Philadelphians fill Wachovia Center to help raise awareness of celiac disease

A crowd of 1,200 gathered at the Wachovia Center on
Wednesday, September 30th to celebrate the gluten-free lifestyle during the 6th annual Appetite for Awareness event. Hosted by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) and title sponsor Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals, the event honoring
John Binswanger and his family raised over $300,000 to support the organization’s national awareness campaign and programming.

Over thirty of Philadelphia’s best restaurants participated in the event, which featured an entirely gluten-free menu. The festivities were a special treat for guests with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder treated only through a gluten-free diet, eliminating foods
containing wheat, barley and rye. Current estimates suggest the disease affects about 3 million Americans, yet over 95% live without a diagnosis.

Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider, who is a member of the NFCA Board of Directors, generously donated the Wachovia Center facility, which has been home to Appetite for Awareness event since 2008. Read More »

Celiac Awareness Day at PNC Park is a special awareness and fundraising event that will help to support awareness and patient programs of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG) , and the Celiac Sprue Association (CSA) throughout the region.

Sunday, September 27, 2009
Game Time: 1:35 pm
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. LA Dodgers
Fan Appreciation Day at PNC Park
Outfield Box: $20.00 ($5.00 donated)
L/R Grandstand: $12.00 ($2.00 donated)

BIG NEWS!

The Pirates are going to have a gluten-free portable stand for the Celiac Awareness Day!! This is the food that will be served at this special concession stand. Read More »

The Healthy Villi Celiac Support Group, the Beth Israel Deaconess Celiac Center and 24 other support groups in New England are partnering together to offer an all-day New England Celiac Conference.

The day-long forum (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel in Marlboro, MA.

The forum will include experts speaking on celiac disease, afternoon workshops, product sampling and product sales and a continental breakfast and buffet lunch. In attendance will be individuals with celiac disease (or gluten intolerance) and dietitians who are eager to learn about the gluten-free diet and the selection of food and beverages available to them. Approximately 600 attendees are expected.

The day-long conference

Serves a full gluten free breakfast, lunch and snack to all attendees.To register: contact info@healthyvilli.org

——————
Author Information: John Libonati, Philadelphia, PA
President-elect, Celiac Sprue Association (CSA).
Publisher, Glutenfreeworks.com.
Editor & Publisher, Recognizing Celiac Disease.
John can be reached at john.libonati@glutenfreeworks.com.

Warm, chewy and wonderful gluten-free soft pretzels are being made in the heart of Lancaster County, PA.

Dutch Country Soft Pretzels in New Holland has turned out an excellent gluten-free soft pretzel that tastes like the real thing. This is a boon to Philadelphians with celiac disease and everyone on the gluten-free diet. Read More »

The following message was posted on the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Special Food Allergy Alert Notice on August 20, 2009

Van’s International Foods is recalling “Van’s All Natural Wheat Free
Homestyle Pancakes” due to undeclared egg, milk, and wheat.

The product was distributed in Arizona, California, the District of
Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

The 12.4-oz. package bears lot number 200060629B1, UPC 0-89947-60604-9, and “best if used by” date of March 30, 2010.

Consumers may return the product to the place of purchase for a full
refund. Consumers with questions may call (303) 848-6013 or e-mail
customerservice@vansintl.com.

Although it is unfortunate that the products were contaminated with gluten, it is very responsible of Vans International Foods to recall their product.

Responsible companies like Vans International Foods should be commended for their attempts to keep people with gluten-free sensitivities safe.

Other gluten-free products by Vans International Foods:
Wheat Free Minis
Wheat Free Flax Waffles
Wheat Free Buckwheat Waffles
Wheat Free Blueberry Waffles
Wheat Free Apple Cinnamon Waffles
Wheat Free Cinnamon French Toast
Wheat Free Homestyle Pancakes

The Celiac Sprue Association 32nd Annual CSA Conference will be held at Erie, PA from Oct. 30th through Nov. 1, 2009 at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel and the Bayfront Convention Center.

Serving as local hosts are the members of CSA Gluten Free Erie, PA Chapter #135.

Under the 2009 theme of “Research, Education and Support,” the 2009 CSA Conference features over 15 speakers including leading experts in the field of celiac disease, a conference exhibit hall featuring a variety of exhibitors to assist individuals with celiac disease, networking through the “Making a Difference Forum,” cooking demonstrations, youth and young adult programs, an historical tour of Erie and an “Oktoberfest Buffet.”

