Food Allergies Rock. Let Kyle Dine explain how!

 

My name is Kyle Dine and I am a Food Allergy Musician. Yes - it's a very unique title, but one that I do not take lightly. Not only do I have food allergies, I actually write songs about them too! I have released two CDs for children with allergies titled "You Must Be Nuts!" and "Food Allergies Rock!" My songs all carry important messages that are meant to educate and empower the brave children who deal with this condition on a daily basis. I have allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, seafood and mustard and have had many reactions over the years - especially as a teen. I've learned a lot of lessons along the way and started writing these songs to help others learn ways to stay safe and stay positive.

When I was growing up with my food allergies in the 1980's, there was generally less awareness about food allergies making it difficult at times to stay safe. However it was the social challenges that I personally found to be very tough. My severe allergies were routinely being the cause of teasing by my peers, second guessing by adults (especially with food service workers), and awkward centering out in many dining situations. For all of these reasons, at times I tried to hide the fact that I had allergies so I could just be a normal kid.

Now that I'm older, I've discovered a secret of living safely with allergies and I truly find myself saying "If I only knew then what I know now".

What is that secret? Being comfortable and confident with your allergies. You should never be embarrassed by them and accept that they are a part of you, not what defines you. Speaking up for yourself and self-advocacy has really helped me feel in control over my allergies.

 

I will be the first to admit that to become empowered over your allergies is easier said than done! And that's why I do what I do. I perform my songs whenever I get the chance to not only share these messages with children with allergies, but also to spread allergy awareness with non-allergic children educating them on how they can help keep their allergic friends safe. My school allergy awareness assemblies have now reached 125 schools and approximately 75,000 students across North America.

 

To finish, I would like to share with you my top 5 favorite allergy messages within my songs. Please visit my website [link to: ]http://www.kyledine.com] or search for “Kyle Dine” on iTunes [Link to: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/kyle-dine/id266453422]to listen to the songs.

Kyle's top 5 Musical Allergy Messages 

1) Never Keep a Reaction a Secret

If a child has an allergic reaction, they may feel as if they have done something wrong as they accidently ate something that they shouldn't have. They may be tempted to hide the reaction from their parents in fear that they may be in trouble. This song reassures them that this isn't the case and that speaking up is the right thing to do.

2) My Epineph-Friend

This cheeky titled duet personifies a serious medical device making it a little less scary for kids. It's lets them know that it's just like a friend and will always have your back when you need it.

3) Stop! Please Don't Feed Me

The simple message of not sharing snacks or accepting food from others cannot be reminded enough. The title which doubles as the chorus is repeated so many times, this motto will hopefully become engrained!

4) Food Allergies Rock!

Say what!? I understand that this isn't always the case, but this song let's kids know that they can achieve anything in life despite allergies. It also focuses on the positive aspects of having allergies such as being healthy eaters and creative cooks!

5) C'est La Vie

This is my personal favorite that tries to put allergies in perspective. I feel fortunate that I only have food allergies which is a manageable condition. It can certainly be tough at times, but I am a normal healthy guy and can't complain about the cards I’ve been dealt.

 

For more information on Kyle Dine, his allergy music CDs or his school performances, please visit his website: www.kyledine.com

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