Spotlight of the Month – @tots2teens

This month my spotlight of the month is the amazing Dr. Uche Okorji-Obike. She is a mother to two gorgeous girls (Chimamanda and Zinachidinma) and wife to Dr. Nnamdi Obike. She is a scientist, public speaker, founder of Tots2teens Allergies, and author of ‘Thrive Allergy free, Journey to a life unlimited by food allergies’. Uche obtained a BSc in Pharmacology from the University of Aberdeen, MSc in Drug Discovery from the University of Bradford and PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Huddersfield. During the journey with her daughter’s food allergies, she obtained a Nutrition and Wellbeing Certificate from the University of Aberdeen. She also works in biopharmaceutical development in the pharmaceutical industry where her work supports the development of new treatments. 

Tots2teens Allergies is a consultancy that focuses on providing professional allergy information and support for children and families as well as organisations. Tots2teens allergies offer coaching, courses, teaching and allergy education. Tots2teens Allergy prides herself in providing unique resources for teaching little ones about allergies especially for schools (as little as nursery and reception years). Our mission is to be the go-to resource for children, parents, care givers and people working with children with allergies especially around understanding allergies. 

What advice would you give to someone whose children has been diagnosed with a food allergy?  

Diagnosis of food allergy can come as a relief to the parent (i.e. knowing what may be making their child unwell) and a big minefield at the same time (especially because it can be nerve-recking and stressful for the parent). First thing, I will say is well-done to the parent and the healthcare professional involved for getting to the diagnosis. The next part of the journey is management of the food allergy. At this point, I would like to advice the parent, follow through with all the management advice given by the healthcare professional. It can feel overwhelming with all the lifestyle changes that need to happen to effectively manage the food allergy. Take one day at a time and surround yourself with supportive people – friends and family. You can also get support from communities that provide support for people whose children have allergies. An adage says ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. In this case, that is the role of the community. Plug in and enjoy the benefits that the community provides. 

What inspired you to start Tots2Teens?  

I was inspired to start Tots2TeensAllergies through my experience of raising my daughter Chimamanda who was diagnosed with cow’s milk protein and egg allergy as well as eczema as a baby. This coupled with my expertise in inflammation, which was the focus of my PhD, triggered my interest in understanding allergies as inflammation is one of the consequences of allergic reactions. Through our experience, I want to provide an avenue that means that someone else has an easier journey with their child’s allergy. 

Could you tell us about your book Thrive Allergy Free and how this can help someone dealing with their child’s allergies or their own?  

Thrive Allergy free, Journey to a life Unlimited by food allergies was written following our experience with our daughter, Chimamanda, who was diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) and egg allergy at three months old, even though she had been exclusively breastfed. In this book, I share the journey – the winding path to a diagnosis; the struggles to manage the consequences; the impact on our relationships; and the unexpected opportunities and the successes.  

As a scientist having spent year studying inflammation, the underlying mechanism that drives allergies, I have applied my research skills to gather the most salient and useful information for families of children with allergies. This combined with my personal experience has culminated in this short guide on how children and their families can thrive with allergies. I also talk about managing our daughter’s severe eczema and comments about her skin condition, the realisation of what was ahead, the impact on parental expectations and how we have overcome. 

As a scientist, I couldn’t help but add some science in the book but in manageable simplified way so that anyone that picks the book can learn in a non-intimidating way what food allergies was all about. The book is accompanied by a lot of electronic resources that people can leverage on to understand food allergies and effectively support a child with allergies.  

I also give back through the book, as parts of the proceeds go to Allergy UK charity (10%) and Doctors Without Borders Charity UK (5%). 

The goal of the book is to help make life ‘easy-peasy’ for children with allergies, their families and caregivers; and also give anyone who wants to know about food allergies a simple easy read. 

What advice do you have in preparation for Christmas with food allergies?  

The one advice is to plan especially if you intend to attend Christmas parties. If they cannot accommodate your child’s food allergy needs, you may want to make alternative arrangements. However, I find that people are more aware and would always ask for dietary requirements.  

For Christmas meals, do make sure the host is aware of how to prepare meal to accommodate the food allergies. The other option is to take your own food along to the family meals. I hope since most Christmas meals are made by family, they know and would accommodate the food allergy need. It may be easier if you are making the Christmas meal yourself that way you can control food items that are used. It is important to highlight cross-contamination which can occur. As such the host needs to be mindful of that to accommodate food allergy needs. 

Another aspect is with Christmas calendars, Christmas chocolates and food gifts, do read the label and check it’s appropriate for your child’s esp around milk and nut allergies. 

Above all, have loads of fun and have a wonderful Christmas time.