By Staff
Why does there seem to be a surge in food allergies?
We’ve seen a significant rise in food allergies, particularly in children—and even more alarming is the rate of severe reactions among Black children. This isn’t just a coincidence. There are many factors, including environmental changes, food processing practices, and delayed diagnosis. Our communities often lack access to specialists or adequate education about symptoms, which only heightens the risk. That’s why I wrote “No, Renee You Are Allergic!”—to help people recognize and manage allergies early.
What tips can you give parents to protect children from hidden allergies?
Start by becoming a label detective. Common allergens hide in the most unexpected places—snacks, sauces, even drinks. I always advise parents to ask questions, read every label (every time), and avoid foods that don’t have clear ingredient lists. Also, educate caregivers, teachers, and other parents. Communication is the first line of protection. An allergy-friendly home and open dialogue can save a child’s life.
In an emergency, what type of tools or actions should a parent take to save their child?
Preparation is everything. Always carry two epinephrine devices and make sure everyone in your circle knows how to use them. Teach your child to speak up about their allergies. And now we have an exciting treatment option—a needle-free epinephrine nasal spray called neffy that is approved for children as young as 4 and weigh 33 lbs. or more. It’s a great option for kids (and their parents!) who are afraid of needles or simply want an easier, more compact solution. I would encourage anyone with a severe food allergy to talk with their doctor about neffy. It is small so it easily fits into your pocket, purse or backpack and it is designed to be easy to use so anyone can administer it to themselves or someone experiencing anaphylaxis. What’s even better is that you don’t need to worry about temperatures with neffy. It should be stored at room temperature, but it can withstand temperatures as high as 122° F – which is great for beach days or if you accidentally leave it in a hot car. And finally, for all the busy parents out there, neffy has a long shelf life between 24 to 30 months, depending on the dose, which means that you don’t have to fill prescriptions as often.
As I tell everyone with allergies, quick recognition of any allergic reaction and action can be the difference between life and death, so do not hesitate to administer epinephrine if someone is exposed to an allergen!
Get more information about neffy by visiting www.neffy.com
About
Dr. Renee Matthews is an accomplished healthcare professional with a diverse career that spans medical education, media, and advocacy. Her extensive work in raising awareness about asthma and allergies, especially in her hometown of Chicago, has earned her several recognitions, including the 2013 Friend of Mobile C.A.R.E. Award. As a long-time asthmatic and allergy sufferer, Dr. Matthews uses her personal experience to inform and empower others. Through her speaking engagements, writing, and media appearances, she has become a strong advocate for asthma and allergy education.
Dr. Matthews’ contributions to health media include her work as a writer for prominent outlets like Essence, Ebony, MadameNoire, and Good Enough Mother, where she has shared her expertise on health topics. In addition, her role as the host of Keeping It 100 and BlackDoctor.org Facebook Live has allowed her to engage a broader audience and provide health insights directly to the public.
Her passion extends beyond her work in healthcare to mentorship, as she is an active member of the Girl Scouts and a mentor for Save a Girl Save a World. She is especially dedicated to addressing the health concerns of Black women, helping them navigate complex health systems and make informed decisions about their care.
Dr. Matthews’ commitment to education is also reflected in her publications, including her first non-fiction book, Mommy, I Can’t Breathe: The Modern Guide to Navigate Allergies and Asthma, and her recent children’s book, No, Renéé, You Are Allergic!, which introduces young readers to allergy awareness in a relatable and engaging way.
Her efforts to improve the healthcare experience for patients—particularly those with asthma and allergies—have made her a respected figure in both healthcare and media.
She’s drawn from her experiences while putting her expertise to work for a number of media outlets and the talk show circuit. As a long-time asthmatic, she has become an impassioned advocate for asthma education. She addresses the concerns asthma sufferers have getting their best possible health and medical care by supplying them with tools and knowledge they need to navigate the healthcare system, stay safe in the pursuit of care, and engaging patients to be active participants in their health and healthcare. Most recently, Dr. Renee appears in her show “Out of Office with Dr. Renee” which is seen in 45,000 Doctors’ offices and Walgreens across the country.
Dr. Renee is an active member of the Girl Scouts and a mentor Save a Girl Save a World. Dr. Renee is especially passionate about addressing the health concerns of Black women and has been recognized by patients and professionals alike for her ability to translate the challenges patients face into tools and solutions they can use to improve their health care.
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