Gluten Free Kids ROCK !

Gluten/Allergen Free Food Drives Count In Shocking Numbers

2012-01-23T11:15:00.000-05:00

It can be easy to forget being charitable once the Holiday decorations are packed away and the credit card statements roll in. Even easier, is to forget to give based on the justified fear of not having enough to take care of your own home during tough financial times.

I am the R.O.C.K.(Raising Our Celiac Kids) Charlotte Chapter Event Coordinator but also run an event company that plans Gluten/Allergen Free Expos across the country. It all started with the Charlotte Gluten/Allergen Free Expo and in under 2 weeks, I will be hosting the first one in Houston, Texas. The best part of these events is seeing children get to eat foods that they normally are denied on a regular basis. But as expensive as the gluten/allergen free diet is to achieve for my family, I can only imagine the despair of not being able to place food on my table, much less that the little bit I was able to afford was making my child ill. I remember that feeling well and it isn't a good one.

Part of our Expo event initiatives is to pair with local food banks to set up allergen free sections and stock them to kick start its success. So, I started researching statistics to get a better grasp on the need locally, and the results are shocking.

Houston Texas is the 5th highest in nation for number of children which are food insecure.
1,871,660 children in the Southern 18 counties of Texas including Houston have no idea where their next meal will come from. 437,590 children in Houston, Texas don't have sufficient food in a day.

If 1 in 133 children have celiac disease, then 14,072 of that 1,871,660 children are not only malnutrition-ed already, but are likely not able to afford a $6 loaf of bread.
If 60% of that 1,871,660 have gluten sensitivity, then 1,122,996 are walking around eating and don't have a clue why they feel so badly.
If 1 in 12 children are now afflicted with a food allergy/sensitivity, then 155,971 of 1,871,660 children can not even get much help from their food bank when they have no allergen safe food to give them.
The Houston Food Bank said they had seen a 20% increase in demand for food in 2009 Just imagine the increase in 2011.

We have asked each attendee to the Houston Glutenology Expo on Feb. 4th bring at least one non-perishable gluten/allergen free food to donate to the Houston Food Bank Allergen Free Food Section....Please think of that shocking number of 155,971 children starving, and make sure you donate regularly.

In St. Petersburg Florida, our next event site, Enjoy Life Foods has generously donated food and the update is copied from the Gluten Free For Life Expo hosts, the Gluten Intolerance Support Group of Largo, Florida, and is transcripted here:

Many Families Served and Need to Now Restock
the Gluten Free Food Pantry

http://tampaglutenfreefoodpantry.blogspot.com/

Yesterday I went to the Tampa Gluten Free Food Pantry at Metropolitan Ministries to drop off a lot of Gluten Free Cookies that have been donated by Enjoy Life Foods. Enjoy Life donated boxes of snickerdoodles, apple cookies, lemon cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brownie cookies, and their new crispy sugar cookies and crispy honey graham cookies. Thank you so much for your donations Enjoy Life Foods!

I discovered that the shelves of the Gluten Free Food Pantry were close to bare. The good news is that many families in need have been able to eat this delicious gluten free food that has been donated! However, it also means that now we need to come together again as a gluten free community to donate and restock the Gluten Free Food Pantry.

If each member of the gluten free community buys a few extra non-perishable gluten free food items each week to donate to the Gluten Free Food Pantry, we should be able to gather enough food again to help! Please bring food donations to either the Gluten Free For Life Largo Support Group Meeting on Saturday January 28th or the Tampa Celiac Support Group Meeting on Saturday February 11th. I will put all of the donations in a big box and then bring them over to Metropolitan Ministries to restock the shelves on the week after each of these meetings.

Please help those in need of emergency Gluten Free food by donating these items for a "Gluten Free Everyday Box of Hope":

Gluten Free Cereal
Gluten Free Oatmeal
Gluten Free Canned Fruit
Gluten Free Bread*
Gluten Free Peanut Butter
Gluten Free Jam/Jelly
Gluten Free Soup
Gluten Free Pasta
Gluten Free Tomato Sauce
Gluten Free Canned Vegetables
Gluten Free Rice
Gluten Free Desserts (Gluten Free Cookies, Gluten Free Brownie Mixes, Gluten Free Cake Mixes, etc.)

Thank you for all of your help!

New Year GF News Update - Expos, Chick-Fil-A, Boston Trip & FDA Labeling Continuum

2012-01-14T07:39:00.000-05:00

Well, we weren't lying when we predicted that 2012 would begin with a bang!

The world of being on a gluten free lifestyle requirement just keeps getting easier and at the same time more of an amazing journey everyday. It seems that progress moves swiftly with awareness, as we all have been saying all along.

LOCAL MEDIA COVERAGE
Janet Kline and Carol Szer from the Charlotte Celiac Connection invited Nikki Everett, founder of R.O.C.K.(Raising Our Celiac Kids) Charlotte, to join themselves and Pat Fogarty, RD specializing in celiac nutrition, for a taping of their Healthwise show on celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and gluten intolerance on the CLTBlog for T.V. station WTVI (PBS) in Charlotte, N.C. Please watch for us to post the link on Jan. 31st, 2012.

EXPOS
The Houston Glutenology Expo at the Edwin Hornberger Center in Houston, Texas is only 2 weeks away!
Get your tickets at www.hustonglutenfreeexpo.com while they last...

CHICK-FIL-A
The gluten free community lit up this week with the news that Chick-Fil-A, one of our favorite Southern Fast Food chains, have taken the initiative to not only provide their gluten free clientele an option, but they are pushing the new initiative to address childhood obesity with a kid's meal option which is Grilled Chicken Nuggets, a side of fruit, and low-fat milk, water, or lemonade as the drink choice. This gluten free Grilled Chicken Nuggets menu option can be ordered by adults as well, don't worry that was one of our first questions, or substituted for other chicken menu options.

You can ask for a Backstage Tour Pass to one of the Chick-Fil-A kitchens set up for doing so by contacting
their marketing person, Katherine Strate at KStrate@jacksonspalding.com
For more pictures of our tour, see them on our FB

MORE FDA LABELING
People who are gluten free and have reactions to gluten have complained that medications have consistently been an issue. Even while in the hospital for treatments, they have complained of medical staff not being knowledgeable about medication ingredients or pharmacies where they pick up their prescriptions. So, the FDA labeling issue seems to press forward with slow wheels. However, the light at the end of the tunnel keeps us all pressing forward and the FDA has now granted the NFCA(National Foundation for Celiac Awareness) for a study to be done on their website by taking a survey.

THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO PARTICIPATE AND HELP YOUR FELLOW GLUTEN FREE FAMILY OUT! TAKE THE SURVEY & SAVE A R.O.C.K. KID FROM HAVING A REACTION.

TRIP TO BOSTON
Our good friends at Kettle Cuisine are hosting a really fun and easy contest for a chance to win a weekend getaway in Boston this Spring. Here’s a link where you can learn more (www.facebook.com/kettlecuisine). The Kettle Cuisine team hasalso created this short video to show you how easy it is to win (http://youtu.be/ySqQ4G8_uqY ). All you have to do is take a picture with any one of their soup packages in a fun, interesting or every day location and post it to their facebook page. Then you just get as many of your friends as possible to vote for your picture. The great news is you win an amazing gift pack, just for entering. The contest is only open for a very limited time so check it out as soon as you can and please let us know if you enter.

New Year News

2012-01-01T06:26:00.001-05:00

The Happiest of New Years to you & Your Family from R.O.C.K. Charlotte!

You may have thought we had forgotten to post through the Holidays. We didn't forget

but activities took up most of the Holiday Season and now we are facing 2012 before

we all knew it! Time flies when you're having fun!

2011 brought huge changes for the gluten free communities as awareness grew by leaps and bounds in the last year. However, a new study that was published at celiac.com lets us know that there is lots more track to cover in order to get awareness where it should be. 47% awareness in the general public just isn't enough to make our lives easier. The deer in headlights look you get sometimes while telling someone what celiac disease is or that you can't eat gluten is a far way from ending. So don your awareness attitude and spread the word to see if we can't get more public awareness in 2012!

Be sure to visit our R.O.C.K. Charlotte Event page to see what R.O.C.K. Party is around the bend

on January 14th, 2012.

When Food Bites Back- Problems with Gluten

When: Sat., Jan. 28, 1:30 p.m.

Phone: 704-821-7475

Price: FREE

www.union.lib.nc.us

Saturday, January 28th 1:30 pm Union West Regional Library, Indian Trail, will host a program on gluten, a protein found in certain grains. Guest speaker Nikki Everett is an educator on behalf of the gluten-free community. A previous guest on National Public Radio’s “Charlotte Talks,” she coordinates the Gluten/Allergen-Free Expo and a gluten-free kids’ club in Charlotte. Everett will discuss converting to a gluten-free lifestyle and gluten’s role in gastrointestinal problems, like celiac disease. Sample gluten-free treats: El’s Kitchen Snacks, Udi’s, Against the Grain Gourmet, and Sprue-licious Gluten-free Grocery. FREE, no registration. 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail, NC. 704-821-7475

Also, be sure to visit the EXPO section to see where an event may be coming to your town in 2012:

Houston, Texas

St. Petersburg, Florida

Charleston, S.C.

Charlotte, N.C.

Omaha, Nebraska

Raleigh, N.C.

New Orleans, Louisiana
Each event web page will list sponsors, vendors, speakers, and activities

Happy R.O.C.K.'in New Year!

Charlotte Gluten/Allergen Free Expo Goes On The Road

2011-11-11T22:25:00.001-05:00

Have you heard the news through the grapevine yet that the Charlotte Gluten/Allergen Free Expo 2012 planning is underway? And did you hear that we will be graced with the presence of national royalty?!?

Well, it's all true!

Because of the support you all have given the yearly Charlotte event, we are having to expand the space again by double. You have my sincere gratitude for making our work effective.

But, this means we will now be moving into The Park Expo Center on Independence and Briarcliff Rd.. or as Charlotteans always think of it, the Merchandise Mart building, where they have the Southern Women's Show.

This move will give us 40,000 sq. ft. of space to expand into because after each event, we all say, "We need a bigger space next year."

Nonetheless, we again have you to thank for giving us a new bar to rise to each year.

The 2012 Expo will feature more value than ever with appearances by:

Mrs. United States 2011 ~ Shannon Ford, Miss Fla USA 2002, Fantasy Chix, former NFL Miami Dolphin Cheerleader, Advocate for Celiac Awareness, Fitness and the Paleo Lifestyle. Shannon is also a Triathelete. Shannon was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 2 years ago and has made 1 in 133 ~ Celiac Disease Awareness her platform for appearances.
Dr. Alessio Fasano ~ Director of the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland
Dr. Peter Osborne ~ Founder of Gluten Free Society, Author, and expert on healing multiple health issues with grain free
Chef Peter Reinhart ~ Chef on Assignment, Johnson & Wales Culinary Education Department, and cookbook author, as well as world renowned expert in baking. Chef Reinhart will be releasing a gluten free baking cookbook in August of 2012.
Up to 200 vendors of fine quality gluten/allergen free products
Mini Organic Gluten Free & Grass Fed Farmer's Market where attendees can buy locally grown, pesticide free products and complete their shopping trip for the week

& So much more, because you deserve it!

But that's not all.

The Charlotte Gluten/Allergen Free Expo is but one of the events that we are a part of for 2012.

