May 2015 Meeting Summary

The May 19th meeting of the Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support Organization covered current situations that have been of concern to many members of the group. 

A big question is why is it so hard to find accurate information about the gluten status of medications?  That was exactly the question posed in the June 2015 issue of Gluten-Free Living. The group urges its readers and members to have a look at this issue.  To quote Steve Plogsted, a pharmacist at Columbus Children's Hospital, an expert on gluten in medications: "Currently the U.S. FDA does not require manufacturers to list the source of starches or put the gluten status of medications anywhere in the package or on any other company printed material". Please have a look at the magazine.  There is also a website www.glutenfreedrugs.com.  You can check out, but it is not always up to date.

However, the Kroger/ Frys brand of many items do state GLUTEN FREE. For example, allergy relief (compare to Benedryl); acetaminophen (compare to Exedrin): stomach relief (compare to Mylanta).  All indicate Gluten Free on their boxes.  As always, our leadership are not recommending any particular product or drug, but use at your own discretion. It is impossible to write all of the discussion that takes place at the "Tuesday Without Gluten" once a month meetings. Hope to see you all soon!

The group's May 23rd, Community Outreach Event at the Prescott Valley Public Library was very successful! A big thanks to all who came out to support the group and meet and network with the public that was in attendance. The organization touched, comforted and educated many folks that day. Renee R. explained the onset and purpose of the group and her non-medical discovery of her own gluten intolerance.  Linda C. discussed in detail what Celiac is and the many generations of her family that have been diagnosed with Celiac.  Robin gave a great talk on the five siblings in her family that have Celiac and that she too has had Type 1 Diabetes since being a teenager.

Sprouts donated over $100.00 worth of product for the event, Nairn Scottish cookies/crackers sent many boxes of samples and the Shaar company donated some very delicious sweet cakes and coupons.  The GIG organization provided an abundance of of pamphlets.  A special thanks to Linda C. for obtaining all the food and water donations. The library also purchased some yummy goodies from its' own baker, Tammy of "That's It: Gluten Free Home Baking".

All and all it was a very busy month as May is National Celiac Awareness Month. The group did its' very best to get the word out!

DJ/RR