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.
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Check out our new Public Service Announcement
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| * What is Celiac Disease? - Mon, Oct 25, 2010 |
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LOOK WHAT'S COMING UP AT OUR NEXT MEETING:
Monday, April 30th @ 7pm - Our guest speaker will be our group's medical advisor, Dr. Matthew Bromer, Gastroenterologist. His practice is called South Florida Gastroenterology Associates. A Gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Gastroenterologists have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon) and biliary system (e.g., liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts). Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Dr. Bromer will be taking questions for the full hour about Celiac Disease and other related gastro conditions.
Hope to see you all at the So. County Civic Center!!!
Future Meeting Dates
All meetings start promptly at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) 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 Clint Moore Road and Linton Blvd. on the Eastside of the street. For a map of the location CLICK HERE
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Fifth Annual South Florida Gluten Free EXPO
Saturday, February 18, 2012
At the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, FL
from 11AM to 4PM
We welcome your participation as an exhibitor and/or sponsor and we appreciate your support of our continuing efforts to educate South Florida communities. Booth space is limited and will be designated on first come, first registered basis. Full payment for the space requested must be received for the confirmation and reservation of your booth. The cost of your participation is tax deductible (to the extent of the law)
Each 10x10 foot booth will have one 8-foot table and two chairs. We highly encourage you to bring as many different products as you care to sell to those that will be attending, as all Celiacs are looking for new and wonderful products to use. This past year's event brought in over 3300 people...next year we are expecting even more. Please keep that in mind when determining quantities of your product for selling and sampling. Almost all vendors were SOLD-OUT of their inventory. There will be plenty of free parking.
I will be handling the facilitation of this event so if you have any questions or concerns please contact me directly.
Kindest regards,
Dr. Ira Gulker
561-912-9471 or
914-806-6861 cell or
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GLUTEN FREE FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM™ (GFFAP)
Sponsored by the Celiac Disease Foundation of So. Florida
In a continuing effort to reach out to our ever growing community, we have established an assistance program to help those individuals with Celiac Disease and/or Dermatitis Herpetiformis who are living at or below the poverty level.
*Acceptance in this program will allow those individuals, who qualify, to receive $25 per month to be used towards the purchase of Gluten Free foods at any of the following stores: (one store will be assigned to you for your Gluten Free food shopping based on where you live in Florida)
The Healthy Way
9704 Clint Moore Road
Boca Raton 561-483-7999
Proof of income and/or proof of participation in other Public Assistance Programs (Food Stamps, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Medicaid, etc) is required. Board of Directors will qualify individuals and all info will remain private.
If you or anyone you know could benefit from this program please contact Phyllis Kessler at the Celiac Disease Foundation, So. Florida Chapter 561-637-0396 or download the APPLICATION to apply.
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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 or check out the Gluten Free Safe List.
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 their name to see what they have to offer!
The Sundy House
CLICK HERE for great offer from The Sundy House
listed under the Special Offer tab under restaurants
New Gluten Free menu available
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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 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
THE LEADERSHIP TEAM:
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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Celiac Disease Foundation, So. Florida Chapter * 15927 Laurel Creek Drive * Delray Beach, FL 33446
Office: 561-637-0396 Fax: 561-637-0282
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