Allergy Message in English and Spanish for Restaurants

I recently had another allergic reaction due to butter being in a sauce that was not mentioned on a menu.  I was at a business dinner and didn't want to make a big deal about my allergies, so I rolled the dice on a Salmon entree with a lemon white wine sauce.  Big mistake.  I am done playing Russian Roulette at restaurants.

This morning, I created a 2-sided business card on VistaPrint - English on one side, Spanish on the other side.  From now on - I am going to give the waiter this card with every order.

Readers:  Please feel free to use the following to either print or create your own business cards.

Cross Contact - Food Allergies

Yesterday, my husband and I were traveling and I didn't have too many viable choices for a lunch spot.  We ended up going to Jersey Mike's so he could get a sandwich and I figured I could find something there to eat.  Most sub places have tuna fish salad which has become a regular staple in my diet this summer.

So I am watching the guy at the front of the line, slicing meat for each sandwich order.  He is also the order taker, and is wearing gloves.  All the meat off the slicer is being handled by his gloved hands.

I order the tuna salad "bowl" versus a sub.  Before I get a chance to ask him to change his gloves for me, he reaches into the lettuce to start the preparation of my Tuna Salad Bowl.  Immediately, I told him I only wanted the tuna salad - no veggies.  I am highly allergic, so I am not willing to risk the cross contact between things I can eat, and those that I cannot.

Here's some interesting information about how to avoid cross contact ...

https://www.foodallergy.org/cross-contact

News Links - Alpha Gal Allergy

Recent:

NPR News - 6/25/18

TODAY News: 6/26/18



Older:

RadioLab Podcast Story & Interview

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/allergies/tick-bite-linked-rise-red-meat-allergies-why-now-n559346

CNN Article from 2012 - Alpha Gal Allergy

Interview - UVA Research

Wall Street Journal Article

Preventing The Next Tick Bite

As most allergists and scientists will tell you, your Alpha Gal testing numbers will come down over time .... provided you don't get another tick bite.

I'm an outdoor person, so naturally I said I couldn't make any promises on avoiding another tick bite.  I live in the woods, have an outdoor dog, have 2 horses that are in pastures previously occupied by cattle, and live in North Carolina where ticks are prevalent.

My allergy physician team (at Duke) suggested that I check into Permethrin Clothing that is used by forest rangers.  So far, I have purchased a polo shirt, socks and a hat.  The chemical treatment on the clothing lasts for about 70 washings.   The clothing has a distinct chemical odor, but I can live with it.

Here's a couple of resources

http://www.insectshield.com/

https://www.rei.com/s/permethrin-insect-repellent-and-clothing?ir=collection%3Apermethrin-insect-repellent-and-clothing&page=1

Salmon Cakes / Salmon Burgers

Quick and Easy Recipe for either Salmon Cakes or Salmon Burgers

Ingredients:

Canned Salmon - 2 cans (7.5 ounce each) - I use Royal Red brand

2 Eggs

1/2 Green Pepper - chopped

1/2 Red Pepper - chopped

1/2 sleeve - Saltine Crackers (or other Gluten Free crackers) - crushed

Salt & Pepper

Olive Oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 275 degrees - place foil-lined pan in oven to also preheat.

Mix together in a bowl (hands work best):  Salmon, Eggs, Chopped Green and Red Peppers, Crushed Crackers, and Salt & Pepper to taste.

Pat out salmon patties or burgers - no more than 3/4" thick.

In a non-stick pan, add 1 Tbs of Olive Oil - brown salmon patties on both sides.  After browning, place in pre-heated pan, cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes to ensure thorough cooking of egg ingredient.

Serve on buns or with a salad.
Suggested sauces or drizzles:  Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Hot Sauce or Mayonnaise-based Dill Dip (no dairy).