When I was a kid, I didn't know anyone with food allergies. It was common for moms to pack us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for our lunches. Words like "lactose intolerance", "gluten allergy", and "Celiac disease" weren't in our vocabulary. Food allergies (or allergies in general) weren't really things we spoke about or knew about.

In the past few years, we've found ourselves to be no longer strangers to food allergies. One of our nieces is allergic to gluten, my sister-in-law is allergic to shellfish, I have a sensitivity to green apples (well, not the apple, but the peel/skin), my brother is allergic to mushrooms and soft cheeses, a few friends are lactose intolerant, and some have nut allergies.

Food allergies can be very serious. The thought of loved ones going into Anaphylaxis is scary. This is why prevention is key.

This is where BuddyBandz come in.
"BuddyBandz products are a proactive approach to keeping your food allergic child safe by giving a clear message. We use simple universal food allergy symbols which are recognized by everyone, no matter their language or age."

What better way to let others know about a child's food allergy? The bands are adjustable and come in "No shellfish", "No dairy", "No Peanut", and "No egg" symbols. Perfect for making people aware when at parties, family BBQs, school, camp, field trips, and other social outings where your food allergic child can be exposed to a life threatening situation.

To read more about BuddyBandz, check out their website here.

Not only do BuddyBandz have food allergy bracelets, but they also have t-shirts that carry the symbol for your "dairy-free", "shellfish-free", "peanut-free", and "egg-free" kids.

BUY IT!

BuddyBandz may be purchased through the BuddyBandz website. What a perfect, practical, and possibly lifesaving gift!

WIN IT!

BuddyBandz is giving one lucky reader a gift certificate to be used toward any purchase of BuddyBandz products (to be redeemed online).

All you have to do is let me know if you have a child with food allergies. Tell me what he or she is allergic to.

For additional entries:
* "Like" BuddyBandz on Facebook.
* "Like" Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS on Facebook.
* Follow us on Google Friend Connect.
* Follow us on Twitter @chancesmommy and Tweet the contest.

Contest ends August 20, 2010. A winner will be chosen at random via Random.Org.