Starting in Houston, Tx. , there will be 7 Expos in 7 cities, with more being added as schedule allows.

February 4, 2012 – Houston, Texas – Hornberger Conference Center at the Texas Medical Research Center

March 24, 2012 – St. Petersburg, Florida – St. Petersburg Coliseum, Gluten Free For Life Expo brought to you in partnership with the Gluten Intolerance Group of Largo, Fla.

May 5, 2012 – Charleston, S.C. – Omar Shriner’s Auditorium & Ballroom at Patriot’s Point, Mt. Pleasant

June 2, 2012 – Charlotte, N.C. – Park Expo Center – This event will be held only one month before the Charlotte area Whole Foods location opens. Don’t miss out on this event as it is in its 3rd successful year with attendance last year of 1,200

September 23rd. 2012 – Omaha, Nebraska - DC Center

TBD – Raleigh, N.C.(determining dates available in August 2012)

TBD – New Orleans, Louisiana (determining dates available in October 2012)

(To reach each web page, click on link in text or Expo link at top of page)

Our goals for these events are to educate, bring new products to the public, focus on the Main Street Vendors that have become the manufacturers of tomorrow's gluten/allergen free market, and to raise awareness wherever we are that these health issues have viable solutions in the form of nutrition & supplementation.

.If you think your town is in need of an event, or if you are a vendor who would like to be in our Expos, please contact Nikki Everett at irresistiblyglutenfree@gmail.com

We hope to see you there and having a wonderful experience because we know we will enjoy meeting you all in your home towns while traveling across this great nation.

What is an extraordinary gluten/allergen free event like to attend?
See for yourself...

(You can turn off our music by pausing player below this post)

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Help Camp Weekaneatit Keep The Hope Alive

2011-11-04T22:42:00.000-04:00

The Holidays are upon us and it is a time of reaching out to those in need. I am reminded every day as the mother of a tween aged child with celiac disease that self image is so crucial at their age. We are fragile as young adults like that, so unsure of where we fit in the world and who we really are. And as we grow older, we still need to feel connected to others in some fashion. This is why gluten free support groups work for many people with celiac, gluten sensitivity, food intolerances, autism, etc. For that time that you have support, we are all the "norm" - We belong. I believe that feeling of belonging makes the impossible become the possible.

The video below tells an amazing story of fulfilling that need in a very cool way for a teenager named Jason McElwain who has Autism (to turn off music on our page, scroll to bottom and push pause on player)...

I saw the need for my child, who was diagnosed with celiac disease at age 7, to identify with others like herself. We attended our first support group meeting and she ate dinnerwith 2 other children who were gluten free. When we walked out of the restaurant, she said to me, "See Mom, there are others just like me." That's when I looked into founding R.O.C.K.(Raising Our Celiac Kids) Charlotte. But that wasn't enough...The first summer after her diagnosis, other kids were going to camp. But how could I send her to day camp at that stage, let alone send her away to summer camp?

So I did random searches online to find a summer camp that was gluten free and Google led me to Camp Weekaneatit through a forum answer about R.O.C.K. Georgia. I sent them an email and signed her up after speaking to the director. She assured me that my gluten free worries were taken care of and I could finally sigh a breath of relief for a break with full knowledge that they had it under control.

Can you imagine the benefits? Your child finally gets to stretch out their independent wings and try being gluten free in a controlled environment free from worry and free from over doting parents. Not only that - they commune with, eat with, talk with others who share their struggles and challenges...And the doting parents get to breathe a sigh of relief in knowing they can quit feeling responsible occasionally for a week and there will be no child feeling sorry for themselves when their days are filled with loads of fun!

Our child still smiles anytime she talks about her experience there. I give Camp Weekaneatit credit for being the turning point in my daughter's ability to accept her illness as a minor disability that will not ever hold her back from achieving her dreams. And that is a cause worth saving if ever there were one...

Camp Weekaneatit has been funded by the Georgia Celiac Foundation for the past couple of years with less and less donation money coming from the public with the current economy. They are at a critical point and need your help...

TO: GEORGIA ROCK AND GEORGIA CELIAC FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS

We are at a critical point… if we do not raise funds through this effort by end of 2011, we will not be able to continue providing Camp Weekaneatit.

In order for Camp Weekaneatit to continue, we must raise funds to make it happen.
Please consider helping…it is easy, won’t take you very long…and your efforts will make a big difference in many lives.

Camp Weekaneatit looks like any other summer camp. You can hear the laughter…You wouldn't know it from looking at them, but all of our campers have celiac disease. They're just kids, having the time of their lives at a camp designed especially for them. Georgia Celiac Foundation’s vision on Camp Weekaneatit was to create a camp exclusively for celiac children, where not only could they experience all of the fun that comes with camp activities, but all food would be gluten free!

Camp Weekaneatit 2010

What: We are asking that you go to the website we have created: http://campweekaneatit.givezooks.com/campaigns/camp-weekaneatit

On the right side of the page in the list—CLICK on START A GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN and then follow the easy 5 steps—IT IS SIMPLE! (it will ask you to join, it is easy and simple!)

It will allow you to make your own page, you can upload a picture of you---and your story of your involvement with camp or celiac disease, set a goal, and how much you want your friends, co-workers, relatives…(you get the idea!) to support this cause. This website is a great fundraising tool, that allows you to spread our word of need in a simple way, asking others to support us. If a lot of people each give what they can, we will meet our goal.

Then you send your link to your page or a button or…to your contacts and …

Then the money will start flying in! All will be able to see your support and progress, so we can all be proud of each other…PLEASE HELP!!!!!

Erin, my daughter at Camp Weekaneatit 2009

We all want Camp Weekaneatit to continue, please take action with me now.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me (info below). We thank you for your support. luck!

Jill Waddell, Camp Weekaneatit Director
campweekaneatit@gmail.com
770.312.9722

Gluten Free School Life

2011-10-24T10:02:00.000-04:00

Previously on the R.O.C.K. site was a post about Educating Your School on Celiac & Gluten Free Diets in which I described the initial response I received from the lunch room staff about heating up my daughter's meals. If you missed it, then the answer was a resounding "No" until I filed paperwork with them officially and implemented the Federal 504 Plan for disabled children which requires a doctor's note. Luckily we have a clear diagnosis, but what about the millions of people still suffering who do not have a diagnosis or can not afford the testing due to the current economy? It is a conundrum indeed.

We were extremely lucky in the end and have a teacher who has made a commitment to help our daughter out. Ms. Caldwell asks her each and every day if she has something to heat up. Then she takes it to the teacher's lounge and heats up her food in the air tight, microwavable safe container purchased for her. Not only did Ms. Caldwell commit to heating up her lunches, but also purchased gluten free cookies for our daughter on a treat day. That afternoon our daughter wrote her a thank you note and raved over her teacher's compassion.

Ms. Caldwell should be an inspiration for all teachers, although I am sure having one food intolerance in a group of 25 is much easier than trying to accommodate a whole hand full, etc. The point is though, she cared enough about the situation to try and alleviate our struggles. Ms. Caldwell, R.O.C.K. Charlotte applauds your efforts and extend our immense appreciation.

Unfortunately, we aren't ready to end this story in a "happily ever after" scene yet...

SCHOOL/PTA FUNDRAISERS

Yes, the dreaded onslaught of fundraising flyers, packages, and information comes weekly in our children's folders. The current economy is squeezing our county's school system budgets to death. The sad state of funding for our schools is compounded by the veritable snake's pit of fundraising programs that make more than they should for supplying these programs for our PTAs to choose from. Therefore, many schools pick local eateries, companies, and stores to work with or programs that deliver more bucks to them rather than less in fees.

Since our daughter began school, in only 2 months time, there have been 4 fundraisers which we could participate very little if at all.

1. Soft Baked Pretzels - The fundraiser consisted of buyingthese pretzels for each child to consume in class the first Friday of everymonth. I had to find an Amish bakery, Dutch Country Soft Pretzels, who made them gluten free and paid $40 tohave them shipped here so that she did not have to miss out on pretzels sinceshe has not been able to eat one in 3 years of eating gluten free. And she usedto love them so can you imagine how sad that would have made her feel to sitand watch others eat them knowing she could not? And how could we have participated in lieu of having to pay for the pretzels she wasn't even able to eat on top of the $40 so she wouldn't feel left out?

2. Dinner at local restaurant - Each family member's dinner raised money and children could eat a kid's meal for free. 98% of restaurants do notaccommodate food allergens fully and especially when it is an item on the kid'smeal menu. We did not participate of course.

3. Boxtops - On the list for Boxtops there are maybe 30% ofthe products that she can eat so we cannot participate very well in thateither.

4. Direct Donations of $100 - I sent in $20 for this fundraising event due to the fact that our grocery bill hasincreased by about $60 a week to accommodate her dietary requirements atschool. As you know fully, Gluten Free products are quite costly and the average grocery bill fora person eating gluten free is 3 - 5 times that of a regular diet. Gluten Free breadfor sandwiches is $5.99 a loaf!

The effort has been made to reach out to her school's PTA for help in this matter. Hopefully we can help them out on ideas for fundraising without exclusion or adding to the financial burden of already struggling parents who are trying their best to minimize the inconvenience on our public schools. Perhaps I am just a dreamer hoping for the impossible - Either way, time will tell.

We'd love to hear about your experiences by contacting us at irresistiblyglutenfree@gmail.com

Pearl Jam Guitarist Auctions Gibson Flying V for Charity

2011-10-22T08:09:00.000-04:00

One of the 40 something's favorite rock bands of the 90s has made headlines - Pearl Jam, the Seattle scene band who vied against Nirvana for the top grunge rock band in America. I have to admit I was one of those teenagers that thought Eddie Vedder, the lead singer was cuter than Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Cuteness aside Pearl Jam always carried a sense of social responsibility in their lyrics which appealed to a wider commercial base.

In any case, yesterday while perusing gluten free and related disease headlines, I ran across the article about Mark Cready, lead guitarist for Pearl Jam, has pledged to auction off an autographed Gibson Flying V guitar and a re-issue of the album VS. and will donate the proceeds to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). as reported by Gibson.com

If you didn't know it, a Flying V guitar is like a dream to a teenager that liked Stadium Rock music, not to mention if it was autographed, by Pearl Jam! And I am sure most people who play guitar would love one also.

So, we salute and thank Pearl Jam and Mark Cready immensely for giving well deserved attention and funds to a Foundation which helps so many who suffer daily.

Celebrities Gluten Free Diet Or Celiac? - The Movie/T.V./Singer Star Series

2011-10-17T19:53:00.000-04:00

It's time to continue the series on Celebrities and our gluten free community fascination with whether they share our dietary struggles by being celiac or gluten intolerant or are gluten free by choice.This is an in-depth look at the growing number ofgluten free celebrities, as the diagnosis rates climb, there are more of them comingout of the gluten free closet with regularity. Recently an article claimedthere must be a celebrity Celiac epidemic and in fact, there were so many newones that our list got quite long.

The previous posts in the Gluten Free Celebrity Series have covered Athletes with celiac disease and gluten intolerance and Actors/Actresses & Singers with celiac disease. This post will be handling the large number of Actors/Actresses that have gluten allergy, sensitivity, intolerance, or are gluten free out of choice. This includes some who have just been seen ordering gluten free or it may have been due to pure speculation on the rumour mill.

