Gluten Intolerance Group needs Camp Volunteers

Dear NC Piedmont Triad Gluten Intolerance Group,

It is that time of year again when we need your help.  School is getting near the end and our kids are planning their summer vacations.  Those plans include summer camp.
 
We are looking for volunteers to help out at the following locations:
 
Camp Sealth
Vashon Island, Washington
Session 4:  July 20 - 25, 2011
Session 5:  July 26 - 29, 2011
Session 4/5:  July 20 - 29, 2011
 
Camp Kanata
Wake Forest, North Carolina
August 7 - 13, 2011
 
Volunteers will work in the kitchen and will work 6 hour shifts.  If you are interested in helping to make this a great time for our celiac kids, please send an email with your name, contact information, and the day(s) you are available to volunteer.
 
Hope to see you at camp!
 
Stacey Juhnke
GIG Camp Coordinator 

Effects of celiac disease on bone mineral density are pronounced in lumbar spine than femoral neck

Patients with celiac disease are more than 4.5 times more likely to develop osteoporosis compared to healthy people in an age and gender matched cohort with no identifiable risk factors for osteoporosis, according to a study presented today at the EULAR 2011 Annual Congress.
The British study of 1,030 people compares the extent of bone mineral density (BMD)* loss – a common measure of osteoporosis – in two physical locations in the body. The results demonstrated that the mean BMD of the lumbar spine in patients with coeliac disease was significantly different when compared to the control group (1.79 (95% CI 1.32, 2.44)), however not for the femoral neck vs. control (1.52 (95% CI 0.86, 2.67)).
"This is the first study that compares the extent of BMD loss at the lumbar spine and femoral neck in an age and sex matched cohort, and demonstrates that the detrimental effects of coeliac disease are most pronounced in the lower back compared to the hip joint," said Mr Oldroyd of Lancaster University School of Medicine. "These findings may be due to the fact that the bone in the lumbar spine is spongy, less dense and weaker in comparison to the femoral neck, causing it to be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of coeliac disease. There is greater research required to determine why this effect is seen and whether it can have future implications for treatment."
The authors from Lancaster and the Liverpool area collected results of DEXA scans (used to measure BMD) from 1,030 patients with coeliac disease between June 2004 and September 2007. Scan results of the lumbar spine and femoral neck of patients with coeliac disease were compared to a healthy, age and gender matched cohort, with no identifiable risk factors for osteoporosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between coeliac disease and BMD results for the lumbar spine and femoral neck in the lowest tertile of the whole study cohort.

###

Abstract Number: THU0142
*BMD refers to the amount of matter per cubic centimeter of bones. Measurements are most commonly made over the lumbar spine and over the upper part of the hip. Average density is around 1500 kg m−3. BMD is often measured with a t-score, the number of standard deviations above or below the mean for a healthy 30 year old adult of the same sex and ethnicity as the patient. Average t-scores are as follows:
T-score
Normal: Less than 1 standard deviation (SD) below the young adult reference range (more than -1)
Low bone mass (osteopenia): 1 to 2.5 SDs below the young adult reference range (-1 to -2.5)
Osteoporosis: 2.5 or more SDs below the young adult reference range (-2.5 or less)


http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/elar-eoc052511.php

Please note that the June 4 Family Fun Event has been cancelled

The Gluten Free Family Fun event scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday the 4th has been cancelled. We did not meet the minimum head count needed to host the event. It may be rescheduled for the fall, details to follow.

General Mills is discontinuing their gluten-free hamburger helper products

General Mills has been contacting members of the gluten-free community to let them know that they will no longer be offering the gluten-free versions of their popular hamburger helper products, including Hamburger Helper Cheesy Hashbrown, Asian Helper Chicken Fried Rice and Asian Helper Beef Fried Rice. This change is due to a modification in their manufacturing facilities, where all of the products, gluten-containing or not, will be processed on the same line. As such, General Mills can no longer guarantee the gluten-free status of the products because of the potential for cross contamination. Please visit this celiac news and gluten free diet resources page for more information.

Blogger site problems.....

