The FAST website is intigrated, meaning that both adults with food allergies and parents of children with food allergies will find resources here that apply to them. However, this is a quick, printable guide of webpages within FAST that especially apply to parents of allergic babies and children. Once you have explored these features, please feel free to check out everything else on FAST, because this is just the tip of the iceberg lettuce! (Oh my, that is a terrible joke. But, I digress!) Feel free to print this out for anyone whose child has been diagnosed with food allergies.
Allergen-Free Summer Day Camp
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/camp.html
Give your children an unforgettable, allergen-free camp experience. No food-related stress and very little fuss...easy activities and simple instructions make it a fun experience.
Bulletin Board
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/board.html
This is a great starting place for anyone new to the food allergic community. There are a lot of friendly people here ready to talk to you! Don't worry about posting a "repeat question" -- we get many repeat questions on here, but we greatly love to welcome new people and old questions.
Chat Room
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/chat.html
A chat room specifically for the topic of food allergies. Unfortunately, we rarely have enough visitors in this to have a real conversation. Normally it's to the effect of, "Anyone here? Hey, someone was here a few minutes ago. Rats, I just missed you, Mrs.redgreenblue. Come back! Come back!" But it's worth mentioning, in case it ever catches on. Aside from that, you are welcome to schedule meeting times to chat here with people you discover on the bulletin board and mailing list.
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/contact.html
Our well-known contact form, which has even been reprinted in The Food Allergy Field Guide by Theresa Willingham! FAST members and moms just like you put this form together to help with informing day-cares, pre-schools, and schools about children's allergies.
Cooking TV Dinners
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/tvdinner.html
Sometimes you just want a quick meal, you know? TV dinners -- store-bought ones, at least -- may be off-limits, but they can be easily made in the home.
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/mystery.html
This humorous and helpful article tells how to duplicate those products you use all of the time -- just by looking at an ingredient list!
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/medication.html
Did you know that the medications your allergist prescribes for your child may contain his or her allergens? It's important to check the ingredients of any medications. Work with your allergist to find medications that are safe for your child.
Just Diagnosed Children FAQ for Parents
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/newmoms.html
This fun FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) was put together by moms especially for other moms dealing with the challenging (but rewarding) situation of raising a child with food allergies.
Kids and Teens Pages
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/kidsnteens.html
Pages just for your kids and teens. Includes two daily facts, a daily joke, babysitting tips, allergy-free toys to make, report tips, and more.
Mailing List
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/form.html
This mailing list is just like the bulletin board in its ability to bring a virtual "support group" to you right in the comfort of your own home. Posts arrive in your e-mail in either digest form, or as individual posts.
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/kidstories.html
It's very important to know how your child feels about having food allergies. However, s/he may be afraid to tell you. A few children have written to FAST to express how they feel about having allergies. Their stories may help you, or your child, know you are not alone.
Personal Stories by Parents of Allergic Children
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/candid2.html
Parents share the ups and downs (but mostly ups!) of having children with food allergies. This is a great read for anyone whose child was just diagnosed.
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/support.html
Check to see if there are any local support groups in your area.
This is all fine and dandy, but how do I join?!
I have often been asked "how do I join FAST?" Some people have sent me their home addresses, asking for more information, how to join, etc. FAST is an entirely online endeavor, and entirely free! There is absolutely no hidden agenda -- no "cures" or supplements for sale. FAST was a free group started by an allergic teen in 1994, and went online in 1997. Enjoy your time here, and keep checking back!
