Peanuts

[allergymomma]

Hey everyone. My son is away for his freshman year of college and I go crazy worrying about his peanut allergy. NOW, he is talking about studying abroad next fall. I am falling apart. I'm actually still looking into those medical alert bracelets. He ruled out the necklaces. I need companies that sell the Medical Alert bracelets but I was really hoping to find first hand reviews! I want to know that they are reliable. Any experience with anything like this?

[treeshrub]

A medical braclet is a good thing, they are recognised around the world, my sister has one and it is great.

[Dr Mich Erlewyn-Lajeunesse]

Now your son is a teenager he should be taking over responsibility for his food allergies. This can be a worrying time for parents, especially when the allergy sufferer does not remember having a reaction, as it occurred when they were much younger. Skin prick testing can be very useful in this situation as it is visible reminder of persistent allergy. You should discuss this with your allergist.
Your son might want to have a look at http://www.whyriskit.ca a website for young people with food allergies written by young people with food allergies.
In the UK, the Anaphylaxis Campaign are running a series of workshops for teenagers with food allergies and their parents to address some of the issues. Check out their website and become a member to keep up with developments.
As for medic alert bracelets - they are not a replacement for a good understanding of risk and avoidance.