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

April 2015 Meeting Summary

The April meeting of the Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support group was full of discussion about current newspaper articles that may affect the gluten free community.

Kimberly-Clark Professional, which manufactures Kleenex and Scott brand products, says its new "Green Harvest" line will blend in 20 percent wheat straw. Wheat straw is already used in a few paper products, including a line of copy paper made of 80 percent straw that Staples sells.  And later this month, the industry trade group, Kansas Wheat will be meeting with representatives  from a Taiwanese company that uses wheat straw to make corrugated paper and packaging materials.

Of greater concern to the group is the use of toilet paper and tissues that contain wheat. Hopefully, one of the national organizations such as GIG, (Gluten Intolerance Group) or one of the dedicated gluten free magazines will address this product development sooner than later.

The local gluten free support organization stresses in its' meetings that none of the members are scientists or doctors, but do like to share information relative to "gut health". Gleaned from a newspaper article by Dr. Oz & Dr.Roizen, members had a lengthy discussion of emulsifiers that are added to food.  A new study in the journal "Nature" found two commonly used emulsifiers, carboxymethycellulose and polysorbate 80, seem to change the balance of gut bacteria and damage the mucus lining of the intestines in lab animals. Researchers say that "the broad use of emulsifying agents might me contributing to chronic inflammatory disease in humans".  So, check labels and talk to your personal physician about this.

Co-leader Linda C. found a new product at Costco for group members that are required to eat gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free. It is "Just-Mayo" and the price is under $5.00 for two large jars! It's located in the non-refrigeration section (near the mustard and ketchup).

The next meeting of PACGFS group will be held May 19th from 12-2PM, at the Prescott Public Library Founders' Room A on the lower level. 

DJ for RR