ML Interest Tag: threaten

The Skies Just Got Friendlier to Fly for Kids with Food Allergies

by Erica Loop

Flying with kids isn’t easy. Add on a food allergy and you have a whole other set of problems. And that’s exactly why one mom filed a game-changing complaint with the federal Department of Transportation.

In 2016 a gate agent for American Airlines refused Nicole Mackenzie’s pre-boarding request. According to the New York Times, the mom of a seven-year-old with life-threatening nut and seed allergies, wanted time to properly clean her child’s seating area. When Mackenzie wasn’t allowed to pre-board, she filed a formal complaint with the D.O.T.

photo: Anugrah Lohiya via Pexels 

Nearly three years later the D.O.T. regulators found that American Airlines had violated the Air Carrier Access Act. But luckily for anyone with a life-threatening food allergy, the airline has already made some pretty significant changes!

Following a D.O.T. complaint by food allergy advocacy group FARE in 2017, American Airlines changed its previous pre-boarding policy. As of Dec. 12, 2018 American Airlines began allowing passengers with peanut and tree nut allergies (or the adults traveling with them) to pre-board. Like Mackenzie wanted to do, parents are now free to wipe down seats and tray tables prior to the child getting on the plane. FARE’s CEO, Lisa Gable, told Allergic Living, “Anytime a company takes steps to address the needs of people with food allergies, we are pleased.”

If you’re wondering why pre-boarding policies are so important, consider what life is like for a child with serious food allergies. Leftover peanut, tree nut or other allergen residue can put the child into anaphylaxis. This potentially fatal condition is scary enough as is. But tens of thousands of feet into the air—the reaction may become unmanageable.

Thanks to American Airlines’ pre-boarding policy (other airlines such as Delta and JetBlue also have similar policies), parents can take some comfort in getting the chance to reduce potential contamination before the child ever reaches their seat.

—Erica Loop

 

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The Mother of Dragons Opened Up about Her Health Scare & She’s Helping Others, Too

by Shahrzad Warkentin

The Mother of Dragons recently revealed that she underwent surgery—twice—for life-threatening brain aneurysms. Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke is sharing her story now in hopes raising awareness of her condition, which affects more young people than you might think.

Clarke recently shared her story of undergoing brain surgery for two aneurysms in a personal essay in The New Yorker. Her first aneurysm was discovered while filming Game of Thrones in 2011. She described her diagnosis, surgery and the long path to recovery after. “On the set, I didn’t miss a beat, but I struggled,” Clarke wrote. “Season two would be my worst. I didn’t know what Daenerys was doing. If I am truly being honest, every minute of every day I thought I was going to die.”

Along with her published essay, Clarke launched a new charity called Same You to help raise awareness about the recovery needs of those who have suffered a brain injury, especially young people. “I am calling for the prioritization of increased funding for neurorehabilitation,” Clarke’s blog on the Same You site said. “Everyone after leaving hospital should have the multi-disciplinary rehabilitation and recovery care they desperately need.”

You can read Clarke’s moving essay for The New Yorker here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: gameofthrones via Instagram

 

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Why Are There So Many More Food Recalls? You’re Not Imagining Things

by Erica Loop

Does it seem like there are more food recalls that usual? Between that massive romaine recall from the end of 2018 to thousands of pounds of beef, turkey and even our kids’ beloved chicken nuggets, it almost feels like nothing is safe to eat. Obviously, that’s not true—but the number of recalls is rising. Here’s why.

According to data from the Public Interest Research Group, food recalls increased by 10 percentb etween 2013 and 2018. A staggering 70 percent increase was in chicken-related recalls alone.

Photo: amsw photography via Pexels

Before you panic, keep in mind that these numbers aren’t static. They go up and down, and sometimes back up again. They also may indicate a trend towards increasing voluntary recalls. In other words, when companies issue their own voluntarily recalls for potentially contaminated products, the number of recalls go up.

Initiating a voluntary recall immediately has obvious advantages. The quicker the response, the sooner the public is notified—and can stop eating the affected product (or throw it out before eating it). This reduces serious and life-threatening illnesses and reactions. So while it seems like the number of recalls has risen, it’s out of an abundance of caution ultimately meant to protect consumers preemptively.

—Erica Loop

 

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The FDA Issues Warning to Parents: Teething Jewelry Isn’t Safe for Babies

by Erica Loop

We’ve all been there—both as parents and personally (even if we don’t remember it): teething. The crying kiddo, the pain, and the fact that you’d do pretty much anything to stop the insanity. But what about those teething necklaces and bracelets your mom friends rave about? Well…about that.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a statement recently issued a warning to parents and caregivers of young children about how teething jewelry—worn by your cranky baby or the caregiver—can actually be potentially dangerous.

Photo: Alex Smith via Pexels 

How can parents soothe teething pain, anyway? Teething gels aren’t a great solution, either; the FDA notes that benzocaine-containing products (such as gels, sprays or ointments) can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition that reduces the red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen.

