June 2015 Meeting Summary

The June meeting of the Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support was held on Wednesday, June 17th from 12-2PM at the Prescott Valley Library,  3rd floor, Crystal Room.  It was a productive meeting and well-attended. 

The group received a large donation of sample products from Nairn's of Scotland. Nairn's makes dedicated gluten free cookies, crackers and biscuits. Of course, in the British Isles, biscuits are actually cookies.  The group was asked to rate the taste, texture and packaging of the oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate chip & oatmeal cookies, oatmeal grahams and a plain cracker. Everyone enjoyed being able to participate in taste-testing the products.  Sprouts carries the Nairn's delights.

The group was privileged to have Shea Richland, health educator and Founder of GMO-Free Prescott, come for the second time to speak to the group. Her topic was GMO's: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.  She discussed what the industry doesn't want you to know about the illegal genetic engineering of food crops experiment and what you can do to protect your health. Shea had terrific handouts which included pocket size shopping guides and a quick reference GMO FAQS. For more info go to www.gmofreeprescottaz.org.

The next meeting of the PACGF Support Group will be held on Wednesday July 15th at the same location.

Disclaimer: All information presented or discussed by the Prescott Area Celiac & Gluten Free Support Group members at meetings, blog, or by email is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Persons with any health problems should consult a qualified, licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.

DJ/RR

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