May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by consuming the protein called gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye). Three million Americans have celiac disease, but only 200,000 know that they have it! Celiac disease is hereditary; therefore, if you are diagnosed with it, your first- and second-degree relatives should be screened also.

Symptoms of the disease are diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritability, depression, bloating, gas, delayed growth, unexplained anemia, weight loss, headaches, constipation, thin bones, fatigue, joint pain, canker sores inside the mouth, itchy skin rash, discolored teeth, and others. The treatment for the disease is a life-long gluten-free diet.

During the month of May, Saint Luke’s South has activities planned to raise awareness and increase knowledge of celiac disease and how to live gluten-free. Click here for a list of activities — (information shown below). Celiac disease will also be featured at one of the SLS Family Health Festival booths June 4. For more information, contact Veronica Besch, Meda Bower, Barb Coyle, Renee Ilk, Ruth Kolb, Kelley Riley, or Trevor Thomas.

-Tri-fold Poster in the main lobby with flyers and disease information

-Information table in the cafeteria on May 17th

Gluten-free recipes and other handouts

Gluten-free food samples

Display of gluten-free food products

Chance to win T-shirts and other prizes

-Gluten-free entrée on May 17th featuring:

Pulled pork barbecue (with gluten-free bun and gluten-free sauces)

Sautéed fresh vegetables

Pasta salad (made with quinoa pasta)

Luscious lemonade cake – also gluten-free!

-Lunch and Learn (for SLS Staff) May 18th taught by:

Dr. Wendell Clarkston, Gastroenterology Physician, in the SLS Wellness Conference Room from Noon to 1:00pm.

This program will offer 1.0 CNE.  You can sign up on HealthStream or just show up that day.

-Listen for a SLS promotion on KMBZ.

It is very exciting to see this kind of celiac awareness being spread in Kansas City, especially among the medical community.  I am going to attend the lunch on the 17th!

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The Expo Includes:
Two full-days of gluten-free/dairy-free cooking demonstrations by notable chefs, cookbook authors and nutritionists
Printed recipes so you can follow along, take notes and ask questions about successful replacement ingredients for common allergens such as soy, sugar, egg, dairy and corn
Learning how to prepare each dish, and getting the chance to taste them as well
Gourmet Gluten Free Dairy Free lunch will be provided
All Expo Attendees will take home a gift bag of great gluten-free products, literature and offers.

How does the 2009 Expo differ from the 2008 Expo?
All GCFC (Gluten Free/Dairy Free) Recipes
More sessions from the nutritionists
How to cook gluten-free recipes on a budget
Bread classes
More healthy eating options
Sessions on family friendly meals
Sessions for those that can not attend a full-day session
The ability to just attend the vendor fair without the rest of the Expo

Here is a list of FAQs about the conference!