FAACT's Roundtable

In this episode, FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health, Emery Brown, MA, School Psychology, helps us explore Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating and how these conditions may interact with food allergies. Learn about signs and symptoms and how to find help, hope, and solutions. To keep you in the know, here are helpful resources: Podcasts: Understanding PTSD and Food AllergiesYour Family: Building Resilience in KidsFood Allergy Anxiety and DepressionSelf-care and Coping Skills Tips for...

In this episode, we sit down with Gwen Smith, Editor and Content Chief of Allergic Living, to take a peek behind the scenes of America's favorite food allergy and asthma news source. Ms. Smith shares personal stories of her first reaction as an adult and what inspired Allergic Living. We explore memorable stories and why educating the public is at the heart of Ms. Smith's passion. To keep you in the know, here are links mentioned in the podcast: Allergic Living'This Allergic Life'...

In this episode, we explore the complex system of the food safety culture at The Hershey Company with Kevin Boyd, PhD, Manager of Allergen and Toxicology, and Megan Kenjora, Senior Manager of Food Safety Culture. Listen to how their work is more than executing protocol to keep people with food allergies safe, but how science, safety, and passion merge to create tasty treats worldwide. To keep you in the know, here are a few links to topics mentioned in the podcast: The Hershey CompanyFood...

In this episode, we explore Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), how to identify it, and what to do if you suspect a loved one might be experiencing PTSD. As we speak with FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health, Emery Brown, MA, School Psychology, we'll learn about medical PTSD, although rare, and post-traumatic growth, as well! Links and resources mentioned in today's podcast: Podcasts: Your Family: Building Resilience in KidsFood Allergy Anxiety and DepressionSelf-care and Coping...

In today's episode, we meet Soheila Maleki, Ph.D, a research chemist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in New Orleans. Ms. Maleki's work focuses specifically on peanut and tree nuts. We explore the type of research her lab conducts and how everyone from the peanut farmer to researchers are involved in addressing food allergy in the United States. To keep you in the know, here are a few links to topics mentioned in the podcast: Food Processing and Sensory and Quality Research:...

In this episode, Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD, sits down with us to share a lively and detailed review of the updated USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans. We explore the recommendations for feeding infants allergens in hopes of preventing food allergies and discuss tips on how to safely feed allergens to infants. To keep you in the know, here are a few helpful links: USDA Dietary GuidelinesPrevent Peanut Allergies: American Academy of Pediatrics: Healthy ChildrenAcademy of...

In this episode we hear directly from two college students, Maya Konoff (Syracuse University) and Emma Sorrentino (University of Vermont), who are enjoying traditional college life while managing food allergies. Hear their very candid and authentic thoughts about campus dining, roommates, and dating. To keep you in the know, we invite you to explore these resources: FAACT College and University Resources FAACT’s Adults with Food Allergies Section FAACT Blogs: Getting Ready for College:...

As the adult population with food allergy continues to grow, we sit down with two adults with food allergies to learn how they navigate their work and personal lives. Joining us is Linda Menighan, FAACT Vice President of Programs, and Emery Gewirtz Brown, FAACT Director of Behavioral Health. These two community leaders take us on a lively tour of several new 'Adults with Food Allergies' resources available to you, your friends, and colleagues. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free...

Meet the newest FAACT Leadership team member, Kristin M. Osborne, FAACT's Vice President of Education, as we explore special activities to celebrate Valentine's Day with food allergies. Hear about Random Acts of Valentine's Day Kindness to creating new and inclusive memories with your family and friends. We welcome Kristin and her extensive background as she joins the FAACT Leadership team. To keep you in the know, below are helpful links: Meet Kristin OsborneBlogs: FAACT Believes in Love...

In this episode, you'll enjoy getting to know precocious 12-year-old Brennan, who candidly discusses his challenges and successes in managing food allergies. As a FAACT Camp TAG and Teen Retreat veteran, Brennan provides a glimpse from an attendee's perspective of these two signature events. Joined by his mother, Shannon, they share stories of bullying and triumph. Links from topics mentioned in podcast: Brennan’s Teal Love Spotlight Food Allergy JourneyFAACT’s Camp TAG (The Allergy...

