Allergy Dad

08/13/2026

If you are wrestling with allergy season and wondering why your medicine cabinet looks like a CVS pharmacy shelf, pull up a chair, we'll get you a cup of third party tested coffee. You're in good company!

Let's talk about antihistamines. Specifically, why medical science had to go back to the drawing board to design a second generation away from the first.

First generation antihistamines were the trailblazers, but they came with a heavy-hitting side effect: they readily cross the blood-brain barrier. That little chemical trait is precisely why they make kids (and adults) so drowsy and ready for a nap. Because of that sleepy-time issue, researchers engineered second-generation options to stay out of the central nervous system, giving us non-drowsy relief that lasts longer.

So, when do you actually use which?

First-generation options (like diphenhydramine) (Benedryl) are great for acute, short-term allergic reactions or when you specifically want that sedative effect to help someone sleep through an itchy, miserable night.

Second-generation options (like cetirizine or loratadine)(Zyrtex) are your go-to daily drivers for managing everyday seasonal allergies without turning your kid into a zombie at school.

As always, checking in with a qualified medical authority is your best bet for finding the right fit for your family.

Stay safe and healthy friends!

07/16/2026

School is slated to start in less than a month (in Sarasota County that is)!

For those that have children with allergies it's time to get medical authorization and menu modification forms to your pediatrician. If you're a returning, battle-worn parent in this arena or new to enrolling your child into school with allergies, check out this blog post.

https://www.bryanthardwick.com/allergy-dad-blog/back-to-school

I discuss the main forms used by the school to create your allergy action plan and some other class-based forms you might run into.

Additionally, if you want a complete prep guide on forms, examples of what they looks like, free online resources, planning for birthday parties, classroom snack strategies that don't make your kid go POP, I put together a paid download if it fancies you. And discounting it for the month.

But seriously, get those forms to your doc so you're not running around with panic in your soul.

Explore allergy-friendly products and resources at Allergy Dad Shop, offering tips and tools for managing allergies effectively.

07/04/2026

Environmental allergens. If you suffer from these, do you live in a planned living situation? HOA? Lakewood Ranch? Lots of shopping centers around?

Planned neighborhoods tend to use specific plants that score high on the OPALS scale, a scale that pairs an allergenic quotient to specific varieties of plants. These can still be Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL) compliant and score high on the allergy scale. Male plants are more desirable than female plants, despite their ability to sequester pollen out of the air.

In this blog piece I explore some of the decisions planners and developers consider when designing for commerce or residential/HOA space. Cleanliness, growth timing, and aesthetics are the primary variables selected for rather than allergenic impact.

Let me know if you guys have any specific experiences with natural spaces versus planned spaces and allergy response.

06/01/2026

With school here in Sarasota County wrapped I hope everyone remembered to collect their school medications from the clinic! Word on the street is that they toss anything extra after school is let out for the summer.

I just wanted to wish all you guys and your kids a fun and safe summer. Remember, most camps will query allergy needs for your kids and if they don't make sure you do! Especially if they are providing meals.

Take care everyone.

03/08/2026

What do you guys do for auto-injectors and their affordability?

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Hey all, I wanted to chat auto-injectors. Hopefully you are not in a scenario where this needs to be a part of your day to day lifestyle considerations. But, if it is, you will have to navigate the purchase of these devices ever so often.

Since the life of these devices (and the compounds within) begin at the manufacturer you’re looking at anywhere from 12 to 18 months, by time they get to you for purchase, their lifecycle has already been ticking, having full potency for 12 to 14 months.

This means roughly every year you’re having to shell out minimum $300 to get a pack of injectors. If you’re children need them for school too, now your at 2 packs of injectors. Your kids living with separated/divorced parents, add another pack! The cost can begin to get out of control.

There is an amazing resource, www.kidswithfoodallergies.org and they dropped a beautiful write up on auto-injectors and cost. I just had to replace ours for my son and was fortunate enough to have insurance that covers these but if you do not, or there are conditions for your auto-injector approval, this page could help. While I recommend reading the whole page, I’ve included a reduced version below. Auto-injectors are extremely important. So, please, if you find cost is a factor, investigate the options laid out by KFA.org.

https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/what-to-do-if-you-cant-afford-epinephrine-auto-injectors

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Reduced notes:

1. Utilize Manufacturer Savings Programs

Most manufacturers offer programs to lower out-of-pocket costs, though eligibility often depends on your insurance status:

* AUVI-Q: Offers the "AffordAbility" program. Commercially insured patients may pay $35 or less. Those without insurance (and an income under $100k) may be eligible to receive it for free through the Kaléo Patient Assistance Program.

