Blue Bear Aware Blog

Store Closing We've heard that before... On December 31, 2018, the storefront for  bluebearaware.com  will be shut down. As the owner of this amazing online retailer, I can assure you that this is a genuine closing. Further, I do not have any intention of selling the business. On the contrary, I plan to keep Blue Bear alive. YES! We'll still be here. Just not selling products for the foreseeable future. What can you expect to see in the future? I love bringing smiles to people's faces. I love knowing that I have made someone feel important. To let them know that I see them and they matter. I have a big a-s, bleeding heart. I know it. I own it. I want to save the world, one person at a time. I've been a crisis counselor. I've worked with the women's shelter. In our food allergic community, I started as a support group leader. To say that those experiences were rewarding is absolutely an understatement, but my life has changed since then. I have so ...

It is now just before midnight on a Saturday night and I am wide awake. I'd like to say that I'm channeling my more lighthearted side before children and partying the night away. But I'm not. No. Instead I am about to embark on another all nighter to monitor my son, Aiden. Tonight he went for a walk with his Nana (grandma) and his sister and no sooner reached the entrance to the park when he mysteriously tossed his cookies. The way you hear Nana describe it, he emptied his insides out to the point where she almost caught the cookie tossing bug. He's six years old so you may be thinking 'So What. Kids barf all the time.' Yep. However, in Aiden's case, throwing up is often the first thing he does when having a reaction to food. Experts tell us that reactions can vary every time and I do believe them. Yet, with Aiden we have seen vomiting almost every single time. He is also one of those few have had biphasic reactions even as late as a day and half later. ( ...

BlueBearAware.com. This food allergy focused resource has changed owners a few times now but in spite of its many lives, it has remained a popular site for clothing and accessories to help protect food allergic children. There are now several similar resources available but Blue Bear has been around for quite a while now. As a mother of a child with multiple, life threatening food allergies, I came to know and love Blue Bear several years ago. I've loved it every since. For the past 5 years, I met and befriended many of the familiar names in the food allergy community. I am proud and grateful to consider many of them friends. Passionate and intelligent people who have dedicated much of their lives to helping those of us dealing with or caring for someone with life threatening food allergies. These people are incredible. They aren't out there for the money. They aren't out there for prestige and fame. They do what they do to save lives. They are out there to help us. My wo...

Hands down the most common question I'm asked is, "What's the best epi case for me?" The truth is, there is no one perfect case for anyone. Now before you say, "But I have a case, and it is fantastic!", let me ask you - would you wear the same clothes everyday? Of course not! (Well, I did once for a few days in college when funds were low,  exams were on, and the laundromat was expensive, but I digress). An epi case is like an accessory - you can switch it up depending on your mood, the season and what plans you have for the day. Having a choice in cases is especially important for kids who like to express their unique style and it could make the difference in having them carry it with them throughout the day or 'accidentally' forgetting it at home. Most importantly are the features each case provide and how it fits in with your day. Because let's face it, no matter how fashion forward something looks, if it's not comfortable, yo...

Season's Greetings, to you and your family, and all the best for 2013! Thank you for your continued support and patronage through out the year. Today until December 17th please make use of the $5.00 Customer Appreciation code towards any Blue Bear Aware product. Place the code MerryX in the coupon box at the check-out page to receive your $5.00 value.* (Minimum order $10.00 and includes sale items) http://www.bluebearaware.com ________________________________________ *This promotion cannot be applied to previous orders or used with another promotion.This is a Blue Bear Aware credit and is not redeemable for cash. $5.00 Customer Appreciation on a $10.00 minimum purchase. Offer valid until Dec 17th, 2012.

1 Speak to your child's Teacher and School Administration before school starts to discuss medication, Dr's notes, school policy and emergency plan. 2 Clearly label medications and complete school paperwork with your child's photo, name and instructions. Make sure these items are accessible at all times and all staff is aware as to where they are stored. 3 Remind you child not to share any food or drinks with class-mates. 4 Ensure your child carries their medications with them at all times- in the classroom, on the playground, on field trips, or sport events. 5 Your child is the best advocate about his or her allergies; listen, encourage and support them as they teach the children in their classroom about allergies.

