Living with a serious allergy can make even everyday situations feel fraught with danger - but an allergy shouldn't stop you living life to the full. Take Away the Fear shows you how to navigate daily life safely and without anxiety, from birth to adulthood. Drawing on her own experiences of living with life-threatening food allergies, Catherine Hobson offers practical, real-world tips for everyday life, including parenting, eating out and travelling abroad, as well as advice for those supporting someone with allergies or working in the hospitality industry. Understand how to: * Identify hidden threats * Develop coping strategies * Prepare for different scenarios, such as workplace situations or eating at a friend's house * Prevent allergic reactions - and deal with the aftershock if they do occur * Provide support to others living with serious allergies
Catherine Hobson has lived with life-threatening allergies since infancy. She is passionate about helping others to navigate their own conditions and live life to the full - safely. With twenty-five years' experience working in business and the charity and public sectors, and as a fundraiser, she understands the importance of sharing authentic stories to motivate people to make changes. Catherine regularly speaks at events and has been interviewed on ITV's This Morning as well as many regional TV and radio shows. Find out more at www.ActAllergy.co.uk
Foreword - Introduction - 1 Early Life - 2 What Are Allergies And What Are Intolerances? - 3 Being An Adult With Allergies - 4 Eating Out - 5 Family And Friends - 6 Parenting With Allergies - 7 Psychological Impact - 8 How Things Have Changed - 9 What Is There Still To Do? - Conclusion - Acknowledgements - The Author
'I've always felt so alone with my allergy, but this book has shown me I'm not. I wish I had read this when I was younger, as it has really helped me.' - Suzy Burton, nut allergy sufferer 'Having read this book, I've been reminded to take pride in my food and that reassuring my patrons is the most important part of my job.' - Muj Miah, restaurateur, Malabon, Hampshire 'Take Away the Fear is a tender, human journey through a life affected by allergies. Catherine shares with us the effects on both the sufferer and those who care for them. This is a truly empowering book not only for those of us with allergies but also for friends, family, loved ones and people working in the hospitality industry. It's a must-read, helping us understand how we can offer support and acknowledge where more education and acceptance is needed.' - Carolin Maughan-Wood, functional medicine practitioner 'Take Away the Fear is about growing up and living with allergies. It brings home how families may struggle to maintain a normal childhood for those affected by allergies, the challenges of being thrown into unknown situations and the complexities of parenthood. Catherine has covered the issues with compassion, empathy and kindness. She genuinely cares, as she lives with severe allergies herself. Anybody dealing with allergies, including staff in workplaces or businesses that must be allergy aware, will find that Take Away the Fear helps them recognise the issues surrounding these serious conditions and understand how to deal with them. Anyone will benefit from reading this book.' - Janet Lawrenson, food services business consultant
