Getting CME Cards to Doctors

I did receive the packet of additional cards about the CME (Continuing Medical Education) from the NFCA after returning from last night’s meeting.  Whether you were able to attend or not, please let me know if you have a doctor’s appointment before we next meet August 25^th and you are willing to share a card with that doctor.  I will mail it to you if time is of the essence; otherwise, I will have the additional cards at the 8/25 meeting.

As we reviewed last night, the latest medical research (much of which contradicts what was taught in med school in prior years) is not reaching doctors in the field.  This is true of not only primary care providers but also specialists.  There are many medical issues competing for doctors’ attention, there is no pharmaceutical remedy being touted by the thousands of reps who visit doctors every day, and there are not very many CMEs available.

The NFCA recognizes that “the biggest impact is gained when a patient speaks directly to his or her provider about the need for increased knowledge about celiac disease among the medical community.”  Things I love about this CME:  the course is compiled by highly respected physicians in the field, it is free of charge, and there is a postcard describing its content, making it easy for you to hand to your doctor.  Your doctor should receive this much more readily than something you printed off the internet, regardless of the legitimacy of the printout.

July Meeting of GIG-Montgomery

Next Thursday evening (6-7pm—see sidebar) is our next meeting of GIG-Montgomery.  The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is sending materials for me to pass out at the meeting.  Part of our mission is to assist those who have already been diagnosed with a form of gluten intolerance as well as those who are suffering without a diagnosis.  The reality is that by helping those in the latter category, everyone benefits.  With increased awareness of the latest research among medical providers will come a corresponding increase in the number of diagnoses.  When the number of confirmed diagnoses increases, demand for gluten free food, crafts, restaurant menus, etc. will increase and quality of life will improve.  I want to share a direct way to facilitate this progress!

National Foundation for Celiac Awareness—Sarah’s Story

This is a stunning personal story, printed on the website for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness:  “Sarah’s Story”

Go Picnic Discount

GIG-Montgomery has not received any Go Picnic products to try nor can I personally attest for the taste of their gluten free options.  However, it seems like a great idea and I wanted to share a current discount.  Go Picnic is advertising that everything site-wide is 20% off when you use the coupon code “SANTA20” at checkout, which expires July 18^th.  Click here to go directly to Go Picnic’s GF options.

PSA from Celiac Disease Foundation

The Celiac Disease Foundation has released a public service announcement (PSA) about celiac disease awareness.  The 60-second spot can be viewed on YouTube.  The CDF intends for the PSA to be an easy way to share an overview with “family, friends, neighbors, church groups, co-workers, classmates and your social network buddies.”  You can get a copy on DVD by calling the CDF at 818-990-2354.

Who Certifies Gluten Free?

GIG wants all branches to help clarify messages about how products are certified gluten free and the GFCO’s lead role in that effort.  The GIG message:

Scientific Gluten-Free certification is not new.

In 2005, the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) launched the first comprehensive gluten-free certification program using a scientific-based standard of 10-ppm gluten, third party auditing using highly qualified auditors in the manufacturing industry, and a robust testing process including random point-of-sale testing by independent labs and regular in-plant testing of finished products, equipment and raw materials.

NFCA and CCA programs, launched similar certification programs in the last few weeks, each claiming they "are the only scientifically-based gluten-free certification program..." Like the claims of these programs, GFCO did extensive research before setting its standards.  GFCO has set the industry standard and is the program that organizations like NFCA and CCA are modeling their recently launched programs after.

The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is currently performing audits in 12 countries with certified products sold in four countries.

GIG's GFCO program was the ONLY certifying organization represented as an ADVOCATE at the 1-in-133 labeling event in May, with the opportunity to speak as one of the top leaders with FDA representatives in a private meeting about the issues industry and consumers face. GIG also had representatives on the Hill encouraging Congress to push the FDA to finalize its ruling on gluten-free labeling. GIG has been attending regulatory meetings for years, representing consumers and industry.

GIG is a 37-year old organization with a reputation for being a proactive industry leader with progressive programs. To learn more about the Gluten-Free Certification Organization visit http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=wntl89cab&t=rr4otfgab.0.emd9m8cab.wntl89cab.16572&ts=S0634&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gfco.org%2F.