Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is quite common. According to a recent study, one in 133 Americans with no symptoms or risk factors is likely to be afflicted, and among those who have a blood relative with this disease, the incidence is as great as 1 in 22. In people with celiac disease, eating foods like wheat, barley, and rye, which contain gluten and related proteins, sets off a chain reaction that causes the immune system to attack the cells of the small intestine. Because it interferes with absorption and robs the body of nutrients, the classic symptoms of celiac disease are chronic diarrhea, bloating and weight loss. Untreated disease can also cause joint pain, fatigue, weakness, depression, osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anemia, infertility and other disorders. Fortunately, celiac disease can be diagnosed with a simple blood test, and following a gluten-free diet usually restores the health of the small intestine and improves nutritional status and well-being.
That's why we're here....to help YOU have a better way of life without feeling overwhelmed. Celiac Disease is completely controllable with a few dietary adjustments. So take the next step to getting better and letting us help you! If you would like to join, download the APPLICATION FORM and send it to us with your payment or bring it to the next meeting. Either way, we look forward to seeing you soon!
For information on our group or to better understand Celiac Disease, please contact Phyllis Kessler @ 561-637-0396. |
LOOK WHAT'S COMING UP AT OUR NEXT MEETING:
Thursday, May 15th: Our guest speaker, Beth Cutler, is a licensed Mental Health Counselor discussing Celiac's living in a Non-Celiac world; from eating out in mainstream America to supemarket shopping.
Future dates: July 15, September 9 and November 10th.
All meeting start promptly at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm) and are located at the Palm Beach County Civic Center: 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach in Room C. The Civic Center is located on Jog Road between Clintmoore Road and Linton Blvd. on the Eastside of the street. For a map of the location CLICK HERE.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS:
Coming this Fall: Gluten Free Pancake Breakfast! Located at Mizner Country Club (16104 Mizner Club Drive, Delray Beach - enter on Lyons Road between Clint Moore Road and West Atlantic Ave). Come and enjoy PANCAKES..... WAFFLES... CEREALS.... BACON....SAUSAGES......TOAST and more! Donations are: Adults $25 each, Children 5-12yoa $10 each and under 5 $5 each. A special guest speaker and raffle prizes galore! Plus ....a face painter for the kids too! This one will go fast so make surey ou RSVP soon to Herdis Spierto at 561-687-7979 or Herpoulsen2@aol.com
Coming Up: Gluten Free Bake Sale! At the July 15th meeting!
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| A big thank you for Melinda Dennis - an expert on Nutrition and Celiac Disease with Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, who came to South Florida to lecture at our March 3rd Support Group Meeting. Her discussion on associated conditions of CD including weight gain/loss and fortification, was most informative and highly educational for Celiacs, Physicians and Dieticians alike. Melinda can be reached at mdennis@bidmc.harvard.edu for those of you who would like to receive a copy of her presentation. |
YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT...
A Gluten-free diet is a life-long commitment and should not be started before being properly diagnosed with CD/DH. Starting the diet without complete testing is not recommended and makes diagnosis difficult. To learn more, download the latest version of the Quick Start Diet Guide for Celiacs.
Our newsletters have money saving coupons from Nutrition Depot and Pizza Fusion!
Prescription drugs are not necessarily gluten free! Check out the Safe GF Drug List to learn more but remember, information can change on a daily basis so double check with the drug company or its manufacturer to be certain.
If you are having surgery or going into the hospital for any reason, they need to be aware of your dietary requirements! But don't despair, we are here to help....The Hospital Awareness Program is one of our initiatives and Ruth Kieserman, Director of Education Outreach (with volunteer Judie Tarpey) call and visit the major hospitals in our area to educate dietitians on the importance of having gluten free foods for Celiac patients. So if you are scheduled for any type of hospital stay please call Ruth so she will be able to contact the hospital in advance and avoid any difficulties upon your arrival.
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GLUTEN FREE DINING
There's nothing better for a Celiac to know they can go to a restaurant and eat without worry! Here are some fabulous restaurants that provide you with that great gluten free dining experience. Remember to read your selections carefully and discuss with the waiter or manager your choices to ensure a fabulous meal. Just click on the name to see what they have to offer!
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You will also find many restaurants that offer gluten free options, but are not designated as having a gluten free menu (or prepare your food in a gluten free area). Some have those options listed on thier website, others you need to ask at the specific location you visit, so proceed with caution!
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There are also may grocery stores that will provide you with a list of gluten free products that they sell. Check with your local store's "Customer Service" counter for the list or check these links out before you shop:
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THE LINKS
Current research at several universities and hospitals are avaliable. We invite you to visit these sites, as well as the other informative sites listed here, to learn more about what you can do to help yourself and your loved ones who are striving to reach thier optimal health and enjoy life in the gluten free, wheat-free way!
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THE EXECTUIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
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President
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Vice President
561-616-5035 |
Secretary
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THE LEADERSHIP TEAM:
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Director of Kids Korner
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Director of Finance
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Gluten Free Workshops
Committee Leader
561-790-1976 |
GF Restaurant Awareness
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Hospital Outreach Program
561-241-6228
561-241-9670 (fax)
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THE ADVISORS:
Pediatric Medical Advisor
Dr. Lawrence Adams
561-840-1960
Medical Advisors
Dr. Mark Dosch
Dr. Matthew Bromer
Dr. Edward Horvath
561-732-2900
Nutrition Advisor
Lisa Delaney
R.D. M.S LD/N
786-543-1044
Do you have information you would like to share? Or have an inquiry?
Just click on the appropriate board members name to send them an email!
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PBC Celiac Support Group * 15927 Laurel Creek Drive * Delray Beach, FL 33446
Office: 561-637-0396 Fax: 561-637-0282 |
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