Remember that within each post are links which tell you who they are, what they have been in, and where we got the gluten free information from:

Oprah followeda strict diet during a“21-day “cleanse” in which shegave up, among other foods, gluten. Victoria Beckham, the formerSpice Girl and fashion maven, is allergic to dairy and has reportedly been seeneating gluten-free toast and admits an addiction to gluten free chocolate. Jessica Alba, actress has beenspotted dining GF- Even JenniferAniston owes her slim waistline to the “Baby-Food Diet,” the short-livedweight-loss plan consisting of small jars of pureed, gluten-free vegetables andfruits. But because the Hollywood diets were sweeping the nation as a way tolose weight, this has brought on a wholebunch of articles which causealarm and demonize the diet nutritionally.

Dana Delanyof television’s Body of Proof declared that since she quit eating glutenproducts, she feels less “bloated and sluggish.” The former Desperate Housewivesstar, who was diagnosed as gluten-intolerant,told Prevention that she also skips meat, opting instead for fish, tofu andveggies. And Madonna servedgluten-free brownies at her 52nd birthday bash. AlRoker says he loves Udi's GF Bread too! And when Gwyneth Paltrow wrote a blog (www.GOOP.com ) with recipes and has a 7 day GF diet cleanse posted onher website the Celiac Chicks (www.celiacchicks.com) raved over it while others frowned with worry that it minimizes their plight.

I mean for goodness sakes! Eeeeven the Old Spice Guy is goinggluten free! “IsaiahMustafa — the hunk best known as “Old Spice guy” — credits a vegan,gluten-free cleanse for helping him maintain those washboard abs.” GFPDX Just a few days ago, Mustafa appeared on theTonight Show and shared his special diet with Jay Leno. “I’m lucky to workoutwith Tony Horton of P90x fame,” said Isaiah. “He’s got me on this diet rightnow that’s absolutely ridiculous. There are 5 things you can’t do: There’s noalcohol; no caffeine; no processed sugars; nothing with a face — no animals oranimal byproducts; but here’s the tough one: no gluten.”GlutenFree Celiac Web

Russell Crowe(Actor – Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Mystery Alaska )”TheActor, “tweeted” this week that he has already dropped 16 pounds of fat” GlutenFree Society

RachelWeisz - After winning an Oscar in '06 for her role in TheConstant Gardner, Rachel Weisz wasn't snacking on those puff pastries atthe Vanity Fair after party. A BBC article recently mentioned that Weisz iswheat intolerant.

Laura Bell Bundy,(Singer and Actress – DropOn By, I’mNo Good For Ya, Hairspray) “Well as I read these books, the light went off!… I had quite a lot of the symptoms associated with this “wheat/gluten” issue—trouble losing weight, bloating, gas, water retention, joint pain, arthritis,constipation, Irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux palpitations, eczema,tiredness and lethargy (see complete list below). So I decided that I would goget checked for a Wheatallergy. Low and behold, I was actually allergic—not just intolerant.” FitPerez

Billy BobThornton (Actor & Singer – Armageddon , Bad Santa) Whether youknow him as Angelina Jolie's ex or the guy in Sling Blade, you might besurprised by the fact that he isgluten intolerant.

ZooeyDeschanel (Actress-Elf) once guested onBravo’s Top Chef Masters, demanding that contestants concoct a vegan gourmetmeal for her that was also gluten-free and soy-free. Zooey has since given upthe vegan lifestyle, but remains true to gluten-free living, given that she isallergic to the wheat protein. Her strategy for maintaining the gluten free lifestyleaccording to an interview conducted by TimeOut New York? She tells herself it isn't good for her anyway.

ScarlettJohansson said in an interview that she has a wheat allergy,referring to workingin a wheat field.” My favorite under-the-radar spot is probably, I would say, Babycakes Bakery after midnight. They'renot open, but I actually recently met the night-shift baker, so you might findme in Babycakes Bakery eating gluten-free cupcakes at 3 am.” She said in aninterview with Stylelist.com

The celebrities and the rich & famous, all go to BabyCakes,which has branches in LosAngeles, New Yorkand Orlando,and specializes in baked goods that are free of refined sugar, gluten, casein,soy, wheat and animal products such as eggs and milk.

JesseJames the Ex hubby of Sandra Bullock also leads a gluten-free diet and wona challenge on CelebrityApprentice with GF pasta and turkey meatballs.

Jim Carrey(Actor-SNL , Ace Ventura, Cable Guy) According to him,his childlike attitude coupled with a "veggies and protein" diet iswhat keeps him healthy and young. "Nowheat, no dairy for me. I go crazy once in a while and have a pizza... butI do believe that the best fuel for humans is veggies and protein. It makes you feel great," (Contactmusic .com)This might have to do with his girlfriend, who has an autistic son and is on agluten free diet, but fabulous all the same.

JoshTurner, the CountrySinger admitted during an appearance on MARTHA, that he was cooking."Martha invited me to help her out with a macaroni and cheese dish,” saysTurner. “It was not part of my exciting gluten-free, dairy-free diet I’m on(due to allergies), but man was it good. We might be cooking together againsoon. She said she'd like for me to show her how to cook venison."

JessicaSimpson (Actress/Singer)and CatDeeley have both cut wheat and gluten out of their diets.

Jude Law (ActorThe Aviator, &many more) supposedly he bought a signed copy of Chocolate& Zucchini, a vegan, gluten free cookbook.

Mariel Hemingway(Actress/Model/Author)- "Foods you can't pronounce are probably noisy," she said."Noisy foods cause chemical imbalances. Stick to simple, clean food andeat organic as much as possible." All of the recipes in Hemingway'scookbook, "Mariel'sKitchen: Simple Ingredients for a Delicious and Satisfying Life," aregluten free. Hemingway went on to encourage women to take better care ofthemselves. She writes books about life, yoga, nutrition and well-beingincluding the cookbook.

Terence Stamp(Actor in Star WarsEpisode 1 and Jor-Elin Superman, now the author of gluten free cookbooks, “TheStamp Collection Cookbook” and “TheWheat Free and Dairy Free Cookbook” ) He adds to his list ofbusinesses, Booja-Booja, Plamils and the Stamp Collection, whichwere founded by the actor - all sell dairy-free chocolates.

SelmaBlair (Actress) The star, known for her roles in “Legally Blonde” and therecent television series “Kath & Kim,” referenced her gluten-free dietduring a recent interview with CelebrityBaby Scoop. “I eat pancakes all day," she said. "I don't eatgluten, so I eat gluten-free pancakes.”

Scott MichaelFoster (Actor) of ABCFamily’s “Greek,” told People heis allergic to gluten and has cut wheat and flour out of his diet.

DeborahAnn Woll (Actress,currently on True Blood)noted that she has celiac disease in an interview with ContactMusic.com.

AartiSequeira (Food NetworkStar) – “But on the inside, I suspect he’s(gluten) poisoning me,causing my skin to break out on my face, and to itch somethin’ awful on my legs(psoriasis). He also gives me some really awful heartburn. I know a number ofpeople who’ve kicked gluten because it causes painful stomach aches, not tomention people who suffer from celiac disease. Luckily, I don’t have it thatbad. And while I’m not seeing immediate results, Bren has encouraged me to givethis a go for at least a month, to let the break-up takes its full effect.” Aarti’s Blog

Dean McDermott(Actor) best known for thereality show “Tori and Dean” which documents his marriage to Tori Spelling,tweeted in December 2009 that he has celiac disease.

Geri Halliwell(Singer) and formerSpice Girl “suffers from glutenintolerance” as reported by Nutrition News but I think she’d agree that itisn’t suffering to go gluten free.

Amanda Donohoe(Actress L.A.Law, )girlfriendof Adam Ant is glutenintolerant.

IngridMichaelson (Singer)“TheWay I Am,” “Be OK,”“Maybe,”“Breakable,” and “Keep Breathing” have built a devoted following of mostly teenand college-aged women and have been a repertoireof music for TV shows like “Grey’sAnatomy”. Posted on Celiac.comforum - “I follow Ingrid Michaelson's Twitter, and the other day she posted,"Why does everything delicious have to have gluten in it." I assumeshe must have Celiac.”

Sarah Joy Brown(Actress on The Bold and the Beautiful, Castle, and GeneralHospital) “we all know that Sarah Joy Brown is a big champion for theGluten-free movement. Her friend, Bergen Williams, has made a cookie (glutenfree of course) and named it after her!Bergen runs EatMe Cookies, specializing in Vegan and Gluten free varieties. Ifyou don't recognize the name “Bergen Williams" --she's Big Alice on GH!!”as reported by Wub Tub Blog

Ryan Phillipe(Actor & Ex of ReeseWitherspoon) “He has talked about having difficulty digesting wheat.”According toGluten Free In Georgia

Dannii Minogue(Actress XFiles and Younger sister to Kylie Minogue the singer) “I eat littleand often. Wheat and gluten-free crackers with avocado is a favourite.”Reported by AngelaSky

RobinMcGraw (Dr.Phil’s Wife is an author, speaker, and has a beauty product line) Therehave been reports that Robin eats gluten free

Jenny McCarthy claimed the gluten free diet lessened her son’s autism symptoms, despite years of lacking evidence , controversial media coverage, and no clinical support. Autism has now been linked to celiac disease and other common digestive auto-immune disorders. As has: depression, osteoporosis, type 1 Diabetes, and on, and on…

Center for Celiac Research Fundraising At No Extra Cost To You

2011-10-14T10:35:00.000-04:00

Support the CFCR through your online shopping

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

New Way to Donate!

The Center For Celiac Research at the University of Maryland have launched a fundraising program called the Everyday Buying Program - that gives you the ability to transform your everyday, online purchasing into donations for the Center for Celiac Research.

It's really very simple: We earn a percentage of the purchase price of items you buy through the merchant links on our Everyday Buying Page - at NO additional cost to you! You shop at the regular advertised prices.

From office supplies to home appliances or school books, from computer equipment to music downloads (on iTunes!!) or new fall clothing, every purchase helps! Companies involved in this program include: Amazon.com, Target, iTunes, Macy's, Walmart, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Petsmart, and many more.

Please click here to give it a try today, and remember:

No extra cost to you - even sale items or special deals generate donations for us

No extra time - it's only 1 click

No registration required

Be sure to make our page your new HOMEPAGE or add it to your browser's BOOKMARKS/FAVORITES, and start here every time you shop online. To help us even more, don't forget to share with your friends through email, Facebook or Twitter!\

CFCR Everyday Buying Page

Celebrities Gluten Free Diet Or Celiac? - The Movie/TV/ Singer Star Series

2011-10-13T02:03:00.000-04:00

In the last post we fed into the growing fascination withinthe gluten free community by posting an in-depth look at the growing number ofgluten free celebrities and figuring out whether they eat gluten free out ofnecessity or out of dietary choice. All analysis aside over why we are GFCelebrity crazy, as the diagnosis rates climb, there are more of them comingout of the gluten free closet with regularity.

Recently an article claimedthere must be a celebrity Celiac epidemic and in fact, there were so many newones that our list got quite long. So, instead of giving you a long list which is copiedfrom the latest update, it might be good for those of us too old toknow some of the younger ones and vice versa to have a more comprehensive list so you know who they are. And also so that you can read the tidbits behind how they handle the limelight when faced with speaking about their diet. Because of the extrainformation given, the list will be broken up into categories in order for thispost not to be several pages long.