Note to everyone who may be confused by the sudden disappearance of posts over the last several hours. The Blogger site has been undergoing a few "repairs" since yesterday that should be completed soon. A few posts may appear twice, not at all, etc. until the situation is resolved. I'm trying to keep the current posts up and running, so let me know (via the comments or email) if you need info that you can't locate.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Be sure to stop by the Greek Festival for gluten-free food, wine and beer!

Enjoy a Gluten-Free Meal at the Greek Festival this Weekend!

Gluten-free items from the menu include:

• chicken and pork souvlaki skewers (marinade is vegetable oil, lemon, salt, pepper, oregano)
• greek-style green beans (in tomato base)
• greek salad (order without the roll!)
• greek potato wedges (fried in vegetable oil in designated fryers. Greek seasoning is paprika, salt, pepper and oregano)
• wine and gluten-free beer (Red Bridge)

For more details visit www.wsgoc.org.  Special thanks to Georgia Wood for the gluten-free menu details!

New Town Bistro's Gluten Free Menu......looks good!!

Register for the Gluten Free Family Fun Event on June 4, 2011

 Who/What:

 The NCPTGIG is hosting a Gluten Free event for the whole family! Bring your lawn chairs and appetites!

• Sampling of some gluten free goodies from Ana Lilly Gluten Free Foods, Three Sisters Artisan Bakery, and Udi's

• Fun and games from Fit Republic

• Great lunch from New Town Bistro

When/Where:

10:30AM Saturday June 4th

• Mostly Local Market parking lot in Lewisville

(note if it rains we will be having this event at the Jerry Long YMCA teen room before heading over to New Town Bistro). We will post a note here if there is a question of rain.

11:30 AM
We will then go over to New Town Bistro to enjoy a Gluten Free Lunch

RSVP and prepayment of lunch required.  There is a minimum headcount required to run this program.

Please RSVP ASAP to Suzanne York to reserve your space. Include names of people participating, and ages of children. Send check to Suzanne York (make check payable to Suzanne York)
8216 Kildare St. Clemmons, NC 27012. Deadline for registration is Monday May 30th.


For list of locations and menu click below

Free Value Tours: Learn to How to Save at Whole Foods

MEDIA ADVISORY

Whole Deal Value Tour
Learn how to save on groceries, get money-saving recipes and tips.
WHAT: Feeling the gas pinch and dollar crunch? One of the easiest ways to lighten the load on your pocketbook is learning to save money on groceries. For two weeks in May we’re offering free value tours centered on getting more bang for your buck, inexpensive delicious recipes and other awesome tips to get you back in the driver’s seat. Just sign up at our Customer Service desk or call 336-722-9233 today!


WHEN:    Tuesday, May 10 & 17 @ 10am
Wednesday, May 11 & 18 @ 6pm
Thursday, May 12 & 19 @ 10am

WHERE:  Whole Foods Market
                   41 Miller St
                   Winston-Salem, NC

Media Contact: Jarrett Oliveri, Whole Foods Market, 336-722-9233

Should You Be Gluten-Free? Virtual event to be held by the NFCA on May 11

Announcement below from Celiac Central: Join NFCA for a Must-See Virtual Event!

Last month, our Health Resource Q&A introduced you to Jill’s List, an online directory for complementary medicine and alternative treatments. Now, our friends at Jill’s List are hosting an unprecedented virtual event on May 11, bringing together some of the biggest names in celiac and gluten-free awareness.
Should You Be Gluten-Free? is an interactive, web-based event featuring a panel of celiac and gluten-free experts:

• Mark Hyman, MD, New York Times Best Selling Author and family physician
• Alice Bast, Founder & President, National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
• Jill Brack, Founder of GLOW Gluten-Free
• Jill Shah, Founder & CEO of Jill’s List (moderator)

This one-of-a-kind event aims to educate both healthcare providers and patients, covering topics such as who really needs the gluten-free diet, how to recognize celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, what resources are available and more!
Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2011
• Time: 1-2 p.m. ET
• To register: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178379652214815

For more information about this event, read the Press Release »

Activists Protest Delayed Gluten-Free Label Standard

Follow the link to an article from abc news on the importance of gluten free labeling standards and the involvement of Whole Foods and Jules Shepard in yesterday's Gluten-Free Food Labeling Summit in D.C.

Click here to see the world's largest gluten free cake and other photos from the event! More details are posted on 1in133's facebook page.

