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metro creatiVe SerViceS Food allergies can develop from birth, and some last a lifetime. Others are developed at different ages and may be outgrown. No matter when allergies stop or start, they can be a life-threatening problem for children. Although food allergies may be managed more easily at home, they present different challenges for school-aged children. School nurses and administrative offi cials should be informed about food allergies, especially if they are severe enough to warrant medical intervention, such as medication. Food allergies are quite common. Consider these allergy facts that can help parents better understand any issues their children might face. • Nearly 15 million people in the United States, many of whom are children, are affected by food allergies. • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says children with food allergies are two to four times more likely to have other related conditions, such as asthma and other allergies. • Food allergies are an immune system response to the food, not a case of digestive intolerance. • Among food allergic children, peanuts are the most prevalent allergen, followed by milk and shellfi sh, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. • Food allergies can cause everything from mild reactions, such as itchiness or hives, to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially deadly reaction. • Risk of food allergies increases when there is a parent who suffers from any type of allergic disease — even those beyond food allergies. • A recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that children are taking longer to outgrow milk and egg allergies. • Food avoidance remains the best way to prevent symptoms of food allergies. That is why reading product labels is vital. Food allergy fast facts Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette Preparing for a new baby is a busy and exciting time, and there's a lot to do: choose a name, decorate the nursery and celebrate with family and friends. However, the most important job of a mother-to-be is staying healthy, for herself and her baby. During pregnancy, a prospective mother will see her doctor regularly — at least monthly — and more frequently as her due date approaches. An obstetrician monitors the mother's health as well as the growth and health of the baby and provides guidelines to provide an optimal environment for the baby's development. Expectant mothers also have a variety of screening tests available to them to help make sure their baby is thriving and healthy. Routine tests done on all pregnant women include certain blood tests, urine tests, measurements of weight and blood pressure and measurements of the baby's growth and heart rate. These tests not only monitor the health of the mother and baby, but also give the obstetrician information about the baby: size, gender if parents-to-be choose to fi nd out ahead of time, gestational age and placement in the uterus. "It's important to remember that some tests are screening tests: that is, they detect a possible increased risk of a potential health condition," says Dr. Serena Pierson, board certifi ed obstetrician/gynecologist at Willow Creek Women's Clinic in Johnson. "Others are diagnostic, which means they can determine — with a good degree of accuracy — whether or not a baby has a certain condition." Some of these tests are performed just once, early in pregnancy, and some at every obstetrics or OB appointment, including checking the mother's weight, her urine, her blood pressure measurements and monitoring the baby's heartbeat. Other tests are performed periodically or only as indicated for specifi c patients deemed to be at increased risk for certain conditions. Routine prenatal screenings include: • Blood tests — Blood tests are routinely checked at the fi rst OB visit and then at specifi ed times later in the pregnancy. These check for anemia or low red blood cell counts, which can make mothers-to-be feel especially tired and can raise the risk of needing a blood transfusion at the time of delivery. Blood tests also confi rm the mother's blood type, screen for antibodies within the mother's blood and detect whether the mother has an absence of Rh factor protein that may indicate incompatibility between the mother's and baby's blood types. Blood type incompatibility and the presence of other maternal antibodies can cause potential health risks for the baby if not recognized and treated. Blood tests will also be ordered to check a primer to prenatal testing Routine and elective tests can tell a lot about your baby Dr. Serena Pierson longer to outgrow milk and egg allergies. • Food avoidance remains the best way to prevent symptoms of food allergies. That is why reading product labels is vital. Food allergy 8 | YoU AT YoUR beST | nwADg.coM/YoUATYoURbeST ApRil - TAckling AlleRgieS | SATURDAY, MARch 31, 2018

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