Saturday, February 8, 2020

January 2020 Meeting Summary


The Prescott Area Celiac & Gluten Free Support group first meeting of the year was fantastic.  Many times the meetings are filled with so much information, it is a bit of sensory overload.  This was one of those.

Linda started off with insightful information of the continuing issue of "cross contamination" She has found a terrific website that would serve us all well to follow.  In addition to the cross contamination issue, some of us are still suffering from  molecular mimicry also referred to as cross- reactive.  These are foods that have similar proteins and/or other molecular similarity and our bodies think it is wheat or could be another food product that our bodies have developed sensitivities to.  Unfortunately, the Gluten Intolerance Group ( GIG) and the Gluten Free Watchdog group have determined that trace gluten is found in many or all foods,  (ie: processed foods, not whole foods) Please refer to this  web site Linda recommends https://www.verywellfit.com/gluten-ppm-table-562483

I have been encouraged for some time now to create a Facebook Page for our group.  As of this time only email members have been emailed the link.  However, over the years I have had newly diagnosed Celiac people contact me from out of the area and out of state and they are interested in our group and learning how to navigate the gluten free lifestyle.  Although I have been on Facebook personally for years, please be patient with me, because I need to learn how to "manage" a  designated Facebook Group Page.  Also, I would like to thank members Nicole Franetovich for setting up the page, and Diane Jacobs for her logo idea.

Again, thanks to Nicole for turning us all on to a delightful Mexican Restaurant that does and can accommodate our gluten free meals. Spicy Streats, Mexican Street Food located at 1201 Iron Springs Rd, Prescott.  Open Mon-Sat 10am- 7pm and Sunday 10am- 6pm.  You must say when ordering that you are Celiac ( that's the term they readily recognize) and you can additionally say  "no flour" and can you please change your gloves?  Ivan is the owner and most of his family work there...Several of us ate there after the meeting and it was delicious. They have a large enough room that could accommodate 20 of us, so we may plan a luncheon there sometime in the future.

On another important note. Dr. Mark Worthington, Gastroenterologist is leaving the YRMC Gastro Office in Prescott. He is not leaving the area, however.  Supposedly, those of us who are patients of his will get a letter advising as such. I have not received any letter and I have been a patient of his for many years. Again, thanks Nicole, for the heads up.  Although, I know where he is going, I feel it premature to announce it to you all, because I don't have it in writing from him.

Our next meeting will be February 11th.

Linda also gave us all more information on the designation on safe gluten free foods.... and that is the designation "approved by the Celiac Sprue Association". You can find it on  the box of the gluten free FRESCHETTA frozen pizza.  This continues to be a reliable identifier of safe gluten free processed food.