Please join the cause to support gluten free food labeling!

May is National Celiac Disease Awareness month! 

From 1in133.org:

In 2007, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) tasked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to finalize standards for gluten-free labeling. Four years later, the FDA has failed to fulfill that mandate. To the millions of Americans who eat gluten-free food, this inaction is a big deal.
To draw attention to the FDA's inaction, and to galvanize the burgeoning gluten-free community, leading members of this community will host Capitol Hill legislators, noted celiac disease researchers, gluten-free community leaders and food corporations to the first Gluten Free Food Labeling Summit, in Washington, D.C. on May 4th, 2011. Coinciding with the newly recognized National Celiac Awareness Month, the event will also feature the world's largest gluten-free cake – symbolizing the big deal that clear, accurate, reliable labeling plays in the lives of people dependent on labeling for their health.

Please join the efforts of 1in133.org and The American Celiac Disease Alliance to bring attention to the importance of gluten free food labeling. Visit 1in133.org today to sign the online petition, send a letter to the FDA, or contribute to the cause. In addition, everyone is urged to contact their congressional representatives to let them know how important proper food labeling is to everyone in the gluten free community. Let them know you want the FDA to finish the FALCPA labeling rules!

NCPTGIG meeting scheduled for April 16 has been postponed

Update from Grace Johnston on the rescheduling of the next NCPTGIG meeting:

Dr. Ivor Hill has a conflict with April 16. Our advisory committee voted last night to reschedule. Dr. Hill will bring Dr. Marcie K. Drury Brown, a pediatric endocrinologist who has celiac disease, to our next meeting. We are amending the topic to include recommended follow-up care for celiac disease and wheat sensitivity and other autoimmune issues, symptoms, to be aware of. Once their July schedules are posted we will set a date. This will be worth waiting for.
Continue to compile your tips for navigating the gluten-free diet, how you deal with the social and psychological issues following the diet. Within our group is a wealth of information, the correct information, and yes, the material for the next addendum. Please continue to share your talent.

Look forward also to great gluten-free potlucks!
Also, (1) cooking demonstrations with our kids
         (2) fun family exercises and games
         (3)samples from gluten-free vendors
         (4) 28 day gluten-free menu for our kids
         (5) a gluten-free dining event at New Town Bistro
          (6) program meeting with Dr. Jillian Teta

I am particularly concerned that we continue to be available to those newly diagnosed. I thank you for the outreach effort you are making and I encourage everyone to continue to communicate by asking questions and sharing information.

The celiac's version of restaurant roulette: How do we really know our order is actually gluten-free?

Chef Admits Lying to Gluten Free Diners

I'm sure everyone has heard the news about the so-called "chef" who bragged on his Facebook page about intentionally giving his unsuspecting gluten-free patrons a heaping dose of wheat with their meals.

The full story can be found on Foodista. The WebMD blog site has covered this story as well and has started a comment log for your trials and tribulations while dining out gluten free.

When eating out locally these past few months, I've had several instances where I had to ask the staff to remake my order because it contained gluten (croutons, bread, pasta, etc.). I understand that it is difficult for any restaurant to fully comprehend the challenges of the gluten-free diet and, for the most part, they are very accommodating. However, I do wonder if they sometimes think we're just being self-indulgent and picky. I certainly hope our local chefs are of higher moral fiber and sensibly abstain from intentionally abusing their gluten-free guests.

As always, feel free to post your comments here. I'd like to know what others think about this!

NCPTGIG Spring Meeting and Potluck: April 16, 2011

April 16, 2011

NC Piedmont Triad Gluten Intolerance Group

Spring Potluck

Hope Moravian Church

Schedule

10 AM 

Fitness with Suzanne York

11 AM 

Celiac Disease research update with Dr. Ivor Hill, Wake Forest University Medical School

And for the kids: 

Gluten-free play dough activity with Amy, Dana, and Maya Leander  

Cooking demonstration with Debbie and Drew Fisher

12PM 

Gluten-free Potluck

Call or email Grace Johnston with questions (336-945-5366).

Remember to RSVP: head counts help us plan fun activities!

If you would be willing to assist with setup or cleanup please contact Jan and Ken Butner.

Click the link below to view the unabridged meeting announcement.