Researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies and can affect 1 in 13 children. This works out to every 2 children in each classroom having food allergies. This has been a 50% increase from 1997 to 2011. The CDC has also determined children, teens and young adults with asthma, eczema, or environmental allergies such as hay fever tend to be more susceptible to food allergies.
Eight foods are found to account for 90% of all reactions.
These include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
The most common signs of food sensitivity/allergy is tingling in the mouth, swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, lowered blood pressure and in the most extreme cases death. Symptoms frequently missed by parents and providers as being related to food allergies includes headaches, fatigue, nasal congestion, irritability, skin discoloration or rash and less specific behaviors such as "sighing", colic, asthma, bedwetting or ADHD type behavior.
Eating healthy isn't always easy, but it's worth it. Healthy eating habits do much more than decrease your risk of chronic diseases. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is key to feeling and looking your best. Whenever possible eating fresh, in season, fruits and vegetables with lean organic meats is ideal. You can also eat nuts and seeds to supplement your day with a healthy snack.
An easy way to determine if you are eating well is to look at the packaging. Basically, If it's white, wrapped in plastic or in a box don't eat it! It is also helpful to avoid soy, grains, dairy, gluten, grains and both sugar and artificial sweeteners. The best approach to keeping it simple is to only eat fresh organic foods.
Introduce your family to fresh, local produce by visiting a farmers' market or the Happy Valley Farm Trail here in beautiful northern California. In Shasta County we have a number of great farmers' markets that operate during the summer months and the Redding Saturday Market runs through December. Stop by a farmers' market or explore the Happy Valley Farm Trail to see what's available throughout the year! Another option is to grow your own. Nothing tastes as good as homegrown, fresh vegetables!
For more detailed information on the benefits of eating organic, return to the home page and scroll to the featured articles section. Look for the article titled "Locally grown, organically grown - You are what you eat"!
Certified Farmers' Markets (2019 Schedules)
Shasta County has a number of certified seasonal farmers' markets that provide produce and other food that is fresh, locally grown, and often organic.
1. Redding Market
September 1
- First Fridays in Downtown Redding, Downtown Redding stores, 5pm. www.visitredding.com
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Redding Farmers Market, behind City Hall, 777 Cypress Ave. 7:30am-noon, www.healthyshasta.Org
2. Sundial Market
September 3, 10, 17, 24
• Farmers Market, Sundial Bridge overflow parking lot
800 Sundial Bridge Drive, 8am-noon
September 4, 11, 18, 25
• Music Mondays, Mosaic Restaurant,
326 Sundial Bridge Drive, 6-8pm.
3. Marilyn Miller Market
September 5, 12, 19, 26
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Next to Dairy Queen, 1700 Churn Creek Road, Redding
4. Burney Market
Wednesday, June 7 – September 27, 2023
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Burney Sporting Goods Parking Lot 37427 Hwy 299 E., Burney
5. Anderson Market
• September 4, 14, 21, 28
Storytime, Anderson Library,
3200 West Center St., 3:30-4:30pm,
• September 6, 13, 20, 27
- Sunset River Jam, Anderson River Park
- Amphitheater, 2800 Rupert Road, 6pm, www.andersonchamberofcommerce....
• September 7, 14, 21, 28
Farmers Market, Shasta Gateway Shopping Center (Factory Outlets),
1699 Hwy. 273 #100, 7:30am-noon,
September 16-17, 19-20, 30
- Sunflower & Zinnia Festival, Historic Hawes Farms, 6465 Deschutes Road, www.historichawesfarm.com
6. Gather Marketplace Sun: 11am – 5pm
Mon – Sat: 9:30am – 6:30pm
1322 Butte Street
Redding, CA 96001
7. Palo Cedro 50 Mile Market Thursdays 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
(22037 Old Forty Four Drive, Palo Cedro, Palo Cedro Community Guide Hall)
8. Shasta Lake Farmers' Market May 4 - October 26, 6:00 pm - 9:00 p
(4302 Shasta Dam Blvd., Shasta Lake, CA)
9. Red Bluff Farmers' Markets
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Farmers Market, 100 Main St., 9am-noon, www.healthyshasta.org
September 6, 13, 20, 27
Farmers Market, 633 Washington St.,5-8pm, www.healthyshasta.org