One Size Does Not Fit All

Expecting simple answers to a complex life seems like the road to disappointment. My son and I were discussing the use of GMO (historically, in medical labs and current day), the other day as we drove around town in pursuit of the perfect burrito. We both concluded there is no easy fast solution answer to this particular issue. The same holds true for managing food allergies. Life threatening allergies are a complex condition in which the age of the patient, other health factors and environment impact management of the disease.
Last week, I watched discussions unfold around Dr. Sean Lucan’s article, “When School Food Policies are Just Nuts”, and this article, “West Valley High School Debate Safety vs Freedom.” Dr. Lucan’s piece includes his comments about school nut bans (he wants nut healthy snacks back in the hands of school kids) while the West Valley High School in Washington State is analyzing risk over choice.
What stunned me was that people were debating the health care of children in which they did not have access to or the professional ability to decipher their medical condition and needs. I felt as if Dr. Lucan did not have the right to make blanketed statements about nut bans since the only the school nurse, the child’s physician and parents can determine what are the best practices given the situation.
I also could not digest how a school district could actually equate celebrations as relevant as a avoiding anaphylaxis?!? I kept thinking that maybe they don’t understand that death can occur from an allergic reaction. In a comment from a high school student against the school’s current policy which appears to restrict treats and food as rewards, the young man stated that allowing foods back is,  “an opportunity for high school students to prove that they are responsible enough to go out into the world and be the adults they are expected to become”. Okay.  My issue here is that if the allergic student fails, we could have a person fighting for their life and the student who might have caused the event needing now addressing guilt amongst other feelings. Is the same thing as trying to run across the freeway to prove that you are fast runner?
I couldn’t help but think: why are we trying to create a one size fits all policy for a complex issue? We have friends who have diagnosed airborne food allergic reactions and their needs are very different from my family.
Complicated lives and diseases are going to require like solutions. I would love to see simple solutions, and in my mind they exist. BUT, I have learned over the last fifteen years that managing life-threatening allergies changes with each year based on the current situation. A ban alone won’t save a child’s life. A ban will help to reduce risk if the situation is appropriate.  Epinephrine sitting in nurse’s office isn’t going to save a life unless those around are trained on how to identify and administer while reducing risk. The solution is multi-pronged. I truly believe that the answers are becoming easier as our nation becomes more aware each day regarding food allergies.  I no longer need to explain there is a newer disease on the rise and it is called life-threatening food allergies.
The need for allergy and anaphylaxis education, awareness remains a priority so decision makers can create good policy to protect those with life threatening allergies. All I wish for my children is that every person they interact with would address their situation by asking questions and help to find a workable solution.
Therefore, I believe, one size does not fit all and I hope decision makers keep this in mind as we tackle the question of how to manage a disease that presents differently in each patient with the needs changing with the different ages and stages. We need broad policy that supports our ability to meet individual needs.
As time moves forward, I’m convinced that the solutions will become easier and common everyday practice. I hope the conversations from people Dr. Lucan and West Valley High School become obsolete! I also hope my son and I find the quintessential allergen safe burrito too!