For our cover article, writer Carolyn Black has an incredibly insightful article on the impact on some marriages of the day-to-day vigilance in managing food allergies and celiac disease. It includes stories of husbands and wives who are far apart in their approaches to managing children’s allergies – and does that cause stress! But this also turns out to be an issue with a later in life diagnosis of celiac or allergy (when a couple’s eating habits change overnight).

While studies have shown that quality of life suffers in families with food allergic kids, this is the first time I’ve seen couples speaking specifically – and so honestly and directly – about the impact on their marriages. Their stories are heartfelt and make you realize that when we speak of “allergy management,” what a journey that can be.

But what I love in this article is that Carolyn doesn’t just dwell on difficulties. She interviewed psychologists and parenting experts and shares the best of their advice for helping couples work as a team again. If food restrictions are in any way hurting your relationship, you’ve got to read this article.

I’m also so glad we’ll be publishing senior health writer Lisa Fitterman’s article on gluten’s effects on the brain. Lisa delves into the gamut of cognitive symptoms that those with celiac report: from headaches to insomnia and brain fog. But she goes even deeper – interviewing prominent U.K. neurologist Dr. Marios Hadjivassiliou to gain a greater understanding of his latest and groundbreaking research.

He is finding profound neurological effects in those with celiac disease who haven’t been diagnosed; it’s unlike anything we’ve known before. Dr. Hadjivassiliou wants to spread the word that “it’s imperative that we change the mindset about celiac disease and brain dysfunction.” AL mag hopes to help to that end with this article.

While there’s lots of thought-provoking reading, the AL team is also busy writing and photographing lots of great lifestyle features – to make the Spring issue an uplifting and inspiring read. There are many stories that I could mention, but as a hard drive full of editing awaits, I’ll just share a couple more.

• The lineup from our fabulous food team: New Food Editor Cybele Pascal offers an inspired selection of allergy-friendly, gluten-free Asian recipes. It was pure pleasure to “have to” test her Pad Thai (yes, allergen-free Pad Thai!!) at our food shoot. Delicious!

Senior Editor Alisa Fleming gets creative with brunch waffles and pancakes (no dairy, no gluten, no any top 8 allergens), and Associate Food Editor Elizabeth Gordon brings us outstanding chocolate cupcakes and cookies for spring.

• Just in time for spring allergies, we’ll tell you how to design a sneeze-free garden, and we’ve got amazing allergy-friendly gear for kids. There’s great advice from our expert columnists, including a terrific article from Gina Clowes on the broader implications of the Lesley University agreement on the disability rights of food-allergic students.

FYI, if you’d like to get this issue but haven’t subscribed yet, that’s easy to do online here.

I’d better get back to that editing. But I’ll be looking most forward to our readers’ feedback on the new issue, which will land in mailboxes about the first week of April. Feel free to send your comments to editor@allergicliving.com. We hope you’ll enjoy the issue.

warmly, Gwen

• Out of Control: Asthma in America: There’s an asthma crisis in U.S. The number of people with the disease is growing, and too many of them do not have the disease
  under the control. Allergic Living gets inside the crisis.
• Silent Celiac: Some people have so few symptoms that they don’t even realize gluten is a problem. But stealthily, damage is being done. [Read more]
• The Bully’s Target: Kids with food allergies are being teased and harassed at school. Here’s why, and what we can do to make school a safe haven.
• This Allergic Life: Millionaire pro sports team owner Ted Leonsis reveals what it’s like to juggle severe allergies with an on-the-go lifestyle.
• Modern Times: Try one of Chef Simon’s twists on autumn flavours, including braised chicken in apple cider and beet chips with chipotle aioli.
• Ragweed’s Rule: It causes misery for millions of Americans every fall. Here’s how to reduce your suffering.
• The Food Allergy Experts: Questions on: outgrowing peanut allergy, adult sensitization and oral allergy syndrome.
• Ask the Asthma & Allergy Expert: Readers ask about: September flare-ups; how puberty affects asthma.
• Allergy News: “May contain” labelling news, the myth of the hypoallergenic dog, and more.
• Healthy Home: Insulation that’s irritant-, mold- and carcinogen-free.
• Celiac Expert: Shelley Case on why pulses are nutritional powerhouses – and ideal for those on a gluten-free diet.
• Gluten-free Girl: Shauna James Ahern reveals how she got over her fear of restaurants – and how you can, too.
• Gluten-free Goddess: Karina Allrich turns your home into a bakeshop. Recipes: Baked Donuts; Apple-Pear Muffins; Pumpkin Cornbread.
• FAAN Views: FAAN’S Maria Acebal presents her wish list for what every teacher and school employee ought to know about food allergies.
• The Parenting Coach: Gina Clowes offers helpful tips on making Halloween extra fun for allergic kids. They needn’t feel different!
• Natural Beauty: Makeup bag essentials that will take you from day through night.
• My Story: A teen learns about dating with allergies the hard way.
• Adult Alleriges: Mireille Schwartz on navigating food allergies at the office.
• Hot Stuff: Halloween treats that are scary and safe.

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