February Meeting of GIG-Montgomery

**FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC**

We are less than 2 days away from the February meeting of the Gluten Intolerance Group of Montgomery!  Our newsletter implied but did not specify that the meeting will be at Taylor Road Baptist Church, in the Fellowship Suite that faces the Eastchase Shopping Center (Th., 2/23, 6-7 p.m.).

Moe’s Southwest Grill will be providing a large spread of GF options available every day on its menu.  I have had delightfully productive communication with the regional manager, who not only understands cross-contamination but is looking for more ways to meet the needs of the gluten free community.

Some come hungry and bring your notepad as well.  I know many are looking forward to hearing from Dr. Brinson about the latest on gluten intolerance research.

Great Gluten Free Expo in Birmingham

How exciting that a fabulous event for the gluten free community will happen just a couple of hours down the road.  I would love to hear Dr. Alessio Fasano, chief researcher at the University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research, in person. Jules Shepard is also scheduled to make an appearance.  Two years ago, her flour blend opened a whole new world of baking for me.

There is so much going on this coming weekend, Feb. 24^th and 25^th, including a 5K Celiac Walk/Run and a Gluten Free Dinner Gala with Dr. Fasano.  I saw a notice that most of the gluten free samples at the Expo will also be dairy free.  You can find all the details here:

http://www.bhamkidsandfamily.com/home/great-gluten-free-expo/

Valentine’s Day Candy

Of all the lists of GF Valentine candy that I have seen, the one compiled by the “Celiac Family” blogger is the one that I appreciate the most.

One-Year Anniversary!

The Gluten Intolerance Group of Montgomery is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a special meeting on February 23^rd geared towards educating the public on the latest research about how widespread the immune response to gluten has become and the tremendous range of potential symptoms.

GIG-Montgomery welcomes Dr. Robert R. Brinson, MD of Digestive Disease Associates.  Dr. Brinson is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a Diplomate of the Subspecialty Board of Gastroenterology.  Dr. Brinson is also a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition.  Dr. Brinson has had a private practice of gastroenterology in Montgomery since 1989 and has widely published on the role of nutrition and intestinal diseases.  He was recently named to the 2011 list of America’s Top Gastroenterologists.

Additionally, Moe’s Southwest Grill is providing samples of gluten-free options from their menu for the meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23^rd from 6-7 p.m. at Taylor Road Baptist Church. 

Thank You for Examining the Research, Dr. Oz

WOW, what a difference a couple of years make!  Dr. Oz used to be fairly dismissive of gluten intolerance—now listen to him. 

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/health/dr_oz/dr-oz-mehmet-celiac-disease-gluten-intolerance-wheat-symptoms-20120119

I cannot tell you how many people with thyroid issues have looked at me like I am crazy when I mention the potential correlation.

Many Thanks

Many thanks to Steve and Health Wise for the informative presentation.  The concept of a food journal was a great reminder.  Even though life is so fast-paced, if we really want to track the reactions we have then we have to write down what we consume and not rely on our memory!

We passed out samples of BiPro protein powder and El’s snack mix.  They have a long shelf life, so if you make it to the February meeting, let me know as we have many sample packages left.  The El’s marketing rep also shared that if you want to purchase some at elskitchen.com, you can use the code “online 15” to receive discounts on any orders placed.  If you like the snack mix but do not want to order online, let Steve know and Health Wise will order some if they can through their distributors.

GIG of Montgomery at Health Wise Foods

Reminder:  GIG of Montgomery will meet at Health Wise Foods on Atlanta Highway (see sidebar) this Thursday, January 26^th from 6-7 p.m. and it is open to the community.  Come listen to Steve’s presentation!

Gluten in Medications Survey

From The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness website: ‘The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is working with St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions to study the effect on people who follow a gluten-free diet if they take medicine that contains gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. The US Food and Drug Administration is funding this research study….This survey will take between 4 and 15 minutes to complete, depending on your responses. It closes on February 28, 2012.”

Go to the NFCA Website for more information and to take the survey.