Past Blog Posts by Cheri Bissell

Allergies to peanuts are common, especially in children. Love of Easter candy is also common, especially in children. Unfortunately, many types of Easter candy contain peanuts or traces of peanuts that could prove deadly in a severe allergy attack. Happily, nut-free chocolate bunnies are available. Hershey’s makes many nut-free chocolate bunnies and other chocolate candies. Yummy gummy options are Sour Patch Bunnies, Swedish Fish Eggs, Starburst jelly beans, and Jolly Rancher jelly beans. Peeps are also nut-free. There are a variety of online stores selling nut-free candy. Among the most popular of these are Divvies and Vermont Nut Free Chocolates. An additional source of Easter sweets is your own kitchen. Try melting nut-free Baker’s chocolate into bunny, egg, and chick molds. Molds can also be used to make Easter-themed Jell-O shapes. Here, you get the bonus of a fun activity to do with the kids. Don’t forget that it’s very important to inspect packaging yourself for allergy warnings. Even if there are no warnings, watch your child or loved one carefully while they eat. Those with peanut allergies should always wear some type of medical alert jewelry in case of anaphylactic shock. A medical ID bracelet or medical id necklace can be a true life saver.Despite the pervasiveness of nuts, children with peanut allergies can hop along happily with the rest of the kids, enjoying an Easter candy sugar rush. Continue reading...

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Since the 1970s, the Autism Society has been using the observance as an opportunity to educate the public about autism and issues concerning the autism community. The term ‘autism’ is familiar to many, but the specifics of the disorder are not widely understood in the general public. Autism encompasses a spectrum of developmental disabilities that range from mild to severe. Problems with social communication is a symptom most widely shared by those with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The spectrum includes “classic” autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Autism symptoms fall into three main categories: social skills, language, and behavior. A person with autism may not respond to his or her name, may resist physical affection, and appear to be insensitive to others’ feelings. Language problems for those with ASDs manifest initially as developmental delays and later, with the inability to start or maintain a conversation. A person with autism may speak with an abnormal rhythm or tone. Behavior issues include intense sensitivity to light, sound, and touch; performance of repetitive movements like rocking or spinning; and development of rituals and strict routines. Continue Reading Continue reading...

Fall is here! Two great new beaded medical ID bracelets for the holiday season. Continue reading...

Show your support for Epilepsy Awareness Month by wearing your lavender ribbon, or lavender medical bracelet. Continue reading...