To make it interesting, we will start with the latestActresses and Actors who live gluten free:

Two of my all time favorite actresses from totally different ends of the spectrum, GoldieHawn (Laugh-In, SeemsLike Old Times) and Juliette Lewis (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,StrangeDays) share being celiac and gluten free as well as a whole bunch of theiracting friends. “Ms. Hawn, like Lewis, has Celiac’s disease, so she’s probablybeen patronizing gluten free bakeries for some time now. This is an older photoof her, but at 65 she’s still looking pretty good. Definitely not like yourtypical grandma” Reported Josef’s Gluten Free Blog.

Jennifer Esposito - Jennifer Esposito is an American actress and dancer who is best known for her appearances in films such as I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, Summer of Sam and Crash and in television series such as Spin City, The Looney Tunes Show and Samantha Who? She was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2002.

Emmy pictured above

Emmy Rossum (Actress) According to her IMDB page, Rossum, the lead in the 2004 film adaptation of "The Phantom of theOpera," is a fellow Celiac. You may also recognize her from "The DayAfter Tomorrow" with Jake Gyllenhaal .

Susie Essman is an American comedienne and actress. Her latest role is “Susie Green” on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusaism. Essman was diagnosed as a celiac in 2002.”The good thing,” about the disease quips the comedienne, “is that I don’t have to worry about my weight anymore.”

Tensley Molzahn pictured above in bathing suit

And although I’m not sure you can call a contestant on The Batchelor a professional actor/actress, Tenley Molzahn, Bachelor Contestant has been reported to have celiac.

SarahVowell - Sarah Jane Vowell is and American author, journalist, humorist andcommentator,voice of Violet from the movie Incredibles). Both sheand her twin sister suffer from celiac disease. Vowell says she has a “wheat allergy”, is obsessedwith the magazine “Living Without,” which she says “has the most downbeat nameof any magazine since ‘Downbeat.’” She wonders why “the publishers don’t comeclean and call it “Loser?” She also admits that the “corny” and “reassuring”magazine makes her feel less alone because her friends have “an underwhleminggrasp of the pros and cons of various brands of soy flour.” Her hilarioussegment on This American Life about living without wheat is worth a listen (it startsat about 17:35).

Deb Wheaton, the mother of Wil Wheaton, the actor (Star Trek, NG, Stand By Me) and hissister, Amy, have it. Her blog was mentioned via Wil's blog

Wil Wheaton pictured at left in the movie Stand By Me

Joe C - Unfortunately Joseph Calleja, the 3 foot 9 inch sidekick to Kid Rock, was not so lucky. Joe C, as he was known, died in 2000 at the age of 26 in his home in Taylor, Michigan,

Joe C. pictured at left & right with Kid Rock on stage

“following a lifelong battle with Celiac disease, a painful intestinal disorder that each day required him to take 65 pills and hook up to a dialysis machine. The degenerative disease was also responsible for stunting his growth and made it difficult for him to spend long

stretches on the road with the band. C. was found this morning by members of his family. He

had celebrated his 26th birthday Nov. 9.” ABC News. Read more about the small statured performer Joe C and may he rest in peace...

Keep checking back as the next installment will be the T.V., Radio, & Media Celebrities who are gluten free...

Celebrities Gluten Free Diet Or Celiac? - The Pro Athlete Series

2011-10-10T18:03:00.000-04:00

It would seem there is a fascination within the gluten free community to do with celebrities and figuring out whether they eat gluten free out of necessity or out of dietary choice. This growing fascination with gluten free is born not only from having the ability to empathize with someone famous who is like us, it is also a hope that the community has for Celiac and other illnesses cured by a gluten free diet to become center stage for the world to take note.

All analysis aside over why we are GF Celebrity crazy, the reality is that you can find lists of celebrities all over the internet. Most of the lists are very similar, which may have a star or two who have not been outed somewhere else. However, as the diagnosis rates climb, there are more of them coming out of the gluten free closet with regularity. Recently an article claimed there must be a celebrity Celiac epidemic and in fact, there were so many new ones that our list got quite long.

Instead of giving you this long list which is copied from the latest update - I thought it would be good for those of us too old to know some of the younger ones and vice versa to have a more comprehensive list that tells you tidbits and back up referencing for the claim that they have Celiac, gluten intolerance, gluten allergy, etc. Because of the extra information given, the list will be broken up into categories in order for this post not to be several pages long.

To make it interesting, we will start with the latest pro athletes:

Athletes Who Have Celiac Disease

MickeyRedmond - former top pro hockey player, now does sports commentary for Fox Sports Detroit.Redmond is another one of the celebrities who has been diagnosed with celiacdisease. His desire to stick to his gluten-free diet has put a crimp on hisprofessional life. He either had to bring his own hot plate, utensils andgluten-free food and prepare it himself or not travel with the team on theirroad trips.

Rich Gannon's (former NFL Quarterback for Oakland Raiders) daughter was diagnosed with Celiac. On August 6,2005, Gannon officially retired from football and joined CBS television asan NFL analyst. He retired as an Oakland Raider and was inducted into the Universityof Delaware athletics hall of fame the same year. TheGannons are big supporters of research for the disease by hosting a Celiac Walkat Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria,Minnesota. You may have heard ofDanielle's Decadent chocolate cake mix, it is named after his daughter. GlutenFree Pantry purchased the company and this mix has become their very popular Decadent Chocolate Cake Mix.

CarrieWilloughby (Paralympic Swimmer) was born legally blind and withoculocutaneous albinism, a disorder where there is not any pigment in her skin,eyes and hair. Despite these challenges, she has won numerous medals, includingtwo bronze medals at the 2002 World Championships in Argentina; a bronze medalat the 2003 World Championship in Canada; a silver medal in the 2003 Can Amchampionships in Canada; one silver and two bronze medals at the 2007 Pan Amgames in Brazil; and five gold medals at 2009 IBSA Pan Am games In Colorado.She also holds the American record in the 50 meter butterfly event. She also isactive in bringing awareness to her illness by speaking and making appearanceslike at the CDF(CeliacDisease Foundation) 201 Conference.

“It has been four years since my diagnosis. My greatestchallenge is the lack of knowledge about celiac disease. It is stilluncomfortable to see others struggle to accommodate my gluten-free diet. Aftera hard workout I have to find the energy to cook a well balanced meal because Ican’t just stop to pick something up from a restaurant. Being legally blindalso hinders my ability to read ingredient labels. I stay strict to thegluten-free diet, but inevitably digest gluten on occasion.” (Team Gluten Free)

Amy Yoder Begley(Competed in Beijing Olympics as a runner) “I spent 10 years gettingmisdiagnosed. Finally when I could no longer live like that I found someone whotook me seriously. I could not run more than 30 minutes without using thebathroom. I could not eat within 6 hours of running races. Due to years of notknowing I had Celiac Disease, I now have some health problems like osteopenia(pre-cursor to osteoporosis). But after3 years of being gluten-free, I started to see major changes in my health andbody. For me, I started to feel better three weeks after going gluten-free. Thebloating went down and I felt more comfortable.

However, my best improvement marker came two and half yearsafter being gluten-free; I made the Olympic Team! I represented the United States in the 10,000meters in Beijing. Now I get asked abouteating and training gluten-free. Iwanted to put out this guide to Celiac or gluten intolerant athletes of allabilities. Once you get your healthrestored with a gluten-free diet you can accomplish any goal you set your heartand mind to!” (from her web page section “GlutenFree Page” where she also has an inspirational story posted “Celiac Olympian”, tips on eating out,and keeping fit on GF)

Sarah Jane Smith (LPGA) In 2002 Sarah won both theAustralian Junior Championship and the Queensland Junior Championship, and wasranked the top junior in Australia that year. She went on to be the top-rankedamateur in 2003.

Sarahseemed unstoppable, but en route to her receiving a card on the 2008 LPGA, she began experiencingabdominal pain, constipation and uncharacteristic fatigue. Sarah feared theworst and worried she may be following in her mother’s footsteps and developingCeliac’s disease.

In addition to spending her days on the links, Sarah isworking to raise awareness for the disease as an ambassador for the NationalFoundation for Celiac Awareness. “It’s so important for people to understandthis is something they can take control of. Celiac disease doesn’t have tocontrol you,” she says.

Desiree Ficker - Triathlete - I have been gluten-free since the winter of2006 after a terrible year of stomach issues during my training and racing. Iactually had years of stomach issues and always attributed it to othersthings...overtraining, "something in the water", even too much fiber!Since eliminating gluten from my diet I have been much healthier and my racinghas gone so much better. I still struggle with eating out and giving intotemptation every once in a while, only to realize that I must stick to my dietin order to be healthy. This off season I am working on baking new gluten-freebreads and treats. A gluten free diet doesn't always have to be a downer!

My favorite foods while training and racing: Accelerade,LaraBars, Trail mix, Cornnuts, Food For Life rice bread (breakfast before ridesand runs) with Justin's Nut Butter

Cedric Benson - NFL running back for the Cincinnati Bengals –After a less than stellar career with the Chicago Bears and the TexasLonghorns, Cedric Benson was diagnosed with Celiac disease. When he beganplaying with the Bengals, his new diet helped spring him back into aprofessional career with healthy energy levels and catapulted hiscareer back into full swing.

ClintTrickett, Florida State Seminoles’ backup quarterback reportedly couldn't putpounds on his 6-foot-1 frame no matter how hard he tried. He weighed 155 poundswhen he enrolled 21 months ago and is 180 now. After a round of medical testsover the summer, Trickett was diagnosedwith Celiac disease. "I had some blood work done, I had abiopsy," Trickett said this week. "And they said, 'You haveCeliac disease.' And it started making sense." Trickett changed hisdiet and in a month started to see results. "You just have to stay away fromany kind of breaded food," Trickett said. "Already I've seen twopounds a week gained. I've been putting on pounds ever since I changed, so Ithink it's just going to continue."

Athletes Who Have Gluten/ Wheat Allergy Or Intolerance

DrewBrees (NFL Quarterback for the New Orleans Saints) is gluten intolerant butdoes not have celiac disease. According to SportsIllustrated, Brees's long list of foodallergies includes dairy, wheat, gluten, eggs and nuts.

HayleyTurner (English Flat Racing Jockey)” I'm allergic to beer, which is ashame. I've got this thing called celiac disease. Beer's got yeast in it so Ican't drink it, which is a bit of a blessing for my weight probably. Gettingwheat-free sandwiches isn't easy, but the bread that doesn't have wheat in ittastes awful anyway, so I tend to go without.” (Guardian.Uk )

Discovering hehas a gluten protein allergy has been the best thing to happen to tennisstar NovakDjokovic. Since swearing off pizza, pretzels and beer, the celebratedathlete has ruled the court.

RaulIbanez –The Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder talked in an interview, "Theyused to believe it was 90% training and 10% nutrition, and now they believe itmay be 90% nutrition and 10% training," he told CSN Philly. "That's how big a deal itis."

Sabine Lisicki – TheGerman tennis pro collapsed on the court in the 2011 French Open due to whatshe says is glutenintolerance and did not mention celiac.

Terra Castro– Triathelete - says going gluten-free was key for helping her go pro."Before I was diagnosed with an intolerance, I felt tired all thetime," she said. "It would take me forever to recover." Now shefuels up with quinoa and rice-based breads and pastas. Fellow pro triathleteand celiac sufferer Desiree Ficker said she knows she has to avoid wheat tostay competitive. "After trying several brands, I've found manygluten-free breads and cereals that I like. I also eat more rice and sweetpotatoes and bake my own treats," Ficker said. "It's only hard whenI'm traveling because airports don't have a lot of options."