If you can’t use a gel or cream, what can you use? It’s this very question that leads plenty of parents to teething jewelry. Often marketed as a safe, “natural” alternative to other products, these items look like necklaces or bracelets are typically made from amber, marble, silicone or wood.

Following reports of serious injuries and tragically, strangulation deaths, the FDA now cautions parents to avoid teething jewelry altogether. If you think that adult supervision will reduce the risks, think again. According to the FDA, a seven-month-old infant choked on a wooden beaded teething bracelet—while under parental supervision. Luckily, the child was okay following a trip to the hospital.

The new warning from the FDA stresses using alternatives to soothe teething pain—and of course, avoiding teething jewelry. Instead, gently massage your baby’s gums with clean fingers. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that you can give your kiddo a firm rubber teething ring (but not the frozen kind). Always inspect the teething ring for damage and supervise your child while they’re gumming it.

—Erica Loop

 

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Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: Dec. 14, 2018

by Karly Wood

Photo by Ryan McGuire via Gratisography; composite by Karly Wood for Red Tricycle

What’s better than funny parenting tweets? Hilarious holiday parenting tweets! Parents everywhere are getting ready for the big day and whether they’re bribing their kids to stay in line or just bemoaning the days leading up to Christmas, they are downright funny.

 

1. Totally winning it.

2. Oh totes.

3. Well played smoke alarm, well played.

4. Livin’ the dream.

5. Never. The answer is never.

6. They sound just alike, really.

7. Who needs The Club when you have kids?

8. Yes PLEASE!

9. Sweet dreams are made of these.

https://twitter.com/thecheekymommy/status/1073030425843503104

10. Out of the mouths of babes…

––Karly Wood

 

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Why Our Family Embraces All Holiday Traditions, Both New & Old

By Eva Amurri Martino

For me, the magic of the holiday season has so much to do with tradition—keeping the old ones alive and creating new traditions. Ever since I became a mom, the magic of Christmas has felt fresh to me again, and I love experiencing everything through my kids’ eyes. Christmas memories still remain some of my favorite from my own childhood, and there are a few traditions we’re replicating this year and a couple of new ones we’re adding, too!

Classic Holiday Traditions We’ll Always Celebrate

Going to the Big Apple Circus

One of my favorite traditions growing up was going to the Big Apple Circus during Christmas time as a family. This year I went on StubHub’s holiday site and found tickets to the Big Apple Circus for Christmas Day. I’m going to surprise my kids on Christmas morning and take them into the city later that day.

To make the gift as exciting to unwrap as it is to attend, I will pair the tickets with a beautiful glass ornament of a circus animal, red clown noses and circus peanuts.

Letting the Kids Pick Toys to Donate to Children in Need

There was always a huge emphasis on giving back when I was growing up, and the holiday season was no different. Each year around Christmas, my mom would have us go through our clothes and toys and choose some to donate to less fortunate children. They always had to be in tip-top shape as well—nothing broken or worn out.

This was a great way to place focus on the true meaning of Christmas, while also clearing out room for the gifts that Santa would bring. I love this tradition, and now each year I have my kids select five toys each to give away.

New Holiday Traditions We’re Adding This Year

Elf on the Shelf

We never had one growing up, but I can’t help but love this adorable Christmas tradition—and my kids do too! It’s fun to come up with creative ways for our kids to find Berry (our Elf) in the morning, and I gotta say I ADORE having a little bit of a Positive Christmas Behavior reinforcer who sits on my mantle every day “threatening” my kids, LOL. Berry has only been with us a few weeks and already she has stopped multiple tantrums mid-scream. If that’s not a Christmas miracle, I don’t know what is!

Giving Experience Gifts

Sometimes getting inspired to buy something special for your loved ones during the holiday season can be overwhelming: how do you pick something that will truly stand out and not gather dust in the corner after a couple of months? The past few years I’ve been giving experiences for Christmas, and this year I’m giving live events to some of my nearest and dearest.

I went on StubHub and I’m giving my husband tickets to see Hamilton, which is finally going on a U.S. tour! Along with the tickets, I am going to give him a copy of one of my favorite books, Howard Zinn’s A People’s History Of The United States, a journal, pen and a copy of the Hamilton soundtrack so we can memorize all the songs before we go!

We live just outside NYC and there is nothing more chic or bucket list than the New York Philharmonic! I am gifting my in-laws and parents four tickets (so we can go to), packaged in an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne, two glasses and some thematic ornaments for extra sparkle.

Happy Holidays all, I hope you enjoy some old and new traditions this year.

Featured Photo Courtesy: erin walker via Unsplash
Eva Amurri Martino
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Eva is a mama to two kids and wife to a former Major League Soccer player. She's also the founder of Happily Eva After, a comedic and honest approach to everything parenting, lifest‌yle, fashion and DIY, as well as creator of the custom t-shirt app, The Happily App.