Today until June 21, 2012, receive 10% off all auto-injector pouches at Blue Bear Aware. Use the code allergyprotector in the coupon box at the checkout page.* (minimum purchase $45.oo) Remember, your child is responsible for their own Twinject or Epi-Pen when going to Summer Camps, Sport Clinics, etc. Help prevent a reaction with any of Blue Bear's Allergy Alert products. Peanut and other allergen alert Wristbands are the perfect summer solution, as they dry quickly when immersed in water and do not shrink. Or for a quick fix, put an Allergy Alert label on your child's clothing. Please like us at Blue Bear Aware Allergy Products Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/BlueBearAwareAllergyProducts

CAI meeting in Ottawa with MP Dean Allison maps out Spring action.... As Canada’s federal MPs returned for their Parliamentary Spring Session, Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI) member Cindy Paskey met with Glanbrook-Niagara West MP Dean Allison in Ottawa to discuss what can be accomplished this Spring within the federal government for awareness of severe allergies. CAI is working with a core group of MPs to raise greater understanding of the daily challenges anaphylaxis presents to affected Canadians, their families and the general public. MP Dean Allison, a leading champion of this campaign, comments, “I understand the stressful challenges of staying safe through the many e-mails and messages of support I receive- not only from families, but also from the many people who know someone living with a life-threatening allergy. Parliament and the Ottawa bureaucracy can help increase their health and safety.” One of their key successes has been introducing an anaphylaxis awareness motio...

Today until December 23rd please use the $7.oo Customer Appreciation code towards any Blue Bear Aware product as our way of saying Thanks! Place the code: ThankYou in the coupon-box at the check-out page to receive your $7.00 value. Valid on a $40.00 minimium purchase on all products; including sale items.

Allergy ' bling ' t-shirts are a great stocking stuffer solution for your daughter, niece or family friend. The " Some bunny can't eat Peanuts " t-shirt, " No Dairy for this Fairy " Tee or " Princess " allergy alert t-shirt, with swarovski crystal detail , can brighten up any young girls wardrobe! Today, until Nov 25 th , receive $3.95 off all girls and boys fun and funky t-shirts at http://www.bluebearaware.com / . Place the code stockingstuffer 2 in the coupon box at the check-out. ________________________________________________ *This promotion cannot be applied to previous orders. This is a Blue Bear Aware credit and is not redeemable for cash. Receive $3.95 off your T's order while quantities last. Offer valid until Nov 25, 2011.

Avoiding Milk Protein has found an alarming number of industrial products containing nuts. Instead of sand blasting buildings with sand some companies are using walnut shells, a possible airborne hazard for those with nut allergies. Spray tans using walnut shells are also being used in some spas. Peanut fuel is an old bio fuel that does appear from time to time, even today. Another strange use for nuts, are mixing walnut shells with pool deck paint instead of sand to prevent slipping around the pool deck. Crushed almond shells are even being used to manufacture building supplies. Some companies are experimenting with peanut and other tree nut shells in water purification. Little is known about if the allergen proteins are still in these products. Imagine a nut allergic chimney sweeper being called to clean a chimney or stove only to find out from a reaction that fire logs made from tree nuts were recently used in the chimney, or a stove was powered by peanut pellets, these prod...

"School is almost out and our children are super excited about the upcoming holidays! We avoid stressful situations at our kids summer camp by having them wear a BBA t-shirt. It sends a gentle reminder to the camp cousellors and adminstration." Mae, - daughter with peanut allergy Shop at Blue Bear Aware this week and save 15% on your order. Place the code SS611 in the coupon box at the check-out! (Min order $45. valid until June 21, 2011)

Our children and their families are the stongest advocates for developing greater allergy and anaphylaxis awareness in our neighbourhoods and communities. Rather than hide a health concern, we want children and their families to feel comfortable speaking to peers, teachers, coaches, etc. To help assist in this communication, we design t-shirts that have fun, fashionable and trendy graphics so children feel confident and cool wearing them. We don't think a literal stop sign or a piece of masking tape stuck on a child's back listing thier allergies makes them feel good about themselves. Got an idea for a graphic? Send it our way-- we're always eager to hear what kids and families want! Today until Feb 6th receive 15% off your purchase of allergy gear by placing the code FEB11 in the coupon box at the check-out page.* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *This promotion cannot be applied to previous orders or used with anothe...

