Allergies

When I lost over 100 lbs. and swore off diet soda and fast food, I had a choice in the matter. I took those choices for granted. When I was single with no kids and I had mountains of extra time on my hands that I would fill up with watching television or reading my favorite novels, I took all that extra time for granted. When I had my first two children, and they could eat ANYTHING they wanted because they didn’t have a food allergy, I took that freedom to eat and be normal for granted.

Last summer, teenager Scott Johnson died from a severe dairy allergy after eating pancakes from a restaurant his family trusted. In November, 19-year-old Chandler Swink died from a severe reaction to a peanut allergy. Two years ago, 13-year-old Natalie Giorgi died from a summer camp treat made with peanut butter. Unfortunately, stories like these are being more common because severe allergies are on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2013 that, between 1997 and 2011, food allergies have increased by 50% in children. Not only that, but allergies are mostly on the rise in developed countries, rather than in 3rd nations like we might expect.

Top 5 Benefits of Himalayan Crystal Salt:Prevention of allergy symptoms and improved air quality.Increased serotonin levels to aid in healthy sleep patterns.Improved energy and mood.Decreased blood pressure.Supported immune system, respiratory function, and vascular health.

I’m fortunate to have so many friends that know about allergies. I never really felt this was a blessing UNTIL after Christmas.After Christmas a couple of things happened, and since then my poor son has been tormented with itching, severe eczema, more skin rashes and discomfort. It’s just heart breaking to see an 8 month old baby go through this.

Last week I got in touch with Fleishman Hillard, the public relations firm that handles Similac.They know me already. But what has happened is odd. After reaching out and getting an initial "Oh HEY LEAH! We’ll get back to you real soon!"…I’ve not heard back.

This ain’t my first rodeo…so to speak.I’ve had 3 children so far. I’ve breastfeed 3 children. Breastfeeding was difficult with my first two because I would always crack and bleed. Hey, don’t forget I"m a redhead. But with this baby, breastfeeding was very easy. Him and I were an effortless team from the very beginning. My past experiences with breastfeeding were not pleasant, but I got through them because it was better for my kids. As do most mothers. This baby was different or I just got really good at it. Who knows.