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RECALL: Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Oreo Cookies

by Red Tricycle

Mondelez Global announced a nationwide voluntary recall of certain Oreo Fudge Cremes products. The Original and Mint Oreo Fudge Cremes varieties are being recalled because milk allergens were not declared in the ingredient lists.

The company said people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.

The two products to look out for are below:

Oreo Fudge Cremes, Original variety (11.3 oz package) with the UPC number 044000026943 and any of the following “best when used by” dates, which are on the bottom left corner on the back of packages:

  • 19 AUG 16
  • 20 AUG 16
  • 14 SEP 16
  • 13 OCT 16
  • 14 OCT 16
  • 17 OCT 16

Oreo Fudge Cremes, Mint variety (11.3 oz. package) with the UPC number 044000026967 and any of the following “best when used by” dates:

  • 20 AUG 16
  • 21 AUG 16
  • 14 SEP 16
  • 15 SEP 16
  • 16 SEP 16
  • 17 OCT 16
  • 18 OCT 16

Consumers who have this product should not eat it and should discard any products they may have. Consumers can contact the company at 1-855-535-5948, 24 hours a day to get more information about the recall.

 

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EpiPen’s 400 Percent Price Hike Has Parents Worried

by Red Tricycle

For parents with kids who have severe allergies, the EpiPen is literally a life-saver. An EpiPen is a portable device that delivers epinephrine and can stop anaphylactic shock due to a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical company Mylan has increased the prices for an EpiPen by 400 percent since 2008. What was once $100 eight years ago, is a little more than $500 today. Why?

In a recent statement by Mylan, the company said that the prices have “changed over time to better reflect important product features and the value the product provides.” In other words, they have no competitors and they know folks around the world NEED this life-saving device.

The company offers coupons on its website that can help reduce costs, but many parents still see this as ethically irresponsible.

All Photos: EpiPen

Do you carry an EpiPen with you? Let us know in the comments below!

H/T: NBC News

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She’s the Boss: 10 Local Mompreneurs You’ll Want to be Friends With

by Katie Brown

We may aspire to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables, dress our babes in responsibly-sourced organic cotton, and skip that Florida vacay in favor of, say, a local production of King Lear.  But when it’s the dead of winter and your toddler is threatening to peel the paint from the walls if he doesn’t get a bowl of summery strawberries yesterday…you do what you gotta do (thanks for the free coffee, Trader Joe’s).  Here, we profile several D.C.-area business owners who also happen to be parents—so you can reduce your carbon footprint in solidarity with entrepreneurs who, bless their hearts, haven’t slept through the night since 2010.

Kathleen Donahue – Labyrinth Games and Puzzles

Owner Kathleen Donahue has an unpaid expert test most of her store’s new games: her son! Labyrinth sells a wide selection of non-electronic specialty games, puzzles, brainteasers, and mazes. The space boasts hands-on activities and games to be played in-store, hosts game tournaments (think: Chess Club, Friday Night Magic, Pokemon Club) and parties, and partners with local schools and organizations to provide after-school enrichment programs. They train teachers on how to use games in the classroom, and help plan and run fundraisers, family game nights, and childcare during local PTA meetings. If you’re looking for a way to wedge yourself between your kid and the Wii console, this might be it.

Online: labyrinthgameshop.com

Who did we miss? In the comments section below, tell us about your favorite local mompreneur.

—Katie Brown and Hilary Riedemann

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D.C. Cool: Old Navy’s Stylish Springtime Looks for the Littles

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady
Partner Content

There’s only one prerequisite for getting D.C. kids dressed and out the door—their clothes must be comfortable. What with all of the museums to explore, green spaces to roll through, and Spring stay-cations to take, your little one’s threads should be easy to wear (and jump up and down in). These Old Navy outfits are just that. Plus, they’re ridiculously kid-orable.

 

Tickled Pink
Sure, she looks like a proper little lady (check out that perfect leg cross pose), but the ensemble is still head-to-toe comfy—the shoes come with a secure T-strap, the sweater has one button for quick indoor/outdoor transitions, and the dress billows so she can run freely and explore every nook and cranny of her D.C. backyard.

 

 

Twice as Nice
Junior’s playtime look gets a laid back makeover with this sleeveless tee (which also comes in blue) and cargo sweats combo. Slip kiddo into a pair of grey high tops and he’s ready to speed race through any one of the District’s parks or playgrounds.

 

Romper Ready
Getting dressed in the morning couldn’t be simpler for your tween with a denim romper. This one piece has a relaxed fit and is completely adorable when teamed with pink ballet flats. April showers threatening to rain on her parade? Top the look off with a snazzy trench to be safe.

 

The Bomb(er) Dot Com
The school year may be winding down in the DMV, but that doesn’t mean your little man has to nix his favorite perfect-for-spring preppy look—a blue bomber jacket over a grey T-shirt and khaki pants. Wear the pieces all at once or mix-and-match them for a fresh look every day of the week.

Want to snag your own comfy spring look? Head over to oldnavy.com and check out the selection. Let us know which styles you can’t get enough of in the Comments section below. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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