Make going back to school fun with the right allergy alert gear! As you child must have their epi-pen on them at all times in many JR kindergartens and elementary classrooms, check out our new assortment of auto-injector pouches . Bag lunches are made easier with our organic, allergen free recess and lunch choices . Receive $10.00 off your order of $60.00 ( BTS10 ) or $20.00 off your order of $115.00 ( BTS10x ) on your Back to School Allergy Gear! Place the appropriate code in the coupon box at the check out and Save!* *sale items count towards dollar minimum but are not applicable to discount. Minimum purchase $60.00 for code BTS10 and minimum purchase $115.00 for code BTS10x. This promotion cannot be applied to previous orders or used with another promotion. This is a Blue Bear Aware credit and is not redeemable for cash. Offer valid until August 21, 2010.

A big Thank you to all the boys and girls (and their Mom's), that continue to send us photos and artwork of Blue Bear Aware - we love receiving them! Today until February 14th, 2010 receive 14% off your order * ! Place the code 'VLTS10' in the coupon box on the check-out page. * sale items are not applicable to discount. This promotion cannot be applied to previous orders or used with another promotion.This is a Blue Bear Aware credit and is not redeemable for cash. Spend a minimum $45.00 to receive 14% off . Sale ends February 14th, 2010.

Remind your Child's Teacher of your son/daughter's allergies -- as food may be handed out. Volunteer to help prepare the Valentine Snacks - 'Heart' toast bites (toast some bread, cut out a heart with a cookie cutter and spread with a favourite topping) Surf Sweets for your sweetie - 100% natural and organic Allergen Free treats Make a Valentine's message on colourful construction paper, card stock, lacey paper dollies, glitter, stickers..... and the list continues! Find an alternative to real flowers - create a bouquet with egg cartons, scraps of fabric... let you imagination soar!

Blue Bear Aware received the following letter from Pam, Associate Editor, Allergic Living and BC Anaphylaxis Advocate 'I am writing to you for your support. In the December issue of Chatelaine, writer Patricia Pearson's article, 'It's Just Nuts' offers up a distorted view of the kids with food allergies in our schools. You can read the article at the following link: http://en.chatelaine.com/english/weekend/article.jsp?content=20091001_150000_0023 Please e-mail me back if you want to have your signature added to the following letter, which we are sending to Chatelaine magazine and asking their editors to publish. I need your name, city/town/prov, and e-mail - the latter for verification only from Chatelaine's fact-checker. e.g. NOT for publication. pamela2543@shaw.ca I need these soonest. It will then be sent to Chatelaine on behalf of all of us. Please pass this letter on to your network of friends and family so they can add their voices. T...

Many of our children do not get to enjoy the traditional trick-o-treating at Halloween due to their allergies. For those that are fortunate to do so, alert your neighbours to your Princess' or Goblin's needs . Attach an allergy alert badge or label to their Halloween costume or loot bag to raise awareness. A Halloween Fruit Snack alternative- Blue Bear Aware offers a great selection of natural and organic fruit snacks that are made in a nut-free facility and are packed full of healthy, allergen free ingredients. Spend a minimum of $45.00 at Blue Bear Aware until Oct 16th and save 15% on your order, plus receive a trick-or-treat* for your youngster! Place the code HLWN9 in the coupon box at the check-out and Save. *Non-edible trick-or-treat! This promotion cannot be applied to previous orders or used with another promotion. This is a Blue Bear Aware credit and is not redeemable for cash. Spend a minimum $45.00 to receive 15% off. Offer valid until Oct...

AAIA Ontario Knowledge For Living Conference Location: Bethany Community Church Kingston, Ontario Time: 8:00AM Saturday, October 3rd AAIAOntario@aaia.ca AAFA-MI Fall 2009 Annual Internet Aunction Begins October 1 and ends October 23rd www.aafamich.cmarket.com

Creativity/Presentation- Quincy Honourable Mention- Nathan Honourable Mention- Charlotte Allergy Awareness- Alex Congratulations to our May 2009 Allergy Awareness Month Colouring Contest! And a big round of applause for all participants for helping raise allergy awareness! You make a difference! A special thanks to Mrs H's students in Delhi, Ont. and the OASG for their outstanding entries!