The CSA Conference is an excellent opportunity to meet and communicate with the leadership and elected CSA representatives, as well as share and learn from other individuals and families dealing with celiac disease.

The 4th Annual CSA Dietitian Day will precede the Conference, scheduled for Oct. 29th. At the conclusion of Dietitian Day, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the pathophysiology of celiac disease
2. Define medical nutrition therapy for celiac disease
3. Identify at least two management strategies for celiac disease
4. Describe the relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease

Continuing education units are available.

The Celiac Sprue Association®, the largest non-profit celiac support group in the United States, is committed to helping individuals with celiac disease to live well through one-on-one support and the latest research-based and medically approved information to help them manage their health.

For more information on the CSA Conference contact the CSA website, contact CSA toll-free at (877) CSA-4-CSA (877-272-4272) or email CSA at celiacs@csaceliacs.org.

Top Medical Professionals and Premier Chefs unite to increase awareness of celiac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle.

Appetite for Awareness is a dream come true for the 1,500 expected attendees who will be delighted by a wide range of gluten-free delicacies at every turn. Hosted by Ed Snider, the chairman of Comcast Spectacor, this dynamic event brings together 25 of the Philadelphia area’s most prestigious chefs, top docs and media representatives to compete for the best gluten-free dish.

WHAT: The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) will hold its 6th annual Appetite for Awareness: A Gluten-Free Cooking Spree to promote awareness and increase diagnosis of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting 1 in 133 Americans. Top chefs and doctors will be assembled into teams and compete to create the best gluten-free dish. Guests will enjoy sampling gluten-free creations from over 25 of the area’s preeminent restaurants, gluten-free beer, wine, and products from over 50 of the nation’s finest gluten-free vendors. This will be fun. Guaranteed! Read More »

The following restaurants in and around Philadelphia have gluten-free menus or are able to prepare gluten-free cuisine.

Looking for a gluten-free restaurant for your next meal? You came to the right place because Philadelphia is fast becoming one of the nation’s top destinations for gluten-free cuisine.

Due to hard work by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and other organizations, Philadelphia city and suburban restaurants have taken an active interest in offering safe gluten-free fare to the public.

The following list of restaurants can be found at the Phillyceliacs blog and Glutenfreeworks.com. The GFPhilly blog is another great resource with a wealth of information about eateries in and around Philadelphia.

Applebee’s Restaurant
Applebee Dietary Inquiries
888-592-7753
You can call this number and someone will provide information on gluten free menu items. I have spoken with them while seated in the restaurant – though you could certainly call ahead

Arpeggio
542 Springhouse Village Center
Springhouse, PA 19477
{GPS} 1101 BETHLEHEM PIKE OR SPRINGHOUSE VILLAGE CENTER
215-646-5055
Mediterranean BYOB. Per my GI doc, the owner is very in tune to the needs of celiac patients.

Baggataway
31 Front St
Conshohocken, PA 19428-2867
(610) 834-8085
The same owner of the Ugly Moose in Manayunk. They carry GF beer and their staff understands GF foods. A bartender has celiac disease and instructed the staff. The steak is fantastic. Read More »

The Colorado Rockies have opened a dedicated gluten-free* concession stand at Coors Field, the stadium where the Rockies play. This may be the first dedicated gluten-free concession stand in Major League Baseball.

The menu features hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, chips, cookies, brownies, soda, water and gluten-free Redbridge beer.

The gluten-free stand is located behind Section 147 on the left field concourse.

This specific location was created in response to increasing requests for gluten-free options from fans with Celiac Disease. Read More »

Celiac Disease Symptoms: The Gluten Free Works Symptom Guide

Could my symptoms be related to celiac disease?

This is a common question people ask in the face of a bewildering array of possible celiac disease symptoms. The Celiac Disease Symptom Guide will help you identify possible symptoms and health problems that you can present to your doctor.

Here is the list of over 300 Signs, Symptoms, Associated Disorders and Complications directly or indirectly resulting from celiac disease.

Gluten Free Works, Inc. was the first organization in the world to publish this information in its comprehensive book, “Recognizing Celiac Disease.” This list is now being used by celiac disease centers, national celiac organizations and health organizations worldwide. Read More »