Foods Matter, April 2008 ~ Ann Marie Powell, Consultant Dermatologist at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, gave a hugely helpful talk at the Action Against Allergy eczema workshop in January. She suggests a management plan for eczematous children – although much of her advice is also suitable for adults ... Eczema is an itchy skin condition characterised by dry, red and inflamed skin. In eczema the normal skin barrier function is disrupted (dryness) leading to over-activation of the immune system within the skin (redness) and subsequently to stimulation of itch nerves ...

Allergic Girl ~ So last week a Worry Free Dinners participant, who has a dairy allergy, asked about casein in wine. I knew that egg was often used in the wine making process, but didn’t know where exactly and now I find out that dairy is in wine too? The next morning, I got on the case and emailed a colleague, noted wine expert Tyler Coleman, otherwise known as Dr.Vino. Tyler had this to say about eggs, casein [milk protein] and wine: “Yes, egg whites are a common fining agent and yes, casein is sometimes used. But there are no labeling standards to indicate which ones (but the Feds are talking about new labeling for wine). Until then, check for wines that are bottled ‘unfined and unfiltered’--they often taste better anyway.” ...

Alisa Fleming, www.GoDairyFree.org ~ Congratulations to Fran Weber, Cassidy Stockton, and Rebecca Godleski, the winners of the April Go Dairy Free e-Newsletter Giveaway!  Each month e-newsletter subscribers have the chance to win prizes, and this month we awarded $25 gift certificates to The Vegetarian Site.  To be eligible for all future giveaways, subscribe to the free Go Dairy Free e-newsletter.  Only your name and valid email is required, so that you may enjoy our once a month newsletter (filled with related news, dairy-free product review updates, and a feature recipe), and for the opportunity to win a different prize each month!  View the April e-newsletter or browse all Go Dairy Free e-newsletters online.

Alisa Fleming, www.GoDairyFree.org ~ April 1st was World Autism Awareness Day, but if you missed it there is no need to fret … the entire month of April is dedicated to autism awareness.  Several years ago the Autism Society of America deemed April to be Autism Awareness Month in an effort to educate our population on an autoimmune disease that is becoming more visible among our population, and to promote research in the areas of treatment and prevention.  According to the CDC, 1 in every 150 American children lives with autism ...

Hannah Kaminsky, My Sweet Vegan & Bittersweet - Left to my own devices, solo meals are hardly even noteworthy. Hummus and chips, or hummus and veggies show up on my personal menu almost very single day, an easy favorite by far. Couscous or rice served up with simple combinations of veg, beans, and spices always makes for a comforting dish, and it can practically cook itself, unattended. In times of stress and exhaustion though, it’s not such an uncommon event to eat cold cereal for dinner, or even just chips, hold the hummus. Satisfying in its own right but at the same time vaguely shameful, I almost never go through any great lengths preparing food if it’s only for myself ...