In this episode, we sit down with FAACT President, CEO and Founder, Eleanor Garrow-Holding, as she reflects on 2020 with her eye on 2021. Eleanor authentically shares her personal experience discovering her son's food allergy, EoE, and asthma and how those early experiences helped to shape the FAACT organization we know today. Programs mentioned in podcast: FAACT's Camp TAGFAACT's Teen RetreatFAACT's Leadership SummitBlogs: Bringing Hope, Love, and Empathy into the New Year for Those...

In this episode, we sit down with FAACT's Medical Advisory Board Chair, Dr. Shahzad Mustafa, to explore the world of COVID-19 vaccinations as he explains how vaccinations work and why the current vaccinations offered are safe - even for people living with food allergies and asthma. Podcasts with Dr. Shahzad Mustafa: Understanding COVID-19, Part 1 Understanding COVID-19, Part 2 Food Allergy and COVID-19 Pandemic, Where Are We NowResources:· FAACT’s COVID-19 Resource CenterThe Centers for...

Pandemic parenting has been a challenge! Today, we sit down with FAACT's Director of Behavioral Health, Emery Gewirtz, MA, School Psychology, as we explore what emotions kids might be feeling right now and how to help establish fun winter goals, routines, and tips to perk up the pandemic winter blues. Listen to Emery's top three tips for engagement, including how to help your child remain engaged with their peers and friends. Links mentioned in podcast: Cosmic Kids YogaFAACT’s Behavioral...

In this episode, FAACT-recognized support group leader, and FAACT Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board Member, Ashley Smith, explores fresh ideas for creating memories for all budgets and locations. Ashley discusses how to keep grandparents involved even when they are living across the country and how to focus on love, creativity, and inclusion of all family members. No prior crafting experience needed to enjoy these easy and affordable ideas! To keep you in the know, below are...

In this episode, FAACT-recognized support group leader, and FAACT Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board Member, Carolina Soto, MSW, shares how to safely manage the holidays as we balance precious, cultural traditions with food allergy management. Carolina explores the importance of finding support and why we need one another. To keep you in the know, below are helpful links: FAACT's Teal Love Spotlight ContestFAACT's Cultural Allergy-Friendly Recipes on PinterestFAACT's Support...

This holiday season, we explore how to set a positive intention, learn how to say "No" with grace and honesty, and how to "take in the good" with Emery Gewirtz, FAACT Director of Behavioral Health. The holidays can be tough, but with tools packed with science-based tips, you'll be prepared for a joyful season. To keep you in the know, below are a few, free & helpful links: Holiday Helpers: FAACT’s “What Will Your Holiday Season Look Like?” BlogFAACT’s Holiday Planning SectionFAACT’s...

In this episode, Executive Chef, Keith Norman, with South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, helps us get ready for holiday cooking by sharing tips for preparing ahead of time and how to safely cook a turkey. Chef Keith shares his passion for our food allergy community through his cooking and food allergy aware television appearances. To keep you in the know, below are helpful links: FAACT's Shine Bright with Teal Love Spotlight ContestFood Service and Food Allergies with Chef KeithFDA's Food...

As parents of children with food allergies, we know a strong parent-teacher relationship is key. In this information-packed episode, we sit down with Keynote speaker, Author, former California Teacher of the Year, the Rappin' Mathematician, and the Founder of Multiplication Nation, Alex Kajitani, to explore how to keep those important lines of communication open with our children's teachers. Mr. Kajitani also helps us better understand the importance of teaching our students how to become...

In this episode, we explore the science behind how food manufacturers detect allergens with Melanie Downs, PhD, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Food Science and Technology. Learn about spectrometry and how testing food samples sometimes uses the same technology used in COVID-19 rapid testing. Dr. Downs explains what type of research is conducted at the Food Allergy Research & Resource Program (FARRP) and how it impacts people managing food...

In this episode, Curtis Zimmerman, renowned keynote and motivational speaker, and FAACT's Teen Retreat Keynote speaker and presenter, discusses how to change your mindset to conquer the phase of life in a pandemic during which he calls the 'Next Normal'. You'll discover fresh approaches to your relationships and family time. To keep you in the know, below are a few links: Curtis ZimmermanVirtual School Assembly with Curtis ZimmermanManaging and Inspiring Family Life During the COVID-19...