* EpiPen & Generic EpiPen (Viatris/Mylan): Provides a savings card that can reduce costs by up to $300 per two-pack. They also have a Patient Assistance Program for those with demonstrated financial need.

* Generic Adrenaclick (Amneal): Offers a savings card for commercially insured patients (often as low as $0) and a discount for cash-paying patients.

* neffy (Nasal Spray): Newer options like the neffy nasal spray have co-pay programs that can bring the cost down to $0 for eligible insured patients.

2. Shop Around and Compare Prices

Prices can vary significantly between pharmacies. KFA recommends:

* Price Comparison Tools: Use websites like GoodRx, Blink Health, and SingleCare to find the lowest local cash price.

* Pharmacy Choice: Check both big-box retailers (like CVS or Walgreens) and local independent pharmacies.

3. Opt for Generics

Ask your doctor to write the prescription for "epinephrine auto-injector" rather than a specific brand name. This allows the pharmacist to dispense the generic version, which is the same medication and just as effective but typically much cheaper.

4. Seek Help from Non-Profits

If you are uninsured or under-insured, several organizations offer help with prescription costs:

* NeedyMeds and RxAssist: Databases for patient assistance programs.

* HealthWell Foundation: Provides financial assistance to eligible patients to cover coinsurance, copayments, and premiums.

5. Check Your Insurance Formulary

If your insurance denies a specific brand, contact them to find out which device is their "preferred" option. Your doctor can then switch your prescription to the covered brand to ensure a lower co-pay.

The manufacturers of most epinephrine options offer U.S. savings programs and patient assistance programs. Epinephrine is the only treatment for a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis [anna-fih-LACK-sis]. It is only available through a prescription by your doctor. Most prescriptions come wi...

12/16/2025

Hey all, for anyone interested I've released my book, Parenting Kids with Allergies: A Field Guide for New Parents.

In this book I maintain a position of a dad who leans on functional medicine health coaching training, talking about topics ranging from a basic understanding of allergies to the path of getting a diagnosis and interfacing with the medical complex and standards of care. There's also bits sprinkled in about reading labels, FDA protections and definitions and support for your child and yourself as you normalize to "allergy life."

I feel like I've started this channel backwards, creating collated content in a book form but, no worries, the content coming from this book will make its way here.

Happy holidays everyone and stay safe!

Are you a parent with a kid or kids with allergies? As a parent you're essentially responsible for the well-being of your child and yourself as you traverse the in's and out's of "allergy life." This book covers topics related to: This guide won't be a technical and medical prescription for ho...

10/06/2025

Antihistamines. Let talk.

There's so many factors to chat about regarding antihistamines:

- what these are and why they are so widely used
- what histamines actually do in the body
- how h1 receptor "blocking" works
- the difference between First & Second Generation Antihistamines
- relative safety profiles for the different generations listed
- blocking histamine versus speeding metabolism and clearance instead
.. and I'm sure there are more.

Of the those following and have interest, what sounds most interesting?

My goal is to cover and plainly communicate atypical aspects of common allergy topics.

09/12/2025

Back to School: Allergy Edition

We're a little late here with this post but I wanted to get it out anyway.

Every year it's the same process, school registration, check. School
supplies, check. Wardrobe reboot because your kid’s outgrew literally everything in just under three months, check. But wait! There’s more!

If your child has allergies you have a handful of other considerations:

- medical authorization forms
- menu modifications forms
- forms to identify specific allergen intensity and how they organize your classroom
.. and more

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https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/.. has some great resources on these topics

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/.. also has some good resources around food allergies in the classroom

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Also remember there are other content creator's that might have specific resources tuned to different parts of this school related allergy piece, so check them out as well.

If you feel like you want more specific guidance on allergy management and the care plans at school, I myself have put together an eBook that covers:

- brief timeline of county form submissions
- standard county and non-county forms to submit and how
- examples of those forms
- rules of thumb when interacting with classroom leaders
- where you can get further FREE resources (maybe check those first)
- parties and birthday's at school
- ... with personal stories wrapped into the mix for context

If this tickles your fancy, you can find it on https://bio.site/bryanthardwick

Take care all!

09/12/2025

First post. Here we go!

What is this and why?

I've been trying to figure out a way to share my experiences of being a parent of a kid with allergies. It's has and continues to shape my families life. Knowing how pervasive it is, I feel it part of my work here on planet Earth to share and hopefully help others navigate this topic.

If you feel there is value here, I hope you stick around. If it's for the birds, fair, I appreciate you reading this.