(ESPN)

Stay tuned for more in the R.O.C.K. GF Celebrity Series...

Caution ~ Renovations Ahead

2011-10-05T00:16:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed a whole new look going on around here...

Well, keep your eyes peeled because each and every section of the R.O.C.K. Charlotte website is under construction and set to make some changes so that we keep changing with the times just like you do.

Be extra sure to check out our Event section so you don't miss the upcoming Gluten Free & Gruesome Halloween Bash on October 23rd!
And if you're looking for some great Halloween Tips For Gluten Free Kids, just click the link highlighted here.

We've added a current news feed to the right so you can stay current on all articles about gluten free living, Celiac disease, autism and a gluten free diet, colitis, and other health issues that drive so many to seeking out a healthier life through dietary change.

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Mahatma Ghandi

Educating Your School About Celiac Disease And Being Gluten Free

2011-08-28T19:27:00.002-04:00

It's Back To School time which means a whole lot of excitement and food allergy anxiety all rolled into one.

All over the internet you can find information/recipes on coping with school and a food allergy or intolerance. But that doesn't erase many of the fears that our parents and children face when fitting into school programs that don't necessarily bend to their desires or needs and a general lack of knowledge from staff and student peers is discouraging at best. However, overcome we must. And if you take a positive "can-do" attitude, no matter what the barrier is, you and your child can accomplish more than you hoped for.

You'd think that with all the attention being given to gluten free foods and well-known people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance that most people would have heard of it by now. But it only takes one meet the teacher night to shatter all those illusions. Our daughter's new teacher, the cafeteria staff, and her guidance counselor knew absolutely nothing about it. Luckily, I had typed up a version of the letter found on Gluten Free Mom's blog: http://glutenfreemom.com/SchoolOtherActivities.html
The school nurse was very complimentary on the information it gave her (which one would think she would have known already).

We had naively bought a Bento lunch box kit thinking that she might be able to heat up left overs from dinner in a school microwave. But after talking with the lunch room staff, we found out that they would not allow her to use one, nor did they have one they used. So, I offered to purchase one. This elicited an immediate no because then they "would have to heat up every child's lunch" And this is a bad thing? Isn't it their job to make warm nutritious lunches for children? If you have watched Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution then you are hip to the fact that our lunch ladies don't even cook the food now. They reheat frozen or packaged food in an oven and apparently microwaves aren't allowed until middle school. So we bought 2 quality Coleman thermoses to put hot food into.

Our daughter was not daunted in the least at any of the hurdles facing her yet. Her focus remained on how excited she was to be attending school with friends. We have not let our fears of peer pressure or bullying transfer onto her because there is no sense in being paranoid. However, our tween is a very mature child for her 10 years and is strongly versed in reading labels, washing hands, and making others aware of celiac disease in a very relaxed manner. We will keep maintaining the hope that this continues through her last year in Elementary before the peer pressure really gets intense during puberty. But doesn't every parent and child have to face those fears?

One good idea is to purchase some books to share with her class like: Gluten-Free Friends: An Activity Book for Kids and Adam's Gluten Free Surprise (both can be found on Amazon). Perhaps by making those who are unaware more aware, we can lift the veil of mystery for those who do not understand and make it easier for all children newly diagnosed in the future.

The Katz Meow!

2011-07-30T20:47:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, our lead coordinator works with the best gluten free companies to bring products to our R.O.C.K. parties to try. Our members greatly appreciate this ability since we all have spent many dollars on products which did not meet our taste expectations. So, we all spend time scouring the internet for reviews on new offerings which exceed taste standards.

Since 2006, Katz Gluten Free Bakery has been offering their treats to their customers. Not only are they certified kosher and gluten free, but their facility is also nut free, soy free and dairy free. Being able to produce quality products of high standards has been their focus and because of this their popularity has grown by leaps and bounds. They have participated in our Expo each year only to be met with praise from those who try their product line. We eagerly accept their generous offers to allow our group to try new items and give feedback.

Being gluten free sometimes has challenges if you do not cook or have unexpected events which require you to produce your own foods. Pies have always been one of those things that we dreaded making because of the time involved in preparation of dough. Thank goodness Katz has answered our prayers with a selection of gluten free pies ready-made. We only had a chance to try their new Apple Pie, but we all agree that we are ready to also try their Blueberry and Cherry Pies too.

The crust is flaky and the inside is a nice blend of apples, cinnamon and sweetness. We served it with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and slightly heated the pie beforehand. There were no complaints at all and only yummy delicious enjoyment sounds coming from our tasters. The only thing our tasters wished was that there would soon be a bigger pie available for the whole family to enjoy some too.

In the box of goodies was also Katz's new Coffee Bundt Cake which looked devine before even tasting it. Oh how some of missed a bundt cake. This one delivers with a soft spongy texture that is rich and not overpowering sweet. In the middle of the hole in the cake sits a coffee flavored icing container. Just heat the icing slightly, pour over the top and let it drip down, and volia! a wonderful bundt cake to enjoy with coffee or milk. One child remarked that she wanted it for her next birthday party. Now, that's a compliment coming from an 11 year old.

Lastly, they sent us their newest addition to their cookies - Snack Poppers.

These little crunchy cookies taste very much like a light vanilla wafer but with more crunch to them. We thought they would be excellent in a vanilla pudding recipe or dunked into coffee like little pieces of biscotti.

And don't forget to look for Katz Gluten Free breads - Our favorites are their Wholesome Bread and Challah Bread Rolls:-)

Thanks again to Katz for supporting our community and their needs with style and superior taste!

R.O.C.K.in' The Pool Party

2011-07-03T10:37:00.001-04:00

It's the Dog Days of summer and nothing can cool it off better than a dip in the pool!

So come join us for a R.O.C.K. Pool Party on Lake Norman!

We will have naturally gluten free treats after working up an appetite.

So bring a swimsuit and a float so you can chill out in the pool

while watching the boats buzz by:-)

R.O.C.K. POOL PARTY

July 23rd, 2011
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mariner Villas Pool

R.S.V.P. for directions to irresistiblyglutenfree@gmail.com
attn: Nikki Everett

Autism & Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet

2011-05-24T22:27:00.004-04:00

DID YOU KNOW?

Research now suggests that Autism is linked to food sensitivites/allergies and immune deficiency related disorders. Specifically, gluten and lactose proteins can be an addiction to a euphoric behavior mode which those with Autism have been reported to have. This opioid effect and how dietary changes can positively effect Autism is explained by a mother on this Lifestlye Magazine clip with Dr. John McDougall, expert on dietary health medicine:

Part 2 - Is there a connection between diet and autism? Hear what Dr. John McDougall and Barrie Silberberg have to say about the effects of diet on autism. For broadcast times and to watch Lifestyle Magazine show archives visit http://www.lifestyle.org/.

Part 3 - Is there a connection between diet and autism? Hear what Dr. John McDougall and Barrie Silberberg have to say about the effects of diet on autism

Please check out more information on Dr. McDougall's work at http://www.drmcdougall.com/index.html

ROCKin' News Update

2011-05-23T21:33:00.000-04:00

There have been a lot of huge news stories relating to Gluten Free and Celiac Disease in the past few weeks - So we had better do some catching up...

Jules Shepard, author and baker, built the world's largest gluten free cake with help from the Whole Foods GF Bakehouse and thousands of supporters. This cake symbolized the importance for the need for labeling requirements from the FDA. You can read more about what the big deal is all about at: http://www.1in133.org/ I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Jules and the Whole Foods Bakehouse team at the Charlotte Gluten/Allergen Free Expo before their cake event. We appreciate everything that both teams have done for our community!

Dr. Fasano of the Center for Celiac Research also gave a wonderful interview at the Expo with Dr. Peter Osborne of the Gluten Free Society. In this interview, Dr. Fasano talks about the differences between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. You can catch some of that interview here:

http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/dr-alessio-fasano-genes-plus-the-wrong-food-gluten-sensitivity/

We had over 100 vendors at the Charlotte Gluten/Allergen Free Expo 2011! If you missed out or were there and need a reminder of the vendors who donated and came to share with our community, you can find that list on the Expo website here: http://charlottegfexpo.blogspot.com/2011/05/illustrious-vendor-list-of-expo-2011.html

And of course, last but not least, the news of a celiac disease vaccine possibly being available at some point was furthered by the Phase I trial results being released which is explained here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509091559.htm

Stay tuned for more info in the coming months!

R.O.C.K. & C.C.C. Group Are Joining Forces Again

2011-05-09T08:13:00.001-04:00

In honor of Celiac Awareness Month which is May:

Check out our Post-Expo 2011 R.O.C.K. Party on May 14th at Fuel Pizza Park Rd.

Our gluten free community deserves big kudos for raising over $2000 at the Charlotte Gluten/Allergen Free Expo 2011! Let's keep the momentum up this Saturday and enjoy the best GF pizza in town at the same time:-)

Dr. Fasano & our R.O.C.K. performers at Expo 2011

To learn more about the Charlotte Celiac Connection, please visit their web site.

Their email group is essential for anyone needing support and looking for info on Gluten Free Living in the Charlotte area

More posts on Expo 2011 will be coming soon...

BASKETS FULL OF GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS TO BE RAFFLED OFF FOR CELIAC DISEASE RESEARCH

2011-03-06T19:25:00.001-05:00

Help us raise money for the Celiac Disease Research Center on April 30th at

the Charlotte Gluten Free/Allergen Free Expo 2011!

If you haven't registered for the Expo - Then hurry to save $5 on tickets:

http://www.charlottegfexpo.blogspot.com/

When you enter the Charlotte Gluten Free/Allergen Free Expo doors at the Blake Hotel,

don't forget to buy your raffle tickets to win a fundraiser baskets full of gluten free products and services.

Raffle tickets are only $3 each or 4 tickets for $10

Each basket will be filled with $50 - $100 worth of goodies like:

Udi's GF Foods

Katz Bakery

Jason's Deli

The Gluten Free Bar

Gluten Free Mall

Bakery On Main

Gift Certificates

Pat Fogarty

GF Cookbooks

& more...

And best of all, ALL proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Celiac Disease Research Center at the University of Maryland.

Tickets are already on sale at the next Charlotte Celiac Connection meetings March 19th & March 26th.

Contact Heidi Scott for more details about raffle at: afrugalfox@gmail.com

R.O.C.K. Charlotte Goes American Idol & We Need Your Help!

2011-02-21T06:55:00.002-05:00

Last year, our R.O.C.K. kids practiced and did a heart touching performance of a song for the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo.

And guess what?!? We're going to do it again!

Only this time, we'll be singing and introducing the famous Dr. Alessio Fasano, the director of the Celiac Disease Research Center, at Expo 2011!!

You don't have to be a great singer like American Idol either:-)

We just need children willing to sing along and warm the hearts of the audience.

If interested, please email our Lead Coordinator, Nikki Everett, at irresistiblyglutenfree@gmail.com

or attend our March R.O.C.K. Party to receive your practice CD.

Be Mine & Gluten Free As Easy As 1, 2, 3...

2011-02-06T10:33:00.004-05:00

Here's some friendly reminders for you on the R.O.C.K. news of the week...

