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Use Select Wisely cards to communicate allergies or a medical condition

November 29, 2010 By
Select Wisely card-strongly worded

A Select Wisely card with a strongly worded message in Chinese

Travelers with food allergies who are used to questioning wait staff about ingredients will find Select Wisely laminated cards a useful communication tool. A printed card in another language or a photo of offending food can be useful in foreign countries when there may be a language barrier.

I don’t have a true allergy to MSG but this ingredient, used widely in Asian cuisine as a flavor enhancer, does affect me negatively. When traveling through Vietnam I happened across a translation for “No MSG” in my guidebook. I copied it down on a piece of paper and started showing it to waiters. The results were amazing. Most waiters in tourist areas were very familiar with this request once they understood it and I felt a lot better after reducing my MSG consumption.

Select Wisely cards

Six examples of the many Select Wisely cards that are available

Upon my return I learned of the Select Wisely company that produces a variety of laminated cards in several languages and immediately ordered a set of cards that states that I have an allergy to MSG in three languages. They are sturdy, laminated, wallet sized cards and I noticed that there is now an iPOD app available with the same information.

Select Wisely offers information on a wide variety of food and health related issues such as diabetes, asthma and more in their standard product offerings, as well as special order cards that can be customized. The list of language offerings is huge, but you’ll need to limit your selection to 3 languages per card. They have a “strongly worded” card for those who have life-threatening allergies, along with a more mild “I have an allergy” message.

This is a useful product for travelers with food or health concerns. Prices vary but standard cards are under $10 for a set of two cards. Order directly from Select Wisely at http://www.selectwisely.com/.

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Comments

  1. Carlanne says:
    November 30, 2010 at 7:29 am

    Great idea. I have no allergies or sensitivities but for people who do, these could be a real life-saver. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Jodie Jacobs says:
    November 30, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Hadn’t heard of this particular card but it is a good idea.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Staying healthy while traveling | Inga's Adventures says:
    September 28, 2011 at 4:36 am

    [...] If you are allergic to certain foods or drugs, or have a medical condition it is a good idea to prepare in advance. I don’t have any true food allergies but I have developed a sensitivity to MSG, a common additive in Asia cooking. When traveling through Vietnam one time I came across the phrase for how to request “no MSG” and wrote it in my notebook so I could show wait staff. Since then I have discovered Select Wisely cards. These are laminated wallet cards with phrases that can be translated into the language of your choice. I carry one in my wallet so the waiter can take it back to the cook. When I need a language that isn’t on my card I have the receptionist at the hotel help me with a written translation that I tape on the card. There are many stock phrases you can choose from on the Select Wisely website, or you can have a custom card made up for food allergies or other medical conditions.  (See my review at Striped Pot) [...]

    Reply

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