A fine balancing act

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Finding a balance between jobs, school, rehabilitation from injuries and volunteering, all the while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prove challenging at times. Even with many things on my plate, I find time to go for a walk, sit on a bench in the inner harbor to watch the float planes take off and land, or do some art. It CAN be done. Even if you think you don’t have the time. Find the time. Often times the reason I am not posting is because I have too much on my plate, and I am taking some much needed down time.

Like many other chronic conditions, allergies and asthma can add a significant time commitment to your already filled schedule. Reading all the food labels at the grocery store; on cosmetics, beauty or cleaning products, can take a fair bit of time, depending on the allergies you have. When I am looking for new products to use, whether it be; shampoo, conditioner, make-up or other soaps, I need to plan for a good hour or two for label reading, going to different stores if needed, and often, calling manufacturers. My most recent challenge has been to find a new shampoo as I have been getting hives from the one I used for years. It is becoming quite the search… A week later I am still looking.

This can often add more anxiety to our lives. Too much anxiety is not good. What do you do to wind down, relax, take a break? Who helps you to let loose and take some time where you are not thinking about the million things you have to get done?

Hands down best attention from restaurant staff yet! Bard & Banker is the place to go with food allergies

Bard & Banker

Bard & Banker Restaurant, Victoria, BC

My birthday is Saturday and with allergies, I always struggle what to do for my birthday as I often feel uncomfortable speaking to the waiter or waitress when I am with a big group of friends. I called up a restaurant (Bard & Banker) I had eaten at in the past and had a safe meal and made a reservation. After she confirmed they had the table space I said; “I also have severe, life-threatening food allergies and was hoping I could speak to the manager or chef”. The reply I got absolutely surprised me! Though it was a REALLY great surprise! She said; “Right, are you still allergic to peanuts, nuts, soy, lentils and sensitive to the gluten and dairy?”.

Turns out they had kept my allergies on file for the next time I would visit! I was smiling ear to ear. I said yes and she finished by saying they would take precautions when preparing my birthday dinner. I hung up the phone and took a nice deep breathe and smiled some more. My worrying about dinner with my friends was no longer the same.

Literally 2 minutes later the phone rings… A call from the Bard & Banker. I am asked whether I know what I will want to eat on Saturday night, so they can take the extra precautions to prepare my meal separately to prevent cross-contamination! WOW! I have never heard a restaurant ask that before. My smile was back and the weight I felt on my shoulders lifted. I was definitely feeling relieved and ready to celebrate my birthday. I can’t wait for Saturday! My allergies will not affect the good times we will have. :)

Have you had an experience similar to this that you want to share? What restaurants do you feel the most safe at? How do you rate the safest to least safe restaurants for you or your child? Is it by attention and precautions taken by the restaurant staff? A safe meal? Or by what they have in the kitchen?

Victoria Allergy and Asthma Fair! A success.

Today was the Allergy and Asthma Fair organized by “Protecting Anaphylactic Children Today“. There was a great turnout to this event held at the Esquimalt Recreation Center this afternoon. There were speakers as well as several booths set up with resources and treats. Sara Shannon spoke as well as a Ministry of Health 811 Dietician and an Ambulance Paramedic.

Some of the local companies included Crumsby’s Cupcake Cafe, The Market on Millstream and The Market on Yates, Dare Foods, Epicure Selections.

Many of us challenged each other with our spirometry results which was great fun, all thanks to the VIHA Respiratory Health team!

The information booths included:

Allergies Abroad
Health Canada
Asthma Society of Canada & National Asthma Patient Alliance
Allergic Living Magazine
Anaphylaxis Canada
Allergy/Asthma Information Association (AAIA)

If you joined us today, what did you think? Did you return home with some new resources and perhaps new ideas on how to manage either your allergies and/or a loved ones?

Feel free to share comments here!

Buying “clean” food in Victoria and Online!

If you are like me and strive to find products that have the least possible amount of preservatives in them as possible, I highly recommend browsing through Epicure to see what amazing herb mixes and products you can find.

“Epicure does not add filler, additives or MSG to their products. We make it possible for people with allergies to enjoy tasty food without compromising their health! Contact me for specific information about our products or ingredients. Most of our products are gluten free, low in salt, and BC certified Kosher.” - Tricia Sturgeon, Independent Consultant

And while you are at it, check out my most recent page with local places to buy! Lifestyle Markets, Market on Yates, and Market on Millstream are the first few I had time to add =)

Many Olympic Athletes have asthma too!

“The Most Common Chronic Disease Among Olympic Athletes Is Asthma”

How many athletes do you know who have asthma? I know my asthma caused challenges with competitive sport, however I have been quite successful none the less!

3 cheers to all those athletes who are training with asthma much like many of us! =)

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/248494.php?nfid=60793

Join the conversation on Facebook!

If you are on Facebook, like my page and get daily links to stories in the news and articles. www.facebook.com/LivingwithAllergies

Where to Eat out in Victoria, BC

Check out the “Resources” tab as I will be adding more local businesses to this tab over the next few days. If you live in Victoria, there are many great options for eating Gluten-free and great stores to shop at. As always, I can only post about what I know, so if you’ve been to another restaurant or cafe that has wheat-free or gluten-free options, please share! :-)