Gluten Free/Allergen Free Valentine Recipes from:

Ginger Lemon Girl

Elana's Pantry

Book of Yum

Betty Crocker Gluten Free Recipes

Up To The Minute Celiac News on R.O.C.K. Charlotte

2011-01-23T10:19:00.004-05:00

The celiac and gluten free communities are abuzz with news this week...

We found out that you can pay a small fortune to have a dog trained in Slovenia to sniff out gluten contamination in your foods. Yes, I said Slovenia! Read about our gluten companions here: Gluten Companions

The American Celiac Disease Alliance is petitioning the FDA to finally define the labeling standards for gluten free foods. Contact them through this link: FDA Vote to make your opinion count!

Elizabeth Hasselbeck gave a very positive interview on gluten free living on Good Morning America in which she also plugged her new "Nogii" bars. You can find that interview here: GMA & Hasselbeck

And just as important the famous celiac disease research physician, Dr. Fasano, has published a new study on celiac and gluten intolerance here: New Study University of Maryland

And that concludes this week's news stories in the gluten free world.

Stay tuned as we bring you the news as it happens on R.O.C.K. Charlotte.

Raising Our Celiac Kids one day at a time:-)

100 Delectable Recipes For Your Gluten Free Kid

2011-01-15T20:22:00.004-05:00

Every parent wants to provide meals for their families that are nutritious, healthy, and taste good but most of all that are quick and easy. There are many excellent websites and online resources for gluten free cooking. We access them all the time in order to find a new recipe that our families will devour and proclaim they can't tell it is gluten free. Children can be the hardest critics of all to please.

You can find many links in our recipe sections which can help you in your search for gluten free cooking, but there is one web page we ran across which is loaded with a few ideas which we thought you might find exciting for 100 quick and easy gluten free meals. It is loaded with child friendly recipes for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner options.

100 Delectable Recipes For Your Gluten Free Kid

For other great links, look in the ROCK Diner or in our ROCK Lunch sections.

Eat A GF Pizza & Give to Celiac Research

2011-01-02T11:27:00.002-05:00

Don't miss out on eating gluten free pizza and helping the celiac research center...

R.O.C.K. Charlotte will be meeting with the Charlotte Celiac Connection at their monthly Fuel Pizza

meeting on January 8th, 2011 at 12 noon. A portion of all pizza sales goes to the Celiac Disease Research Center.

If you haven't tried out Fuel's GF pizza yet, we think it is one of the best offered in Charlotte, N.C.

with an extremely conscientious staff to serve it and take precautions.

Please R.S.V.P. to Marc at parkroadfuel@gmail.com if you are going to join us.

We will also have some samples for you to take home of Foods Alive's healthy & tasty GF Flax & Hemp Seed Crackers. Organic, Vegan, Kosher, & Gluten Free ingredients in all of their products!

Holidays Make It Hard To Not Cheat On Dietary Restrictions

2010-12-28T10:17:00.000-05:00

The holidays can be a hard time of the year for many people if they are already emotional. But they are also a hard time of the year for those who are on a required dietary change. Imagine having delectable goodies shoved into your face to tempt you as you visit a relative. Only you aren't looking at just having to step up on the scale and curse your self afterward - you make yourself physically ill and end up in bed for two days or more.

This leads to the question of why anyone would ever cheat on a food they can not eat if they know it will make them sick? Well the answer is of course convoluted but the reality is that justification and rationalization can be everyone's worst enemies. And most likely, we are all guilty of it.

My celiac daughter recently said to me that she didn't see the issue if she ate a little gluten. I of course panicked and asked her why she thought this. She said, "Remember what the doctor said? My body will heal itself."
I retorted, "...IF you stay on a gluten free diet..."
Her little face crumpled.
"He said you could cheat and possibly have no symptoms for a time. But it would turn into other illnesses later on in life." I continued on with the truth.
She looked like the reality was devastating all over again. "So I can never eat gluten again?"
"Nope." I looked at her with my heart breaking for her disappointment and then rationalized the other direction. "But you will be healthier and who wants to eat junk like fast food anyways?!"
She remained in a funk but seemed to forget the urgency of fitting in.

I know she will want to test out the theory and can only hope she stops and gives a hard thought to cheating. The closer we get to teen years and the longer time has elapsed to erase the remembrance of nights vomiting and all the other unpleasantry, the harder it gets to not justify. Her physician told me she would likely try it during teen years. The only strong tool I have to combat this is educating her, exposing her to others like herself, and constantly reminding her of the past vicariously through meeting others who are newly diagnosed.

In this respect being a part of a support group is no different than any other. It never allows you to forget where you came from and allows those who are newly struggling to see there is a light at the end of a tunnel. And this is why support groups are helpful because sometimes everyone needs reminders of where they came from so they don't repeat the same mistakes again.

Hopefully you all make it through the Holidays gluten free and happily so.

~Nikki Everett~
Lead Coordinator of R.O.C.K. Charlotte

The Link Between Food Allergies & Bullying

2010-12-14T18:07:00.002-05:00

Bullying is something parents and their children who may fall victim to it are fearful of now more than ever. And why shouldn't they be? The news is rife with tales of children being the victim of bullying which is so severe that someone can die. Especially when your child has a severe reaction to food allergens or has celiac disease you worry already about contaminations.

Those who bully can see a potential weakness to be used as prime target for their intimidation tactics. Because that's what bullies do. And statistics show that it only increases in teen years.

An article on the delightfully informative blog, The Allergic Kid, told the staggering statistics and fears of one mother and her allergic child here: Bullies, Food Allergies, & The Force.

My celiac child experienced teasing before we even knew of her issue. Her constantly distended belly caused one child to call her fat. She came home crying and I called the teacher to find out what we could do to resolve it. I wish I could say that did the trick. It didn't.

Sadly, your child may also experience a type of emotional trauma from the very adults that you have entrusted their care with. Because of our celiac child's constant absences and incessant complaining during the chronic months of her illness before diagnosis, her teacher was an issue as well. She ranged from disbelief at our daughter's symptoms to irritation about her inability to get caught up with work. So although the bullying stopped from the child who called our daughter fat, she then had to contend with a teacher who didn't believe her illness was real.

All of this led to my child not liking school and emotionally more torn up than ever. We eventually decided to home school her rather than deal with a system ill equipped to handle her physical or emotional well being. She is healthy, has caught up with her work and has been on honor roll for 2 years. All is well that ends well. But, it is my sincere hope that eventually we all can live in a society which handles differences with positive results, as idealistic as that is. Until then, my prayers are with all of our children and parents for a bully-free life.

And here are some tips on K104.7 website that are so valuable to a parent whose child is dealing with it.
"Stop Bullying Period"

~Nikki Everett~

Lead Coordinator of R.O.C.K.(Raising Our Celiac Kids) Charlotte, N.C.

R.O.C.K. Holiday Thank You to GF Vendors

2010-12-13T18:53:00.000-05:00

Our R.O.C.K.in' Around The Holidays GF Cookie Exchange Party was a blast!

Not only do we thank our members for participating, but also many GF vendors who sent goodies

for our R.O.C.K. Stars to enjoy...

A R.O.C.K.in' Thank You to Katz Gluten Free for sending us samples of their Marble Cake, Chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles, & Challah Bread. All were delicious and there weren't ANY left!

A big R.O.C.K. Thank You to Cupcakistry for the most beautiful GF cupcakes!

And a big R.O.C.K. Thank You to Taste of Sunrise for giving us all samples of their yummy GF pancakes which are available for purchase at Healthy Home Market!

R.O.C.K. Charlotte wishes you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, & a Happy New Year!

Controllable Christmas Lights for Celiac Disease

2010-12-07T06:16:00.001-05:00

As Posted To Groups By Alek Komar
Yes, it is the holiday season, and back online for 2010 are the Controllable Christmas Lights for Celiac Disease:

http://www.komar.org/cgi-bin/christmas_webcam

Once again, three live webcams and X10 technology allows web surfers to not only view the action, but also *control* 20,000+ lights. New this year is the Santa Plane, Santa Helicopter, and even Santa Skiing down my roof ... which can all be inflated/deflated in addition to the giant 12' Santa, 15' Santa Balloon, Elmo, Frosty Family, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Homer Simpson - D'OH! ;-)

The website is totally free (and totally fun) and is one of my zany ways of raising awareness & soliciting donations for Celiac Disease - http://www.celiaccenter.org/news_xmas.asp - my two sons have this condition, so it's personal for me. If folks are so inclined, you can make an optional donation directly to the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research. Over $50,000 has been raised with ... holiday lights - pretty wild.

While people around the world (157 countries last year) enjoy seeing the lights ON, environmentalists will be happy to know that they can turn the lights OFF with a click of the mouse. Better yet, this is the 7th year I'm using Wind Power and even though that is "clean" energy, I even did a Carbon Offset contribution for the 0.6 Tons of CO2 for the ~MegaWatt-Hour of power consumed - that's about the same as *one* cross-country airline trip. Finally, by providing viewing via webcam, you don't need to burn fossil fuels by driving around to see Christmas lights.

But HEY, the couple of bucks a day in electrical costs are well worth the joy it brings to people (especially the kids) when they see the display in person and/or on the web. There's even a Hi-Def option, so gather your family around the large screen and open up some Eggnog as the chestnuts are roasting on an open fire.

Merry Christmas and HO-HO-HO! ;-)

alek

Making Gluten Free In A Hurry

2010-11-21T15:00:00.001-05:00

There are little ways to make living gluten free easier. According to one news article in The Boulder Jewish News by Lisa Velick, she whips up quick gluten free meals for her family by keeping ten common and easy things available to make in her pantry.

Top Ten Gluten-Free Dinners for a Busy Family

1.Tacos: Gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas, ground meat or just beans, rice, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.

2.Chili: Chicken or Turkey, a variety of canned beans, salsa, and chilies.

3.GF Hamburger Helper: Can be made with meat or beans. Make with a salad.

4.Hamburgers: Gluten-free hamburger buns, turkey, beef or vegetarian burger, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

5.Pizza: A gluten-free pizza crust (many ready-made ones in the freezer section), sauce, cheese and veggies.

6.Falafel: There is a gluten-free mix by Orgran. Serve with spinach, yogurt and white rice in gluten-free tortillas.

7.Spaghetti: Sauce and parmesan cheese on top, and any left over meat or vegetables.

8.Chicken Taquitos: chicken, corn tortillas, cheese, cilantro and onion.

9.Salmon: marinade, quinoa and frozen broccoli. Full of color and nutrients.

10.Nachos: chips, salsa, rice, beans, lettuce, tomato

Gluten Free Christmas Gifts To Show You Care

2010-11-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

What do you give as a gift to a child you love who lives gluten free?

Well there are a multitude of items that you could give to show how much you care...

Like:

A gift certificate to a really kid friendly gluten free friendly restaurant.

Our local favorites are Fuel Pizza or Jason's Deli

A gift basket of favorite gluten free snack foods - Even better if they are homemade or maybe some visions of sugarplums from Babycakes NYC Bakery - Yum!

A small gf makeup sampler or maybe a gluten free body care sampler from a company that provides gluten free alternatives like Arbonne

How about a patch or sticker from Jeeto that your child can add to their backpack for school as a litttle reminder to the teacher about them remaining gluten free?

Or how about tickets to a ballgame whose arena serves GF friendly foods?

