Isaac Eng, 18 Years Old, Mississauga, Ontario

Question 1: What is the biggest challenge about managing food allergies?

When I think of a challenge in terms of my food allergy, it’s difficult to single out one dire obstacle in particular. I suppose it would be consistency. Always remembering to follow every precaution and procedure correctly and without fail isn’t always the easiest. Remember my auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen), call where I’m eating beforehand; inquire when I arrive; notify who I’m with about my food allergies and so on. No individual step is ‘difficult’, but ensuring all are completed in a comprehensive manner can present some challenges.

"Always ask yourself this question: Is this risk or intentional carelessness really worth your life?"

Question 2: How do you deal with having food allergies when you go out with friends?

This is an interesting question for me. It almost seems as though my friends are far more concerned with my allergies than I am. Mind you, that’s not because I’m careless at all. I have simply chosen and established a group of friends who genuinely care for my well-being. They often ask before I do if a restaurant is safe well before I’ve even been invited. I believe that half the battle is already fought for you if just by selecting the right kind of people to surround yourself with; and that goes for far more than just food allergies.

Question 3: What is one piece of advice you want to share with other teens with food allergies?

Always ask yourself this question: “Is it worth it?” Is this risk or intentional carelessness really worth your life? How valuable do you think you are? Sure you don’t have to check with the waiter... It’s probably safe. The food is likely to be fine... and you wouldn’t want to go hungry. You don’t want to seem rude by refusing that dessert... you can take the chance. But is it worth it? The second you put your life into the equation of decision making, almost any ‘awkward’ situation seems absolutely trivial. So, my advice to any teenager really, but especially those with food allergies, is that you should start seriously asking yourself that question.

Sydney Proudfoot, 19 years old, Oakville, Ontario

Question 1: What is the biggest challenge about managing food allergies?

I believe the biggest challenge is getting others to understand my limitations when it comes to the foods I can eat. I am well versed at explaining the severity of my allergies but some simply do not seem to grasp the concept that food allergies are not just “sniffles and itchy eyes.” In fact, they can be deadly if not dealt with promptly. Although I am not pursuing it as a career, I would like to say that I am a professional when it comes to reading food labels and avoiding risky situations. It is not so easy to get my friends and extended family to understand the risks of cross contamination and dangers like that. I have to constantly explain the risks.

Question 2: How do you deal with having food allergies when you go out with friends?

The first step I always take when going out with my friends is to do research in advance. I will either call or visit the restaurant to check whether it will be safe to eat. If that is not possible, I will always bring along my own snack or meal. If I don’t feel comfortable eating at certain venues, I will ask my friends to change to a different restaurant that I am more comfortable with. In addition, I make sure that I always carry my auto-injector and that my friends are familiar with how to use it.

Question 3: What is one piece of advice you want to share with other teens with food allergies?

If I could share something with other teens, it would be that food allergies are not the end of the world. As long as you take the necessary precautions, you can easily have fun with all your friends. Not only do food allergies allow you to raise awareness amongst your peers, they also allow you to make great friends. By taking part in Anaphylaxis Canada events or joining the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) like I did, there are endless opportunities to get involved!

Thomas Miles, 19 years old, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Question 1: What is the biggest challenge about managing food allergies?

In my experience, the biggest challenges in managing food allergies have changed as I’ve grown up. In elementary, the biggest challenge was dealing with the fact that I was different than the other kids, and I couldn’t eat what they got to eat. As a more independent teen/young adult, the biggest challenge I find is staying vigilant—consistently checking ingredient listings and alerting servers of my allergies at restaurants—things that were previously taken care of by my parents.

Question 2: How do you deal with having food allergies when you go out with friends?

Going out with friends doesn’t alter the way I handle my allergy. If I’m eating while I’m out with friends, I handle situations the same way I would if I were by myself. I check labels, and I ensure that I am avoiding any risk of a reaction. An allergy is nothing to be embarrassed of. Friends may taunt in a friendly manner—for example, “this peanut butter cup is SO delicious” — but people in general, and friends especially, are quite understanding of allergies.

Question 3: What is one piece of advice you want to share with other teens with food allergies?

Be smart! Make educated decisions about where to eat, and what to eat. Most importantly however: always carry an EpiPen.

Tess Bantock, 18 years old, Kamloops, British Columbia

Question 1: What is the biggest challenge about managing food allergies?

The biggest challenge for me regarding managing my food allergies would be helping others realize how serious it can be. I feel like a lot of people assume allergies are as simple as getting itchy eyes or sneezy and don’t grasp how life threatening they can be. I personally never want to sound like a ‘know it all’ or come off in the wrong manner.

Question 2: How do you deal with having food allergies when you go out with friends?

Dealing with my food allergies while going out with friends is something I’ve gotten very used to and very good at. I’m very lucky my good friends are very understanding and watch out for me, which makes it easier and less embarrassing for me when I know I have them to stand up for me in a tough situation. My friends always ask me about safe places I can go to well in advance so it is safe for me. I’ve also seen my friends check labels without me even saying anything, or for their own food that I’m not going to touch. Going out to restaurants, events, or parties with my friends is definitely made easier for me because of their knowledge and understanding.

Question 3: What is one piece of advice you want to share with other teens with food allergies?

One piece of advice I’d share with other teens with food allergies would be that nothing is impossible. Just because you can’t eat certain foods doesn’t mean that should hold you back from doing anything you set your mind to.