Do you have an allergy or are you prone to allergies? Even if you did not have an allergy while you were younger, you may find that they start to pop up during your senior years. Whether you have a seasonal allergy, an environmental one or food allergies, there are some ways you can manage them in order to make your life more fulfilling and not have to worry about a random attack.
In this article, we share with you how you can manage food allergies in particular!
Know the Symptoms to Watch Out for
If you have been living with this allergy for most of your life, the good news is that you will alreay be proficient in recognizing the symptoms. However, if this allergy is new to you, you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms you tend to experience after being exposed to an allergen. This can be a runny nose, hives, a headache, a stomachache, or even a rash. It can look different for everyone, so make sure you know how it looks like for you. At the first sign of trouble, remove yourself from the environment or trigger immediately and consult a doctor.
Alerting Loved Ones and Caregivers
Do your loved ones and caregivers already know about your food allergies.? If not, you will find it useful to keep a list of allergens available for all caregivers. Before starting on any new medications, you will want to alert your healthcare provider to any allergies you have and find out if it will conflict with the new drugs. Before visiting a loved one’s home, let them know about your allergies and ensure that these ingredients are kept out of meals, even for other family members who may be present.
Alter Your Diet
This tip is especially important if you find that you have developed an allergy suddenly. Take a look through your diet and eliminate any recipes that the ingredient pops up in. Although this may take some work, it is well worth it in order to prevent future allergic reactions. You may want to keep a list of your allergens on hand when you are dining out, so you can inform the waiters before ordering. Also make sure to inform anyone you are dining with.
If you are thinking of making the move to a retirement community with a a catered dining program, make sure to let the in-house culinary team know about your dietary restrictions so they can prepare the right meals for you.
Come to TerraBella Windsor Lake for Active Independent Living
Are you considering making the transition to senior living? If so, TerraBella Windsor Lake Is here to serve your every need, whether you are making the move with a partner or by yourself, you can choose from our selection of floorplans to suit your needs. Come and discover what we have to offer by scheduling a tour with us now!