Or maybe it can simply be that you make GF sugar cookies together from Bob's Red Mill mix and then ice them.

Millions of possibilities exist.

Just be creative and strive that extra mile as always and you'll come up with a winner:-)

Happy Gluten Free Holidays!

2010-11-08T08:11:00.009-05:00

Since our schedules have been extremely busy with all kinds of adventures - Charlotte Talks Radio interview, planning the next Charlotte Gluten Free/ Allergen Free Expo on April 30th, 2011 and life in general as the holidays near - we are now going to announce happenings for our R.O.C.K. Charlotte Kids to participate in and keep those feet grounded by connecting with others like themselves!

One of our members suggested a gluten free cookie exchange which we think is a fabulous Holiday event to plan!

We have posted an invitation here: Rockin' Around The Holidays GF Cookie Exchange
We felt that getting Dr. Allesio Fasano of the Celiac Disease Research Center at the University of Maryland to speak at the next Expo was a big Santa present! So we'll all settle for cookies and be glad:-)

Because we love the family traditions of Thanksgiving and how it is based around food, and because having to make your first gluten free Thanksgiving dinner can be daunting - Here is a link in our archive of Thanksgiving recipes in the R.O.C.K. Charlotte Diner: Making A Gluten Free Family Tradition

And if you are looking for restaurants or products in particular to help simplify your Holiday load - R.O.C.K. Charlotte Product List

We have even updated our Game Zone for our R.O.C.K. Charlotte Stars - R.O.C.K. Game Zone

We hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

A Sister's Celiac Story

2010-11-01T20:17:00.003-04:00

One of the members of our R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) Charlotte Chapter is Caitlyn Mahoney. Her sister, Jordan, is 11 years old and in the 6th grade. She wrote the following story about her sister's celiac disease as an assignment for school on a true conflict which she has had in her life. The story is quoted word for word from Jordan without any changes. We thought it was a touching example of the feelings a sibling can have in the face of celiac disease and how a diagnosis touches everyone in the family, not just the one diagnosed. A big R.O.C.K. thank you to Jordan for sharing her story!

It all started when my sister, Caitlyn, started eating food when she was a baby. We would feed her animal crackers, or cheese it’s, or toast and not even an hour later, she would be really sick. I mean like 105° fevers, throwing up, leg pains, dehydrated, ect. No one knew what was wrong.

I would spend my afternoons after school in the doctor’s office doing my homework. When I was done, the nurses would get me Junie B. books to read. Caitlyn would just be laying there very sick. She was only about one years old, as pale as a ghost. Of course being her big sister, I was scared. She would be screaming as the doctors held her down putting needles in her arms. Who wouldn’t be scared? This went on for almost a year.

Poor little Caitlyn soon got so sick we had to put her in the hospital. The doctors ran all of these strange testes over and over. When Caitlyn wasn’t being tested, she was sleeping or my mom was holding her and feeding her food which just kept making her sicker. Of course, with just my luck one night when my dad and I went home from the hospital to sleep and get me ready for school we realized that someone had broken in to our house. The sliding glass door in my parents’ room was broken. Clothes and were thrown all over their bedroom and my dog, Scooby- Doo, was going crazy. So that night I slept over at a friend’s house while my dad stayed at home, my mom at the hospital, and my sister still as sick as ever.

Finally, after several hospital visits Caitlyn was to sick to come home. Her immune system was attacking her body and she was really sick. The doctors didn’t know what to do, They had run every test possible. It was a life or death situation. My mom was talking to my granny, who was in England at the time, crying because she didn’t know what to do. My granny asked my mom if we have run a blood test to check for Celiac Disease. At that same time Caitlyn’s doctor’s wife was asking the same questions. Supposedly, this disease can’t cross oceans or so our doctors here in the United States thought. Wrong, they thought that celiac supposedly only happens in Europe. Wrong. The doctors chose to do this blood test and the surgery to check for Celiac Disease. After a week of anxiousness, worries, and sickness, the results were in.

That one random blood test saved my sisters life. Now we are all on a special diet with no wheat, rye, barley, oats, which is a gluten free diet. My sister has never had any food with gluten in it sense that day. Except when she was younger and licked a piece of bread at the store but that’s another story!

Looking back my family and I realize how lucky we were to have all of those wonderful doctors who helped save my sister’s life. If we didn’t diagnose her I don’t even know what would have happened. Would she even still be alive? Would my mom and I ever have been dianogesed with Celiac Disease also? We like think about how many people we have helped sense our journey began. My mom used to go to the grocery store, sit in middle of the aisle, and cry, at the beginning she did not know what foods to feed my sister, We had no one to help us. Now anyone that has just been diagnosed to the Celiac diet have people like us to help them. Back when Caitlyn first got dianogesed all the Gluten Free (GF) stuff tasted horrible!!!And you had very few choices of foods to eat, now you can’t even tell that many of the foods are Gluten Free!

Thanks to the help of all of those doctors and my parents my sister now very rarely gets sick from gluten anymore. The Celiac community has come a long way from seven years ago, and many lives have been forever changed for the better, especially ours.

O2 Media's Morning Show "The Balancing Act" Features Celiac Disease

2010-10-24T07:49:00.001-04:00

Tune in to The Balancing Act October 25th at 7:00 am (ET/PT) on Lifetime Television to hear Phyllis Kessler, President, Celiac Disease Foundation South Florida Chapter, talk about the efforts the foundation is making to raise awareness of Celiac and provide resources to those who currently suffer from the disease.

"The Celiac Disease Foundation has been raising awareness of this vastly under diagnosed disease for over 20 years," Kessler says. "Celiac is one of the most common genetic disorders in the world, yet most people don't even know what it is. The Balancing Act is a great opportunity to educate viewers about this disease and make them aware of the resources and guidance that CDF provides."

Over the years, CDF has built a community of patients, families, and healthcare professionals whose combined efforts have helped improve the quality of life for people with Celiac Disease. They have also tirelessly promoted early detection of the disease, which can drastically lower the chances of more severe consequences like osteoporosis, anemia and infertility.

"Having Phyllis Kessler from the Celiac Disease Foundation on 'The Balancing Act' has brought yet another great solution to women, one that will have a real impact, and help them balance their lives. This is the essence of solutions-based programming, and we are proud that we could bring this information to our viewers" says Doug Campbell, Founder and Executive VP of Programming for The Balancing Act.

Be Aware Of Foods That May Be Unsafe For Celiac Disease

2010-10-16T23:08:00.000-04:00

We'd like to introduce you to Carla Spacher, who writes a wonderful blog called Gluten Free Recipe Box. We are so glad to have found her on Facebook and follow her posts which are chock full of great gluten free information.

Today she posted a very helpful guide of foods celiac patients should avoid including the ever increasingly worrisome MSG and its link to issues like autism. Her post also discusses that rice milk can also contain gluten, reinforcing that buyers should always be concerned about the source of their foods. But even better was a helpful list of foods that all celiacs should avoid or beware of possible issues. Here is that list:

Celiac-Foods to Avoid

•Wheat flour including all purpose flour and whole wheat flour

•Oats that are not marked gluten-free

•Rye

•Barley

•Gluten Flour

•Graham Flour (wheat)

•Semolina Flour (wheat)

•Triticale (a cross of wheat and rye)

•Bulgur (wheat)

•Spelt (sometimes causes a reaction similar to wheat)

•Durum – also known as emmer (wheat)

•Couscous (semolina wheat)

•Kamut (sometimes causes a reaction similar to wheat)

•Seitan (wheat)

•Einkorn (European and Asian wheat)

•Fu (usually wheat if from Asia)

•Gravies and soups thickened with wheat flour

•Foods manufactured in a facility that manufactures any gluten products: wheat, rye, barley and most oats

•Dextrin – may be made from wheat

•Envelope Glue – may be made with wheat, other than vegetable based envelope glue

•Protein – HVP or Hydrolyzed Plant Protein – may come from wheat

•Imitation Seafood – also known as sirimi – may contain wheat

•Modified Food Starch – also found in prescription and over-the-counter medications

•Cosmetics containing gluten

•Veined Cheese – may contain gluten bread

•Postum

•Ovaltine and other flavored milk mixes

•Some alcohol (see gluten-free alcohol list)

•Flavored and instant coffees, some herbal teas

•Root beer

•Tortillas, that are not 100% corn and contain gluten/wheat, etc.

•Crackers (not marked gluten-free)

•Wafers, biscuits, croutons, bread crumbs, doughnuts, graham crackers, (not marked gluten-free)

•Anything with malt flavoring, or Malt syrup, malted milk

•Rice Dream brand rice milk (contains a barley enzyme) (check all labels)

•Certain sour creams, yogurts, ice creams, most all light or fat-free dairy products

•Artificial creamers, processed cheese spreads, some chocolate milk drinks

•Pies, cakes, cookies (not gluten-free), commercial pudding mixes, ice cream cones, cake mixes

•Some commercial salad dressings, some mayonnaise

•Commercial canned fruit with gluten thickening

•Imitation Seafood

•Prepared meats, canned tuna containing Hydrolyzed Vegetable or Plant protein (HVP)

•Self-basting turkeys (often injected with HVP)

•Canned Soups, dehydrated soup mixes, bouillion, and boullion cubes

•Creamed, breaded and scalloped vegetables

•Some baked beans, some prepared salad mixes

•Commercial candies and cake decorations

•Some ketchups and mustards

•Soy sauce (use Tamari sauce – San J makes a great one)

•Some mixed spices such as taco seasonings, etc.

This is by no means a complete list, but will give you a good start if you are new to the gluten-free diet. Read your labels and know your ingredients. For other products contact the manufacturer with any questions. Products contain phone numbers for this very reason.

*as posted by Gluten Free Carla

NPR Charlotte Talks Features Gluten Free Show

2010-10-13T06:51:00.002-04:00

For those of you who attended the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo, you may remember Chef Peter Reinhart.

Chef Reinhart did a gluten free pizza demo at our Expo and is Johnson & Wales Charlotte Campus Chef on Assignment. He has written many books on baking and is about to release his 9th book which will tackle gluten free baking. Chef Reinhart also is a guest once a month on the NPR(National Public Radio) broadcast show Charlotte Talks.

antique radio

The exciting news is that he has put together a gluten free show with NPR Charlotte Talks which is scheduled for October 21st on WFAE 90.7 at 9 a.m.- 10 a.m.

Guests will include Nikki Everett the lead coordinator for R.O.C.K. Charlotte & the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo and Pat Fogarty, the most referred dietitian & nutritionist in the Charlotte area for gluten free nutrition.

We are extremely honored that he will bring awareness to our community and has invited R.O.C.K. Charlotte to be a part!

Pat Fogarty was also a speaker at the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo and did a fantastic job of helping our guests grasp easier ways to tackle gluten free nutrition. She also has a child she has raised who has celiac disease so her knowledge is vast on deficiency pitfalls and how to avoid them. A voice of experience always helps immensely! Please check out her hour long presentation from the Expo in our previous post: Key Nutrients to a Healthy Gluten Free Diet

We hope you all will tune in to NPR's Charlotte Talks on October 21st at 9 a.m. on WFAE 90.7 for this exciting and informative interactive live show on gluten free living. We encourage you to also call in with any questions you might have for any of the guests or even add your own viewpoint to the discussion!

