.

#1. ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST
So many people have no clue how dangerous allergies can be. For instance if your child has a seafood allergy,and you order a side of french fries. Most people don't know that if they fry fish in the same oil as french fries that the child can have a deathly reaction. However the only real thing that you can do in these situations is to be totally prepared. Don't take anything for granted. If your child is anaphylactic then you need to bring an epipen which is prescribed by your physician and if its not life threatening then have your physician advise you on medicines such as Benadryl or Claritin.

#2. KNOW YOUR FACTS
Most national chains such as Mcdonalds or Burger king will include nutritional information on their websites. They tend to also include allergy information on their websites. If for some reason you cannot find what you are looking for, call and ask a manager about their protocols and how they would handle your specific need.

#3. TALK TO YOUR WAITER/WAITRESS
When speaking to your waiter/waitress, let them know that this is a huge concern and that you are not willing to take any gambles. If they can't guarantee you anything then you need to leave. You need to make sure you make eye contact and that your waiter totally understands what you are saying. Make sure they are able to understand and that they are fluent in your language. Make the waiter aware of how dangerous and that it can be in anything from sauces to oil. If the waiter is not of help to you , don't take chances, go directly to the manager.

#4. WATCH FOR DINNER RUSHES
Keep in mind that during their busiest

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