Deal Alert: Free Epipen Case and $0 Co-Pay Card 2014

       Did you know that for a limited time, Mylan (the makers of Epipen) are giving away a free carrying case?  I received mine last week and it was not bad at all.  I like that it is black and it is made with a padded material.  It comfortably fits 2 dosages and has enough for several tablets of antihistamine.  The outside hook is a bonus too.  One feature I wish it had is insulation.  With the warmer temperatures coming, insulation is really important to keep medication in top condition.  Oh well, one can't have everything right?

      So how will you get your freebie?  Simply, go to their website and register your current Epi-pens.  By doing so, you not only get the carrying case, you will have the option to receive a reminder when your stock expires. Believe me, there's nothing worse than having expired medicines especially when you need it the most.  

       While you are at their site, don't forget to print a new $0 Co-pay card.  With the new school year coming, it will really come in handy.  For those who doesn't know about the $0 Co-pay card, Mylan will shoulder your insurance co pay (up to $100) when you purchase or refill a 2 dosage pack of Epi-pen or Epipen Jr.  So, if your co-pay is $100 or less, you will pay nothing for up to 3 boxes of ephinephrine!  If your required co-pay is more, then you automatically get $100 off.  Still sweet right?  

      Since I have 2 children who each have a prescription for it, I print a card for each child.  With that offer, I get 6 boxes for Free.  Do I all get them at the same time?  No! I get 1 for each child about two months before the ones we have expire.  Keep in the mind that the shelf life of the medicine is about 1 year.  Then, I purchase 1 more just before school starts.  This is for school. Lastly, if I'm fortunate not to use current stash, I get my bonus pack before the offer expires on December 31, 2014.  

     Just a heads up, those who have Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE or federal/state health care plan are ineligible for the $0 Co-Pay card offer.  They could still get the carrying case for free though.  

      Hope you'll find this offer helpful as well.  Don't forget to share the love to your friends are well.

  - Roz

Angels in Disguise

"It takes a village to raise a child." 

                        - African Proverb

    In the case of my four children, I think a town or two.  Seriously, I do believe that everyone a child meets, whether by accident or not, plays an important role in his or her development.  A simple look, an act of kindness or a passing message can have a lasting impact that will forever be a part of that little one's life.

     As we celebrated Food Allergy Awareness Week, I couldn't help being emotional as I acknowledge the wonderful people who constantly help me raise my kids.  Their acceptance, kindness and never ending support not only made our family's journey with food allergies much easier, it also gave way to wonderful memories. 

1. Teachers and School Staff

        Thank you for making the schools peanut free and the classroom nut free as well.  Your wonderful policies such as No food birthday celebrations, list of healthy approved snacks, very few food related activities and bulling have made my life as a mom so much easier.  By constantly reminding the children that they are a family, you have instilled the value of individuality, respect and compassion.

2. Town library staff

         I can't thank you enough for sponsoring kid friendly programs that don't center on food.  If ever there are snacks, you always make sure that you have some safe treats even if it is often pricier.  How can I forget the patience you've shown when I was looking for food allergy related books?  From a collection of about 5 books, you now have a huge selection that I and other food allergy patrons can enjoy.  Please keep the collection growing every season.  

3. Cub Scout and Girl Scout leaders

         You all have done a great job in balancing normalcy and safety.  Thank you for being on top of all the allergies of each Scouts (peanut and nut free snacks only) and not making a big deal when a child isn't comfortable eating.  Through you, all the kids learned the it is fine to say "No."

4. Master Sensei, Karate teachers and students

      Even if Child #3 is the smallest in the Dojo, you never fail to encourage him and point out his strengths.  You even allow him to partner with some of the older, high ranking students.  The proud look on his face when he first pinned down a much bigger kid to defend himself will forever be cherished.  Thanks for teaching him discipline and self confidence.  

5. Choir Master
       Thank you for your dedication.  Through you, my girls are learning commitment, discipline and most of all the value of giving without expecting any tangible return.

6. Pediatrician, Allergist, Gastroenterologist, Dentist and their Staff
        You all go beyond what is required to make my children healthy.  I am so blessed to have you on my team.  In spite of all the testings and countless visits, you made sure that the kids are happy and comfortable.  Honestly, they are always happy to go to your clinics.

7. School Parents
     I have read so many horror stories about moms not getting along with other FA moms. Thankfully, I'm so blessed to be in the company of super loving and supportive parents.  I'm so grateful for still inviting my kids to parties and play dates.  For us, it's all about the children having a great time and not elaborately decorated treats.

     Finally, all my children's friends, classmates and fellow scouts.  Instead of avoiding or excluding them, you look for things that you have in common.  Thank you for being their voices and having their backs when they are too shy or weak to stand up for themselves.

      Truly, when God gives a challenge, He sends Angels to help us go through.
               

- Roz 
        

           

         

Friday Freebies : Gluten Free Cookbooks

     May is National Celiac Awareness Month.  Before my children were diagnosed with their food allergies, I too have no clue about it.  Then after visits to Child #3's Gastroenterologist and having rounds of testing,  I decided to research more on this autoimmune disease.  

       So what is Celiac disease?  According to the US Library of Medicine, it is a condition that creates inflammation in the small intestine and damage in the lining.   This prevents important components of food from being absorbed.  The damage of the lining of the intestine comes from a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and possibly oats.  Thus, the sudden need for a gluten free diet rose.  

       Currently, my son tested negative for celiac (thank God!) but is positive to wheat allergy. Those two are totally different ball games.  One thing they do have in common is the need to avoid wheat and/or other gluten sources.  

    With the growing trend of Gluten Free diets, there are people who do it out of necessity, a supplement to their healthy eating lifestyle or even weight loss goals. Whatever your reasons are for going gluten free,  these cookbooks I found today are filled with recipes that you can try and enjoy.  

      Whether you are just curious or you are looking for new recipes to add to your collection,  I'm sure you will find a yummy treat. 

      What are you waiting for?  Get them now while they are still free. 

      Have a great weekend!  

       

- Roz