To call in and join:

704-926-9323

800-603-9323

FYI - We will also be unveiling some exciting news on the show about the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo 2011 which is coming in April!

Halloween Tips For Gluten Free Children

2010-10-03T17:12:00.008-04:00

It's Halloween time again soon - And for parents of children with food allergies or sensitivities the anxiety is already rising. School classes offer candy, decorating cookies as an activity, and treats galore. This practice in schools can make the beginning of the holiday season more challenging if you aren't prepared. Here are some ideas you can approach your gluten free child's teacher with or else help you in preparing:

1. Try to find out about any and all extra activities from your child's teacher so that you can plan ahead of time.
2. If the class is decorating cookies, try making some sugar cookies from this Bob's Red Mill Sugar Cookie Recipe or from Gluten Free Mom's Blog(which comes with an icing recipe).
3. You could always make a suggestion to help do a gluten free alternative to cookies like some Halloween crafts. We love Disney's Family Fun website for ideas! Just be aware that some glues can contain wheat.
4. Buy some gluten free treats that can be given to your child in place of questionable ones if the class is getting treats. Place them in a labeled tupperware bin for the teacher to dole out.

Halloween Night
Trick or treating can be a challenge for several reasons. Not only is it disheartening to some children to have to give up their treats once they aquire them. But the added fear of a child eating a non-gf candy before you as a parent checks it can be equally scary. Our family has a golden rule that our celiac child does not eat any candy while trick or treating. She happily obliges as most of her fun is just getting to go to the doors and ask for candy. We also have a standing rule that we go through her horde at the end of the night and if there is any candy she cannot have, we give it to a homeless shelter the next day for the children there to enjoy.

The great news is that even if there is a lot of junk candy out there full of high fructose corn syrup, there are many gluten free candies available. Last year, my celiac child did not have to give up much of her Halloween candy load.
There is a list of gluten free candies on gfreelife.com and another more extensive list on celiacfamily.com
To see some awesome Gross But Good recipes we have featured at past R.O.C.K. Charlotte Halloween parties try here:
                       Recipes
                        More Recipes
                        Gluten Free Kitty Litter Cake

And don't forget, R.O.C.K. Charlotte hosts a gluten free Halloween Party every year!
To view this year's invitation, click here: Fangtastic Gluten Free Halloween 2010

What's Wrong With Our Food System?

2010-09-29T22:12:00.001-04:00

There is a fantastic non-profit organization branded TEDx. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.

Asheville hosted a TEDx event which featured a young 11 year old named Birke Baehr. Birke eloquently addressed the audience in a presentation speech about "What's Wrong With Our Food System?" that reached far beyond his years in wisdom and message. Here is his speech for you to ponder and hopefully do your part in making the vision happen:

Books About Celiac Disease For Children Help Parents & Children Understand Better

2010-09-24T20:54:00.002-04:00

It is hard enough as an adult to comprehend that your whole lifestyle will have to change when learning you have celiac disease. It is understandably even harder for a child to comprehend a lifestyle change or just what celiac disease is. The word disease in itself can be frightening for anyone to hear and doubly so for a child. And as a parent the challenge of explaining it without conveying your own emotions onto the situation can be very tough indeed.

We sought out a book for our celiac child to read in order to explain better which would be on her level with simple words. The local library only had one book, Eating Gluten Free With Emily. Thankfully there are many more books which have been lovingly written to help us as parents to explain that help to soften the blow of a new diagnosis. There are also some books available which discuss the challenges a gluten free child faces in a gluten world. You can find a list of books in our R.O.C.K. Charlotte Gluten Free Resource Library to help you and your child along.

There is a new entry which garners special attention:

“Mommy, What is Celiac Disease?” by Katie Chalmers has been endorsed by Dr. Fasano, Dr. Guandalini, Elaine Monarch, and Alice Bast. Kate has celiac disease as does her child and she has written a wonderful new children's book which explains celiac disease "by using Q&A’s through the eyes of a mother and child. The book exemplifies the positive outlook and attitude needed to live happily with this disorder and uses easily understandable dialogue. It explains to children that they have a condition that is very easy to treat with some simple dietary changes and reassures children that they will have a healthy, happy, normal life. It explains the effects of celiac disease on the body with easy to comprehend terms, analogies and illustrations so the child can feel comfortable knowing what it means to be a celiac."

as quoted from www.katiechalmers.com

If Your Doctor Isn't Educated About Nutrition - How Can You Be?

2010-09-19T09:04:00.002-04:00

Recently, a family member of mine has been dealing with a serious onset of acid reflux which has caused her excessive weight loss and has made it hard for to enjoy eating even with the medication Nexium. As most can relate, her doctor is eager to prescribe medications and has never once even talked about her diet as being a possible culprit. He prescribes endless medicines and procedures instead of discussing nutrition. This of course only adds to a patient's frustration and can render them feeling worse from side effects than in the beginning.

A recent article in the NY Times explains the situation perfectly and revelaed the sad truth that our medical practitioners are often not taught enough about nutrition in medical school: Teaching Doctors About Nutrition & Diet. So if you have felt a bit crazy at times and wondered why your specialist hasn't discussed nutritional changes which could alleviate problems without invasive medicines and procedures - perhaps they haven't because they don't honestly know. Nutritionists and Registered Dietiticians are more likely to be helpful on these levels than you ever imagined.

Apparently on an average, Americans eat a diet based on convenience and foods which set up an acidic atmosphere in our digestive tract. Because of this Americans are facing acid relux issues in epidemic numbers. So even if you are eating gluten free foods which are highly processed, you are not alleviating the triggers which can cause acid reflux to remain an issue. The key is to stop eating a majority of foods which break down in the body to become acidic. Contrary to beliefs, oranges and tomatoes actually break down in the body to become alkaline. Confused yet? Well here is a video which may explain it better - The title is misleading to the whole content - It is well worth a watch:

Secondly, if you or someone you love suffer from digestive disorders, that usually means there is some sort of inflammation or irritation present. This is true for anyone with IBS, Crohn's Disease, Celiac Disease, Colitis, Gastritis, etc. Here is a list of some foods that are helpful to reduce inflamation:

salmon, cold-water fish - omega-3's
grass-fed, free range meat - omega-3's
olive oil (extra virgin least processed) - oleic acid
salads - dark green lettuce, spinach vitamin C
cruciferous veggies - broccoli, cauliflower, brussles sprouts, kale - anti-oxidants, sulfur
cherries - anti-oxidants, lower glycemic index
blueberries - anti-oxidents
tumeric - anti inflammatory properties (found in brown mustard)
ginger
garlic - anti-inflamatory, glucose-regulating, helps infections
green tea - may reduce risk of heart disease and cancer

As we've touched upon here and in previous articles, the healing power of food can do amazing things.

Celebrate Healthy Gluten Free Eating

2010-09-07T21:21:00.001-04:00

Lately there have been news pieces which accurately depict some of the highly processed gluten

free foods flooding the market as unhealthy when eaten regularly rather than as a treat.

If you need healthy gluten free snack ideas which aren't full of highly processed gluten free options that just replace the old highly processed gluten versions - we have the event for you!

Healthy Home Market in Davidson, N.C. is having a Healthy Eating Day celebration, September 18th, 2010 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

*Please join us at 1 p.m. for a fantastic Gluten Free Demo of quick healthy gf snack foods before embarking on a Gluten Free Store Tour with our lead coordinator, Nikki Everett.

By the way, Healthy Home Market is one of our favorite Gluten Free stops because they have a GF section clearly defined, which makes our shopping all the easier. They are also opening a NEW store in Hickory, N.C. and are having a Grand Opening celebration there on October 1st:-)

Gluten Free In Hot 'Lanta

2010-09-04T12:56:00.000-04:00

Don't have any plans yet for September 25th?

You may want to take a drive down to Norcross, GA for the Atlanta Metro Celiac Support Group's

Atlanta Gluten Free Vendor Fair.

If you haven't been to a GF Fair yet, you can be sure you will leave with a full tummy from tons of samples among other perks. Full bags of sample products and leaflets of information are usually available to boot. So click this link to find more information and registration info: HERE

Atlanta Gluten-free Vendor Fair

Norcross, GA

September 25th

Featured Speaker at 9:00 am\

Fair from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Cooking Demo from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Admission is $5 (kids 12 and under get in free).

Celiac Disease: What's New? - Gluten Free Expertise Part 2

2010-08-26T21:00:00.002-04:00

The second video we offer you this week is the extremely informative presentation by Dr. Ivor Hill. Dr. Hill is the Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Wake Forest Medical University and has written over 70 peer reviewed journal entries on celiac disease in children and was on the Board which made the Guidelines for Diagnosing Celiac Children.

We found many key points in the presentation helpful to understand diagnostics and genetics among other new information being researched in celiac disease in this video and hope you will too.

The entire video is only an hour long and well worth it - So please turn up your volume and enjoy.
If you have trouble viewing the video then please refresh the page in order for it to reload...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Key Nutrients To A Healthy Gluten Free Diet - Gluten Free Expertise

2010-08-25T20:37:00.003-04:00

The long awaited video of Pat Fogarty, MS,RD,LDN at the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo 2010 giving a presentation on Key Nutrients to a Healthy Gluten Free Diet is NOW available!!!
Pat is a specialist in gluten free living and her daughter who is 14 lives gluten free after being diagnosed with celiac disease.
Her expertise was generously donated to give us a better understanding of nutrition and its key roles and common pitfalls in celiac disease.

Watch the video in its entirety for a highly informative look at nutrition on a gluten free diet

We've disabled our popular music temporarily so that audio will be clearer. If you should experience any difficulty in viewing the video below, then please refresh the page and the video should reload properly...

Gluten Free Economically

2010-08-24T14:50:00.002-04:00

As fast as celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and gluten sensitivity are hitting the mass media channels - gluten free foods are coming onto the consumer market of food manufacturers and restaurants offering new choices with a blinding rate to match it. But just as fast as it hits the mainstream media channels, the risk of misinformation or the interpretation of sound bytes as lacking in substance cause alarm for those who have violent reactions when exposed. Or worse yet, an anaphylactic reaction can happen ending in a hospital trip or asthma attack.

And as fast as those disorders are coming to the light, celebrities are making the tabloids with gluten free party cakes and goodies to enhance their gluten free diets.Chelsea Clinton had a gluten free flourless wedding cake. Madonna and her son Rocco had a gluten free birthday soiree. Multitudes of stars are claiming they lose weight on the diet while the experts correctly say you have to be careful not to gain weight on highly processed gluten free baked goods. Celebrity allergen free sweet shops like Babycakes, NYC are becoming extremely successful. However, all this paparazzi isn't helping to make our grocery bills any lighter.

The average gluten free shopper is still spending an average of 3 times the normal rate on foods! If they are buying all the new allergen friendly foods that line the gluten free aisle and the fresh veggies they may be paying even more. But there ARE ways to cut your bill although you may have to add some more planning on to your schedule...

This summer our family:

Grew a garden,
Took vegetables offered by friends who had gardens,
Froze veggies for future use,
Checked internet deals by restaurants directly,
And bought from local farmers directly.
We stopped baking as many goodies and bought our meat and veggies on sale when at all possible and shopped the few specials we could find at local grocery stores - Lowe's Foods and Bloom offers them often.

The results were that we did save a whole lot - It works!

Here are some places you can buy direct from local farmers in the Charlotte area:

Barbee Farms - Concord, N.C. & local markets
Wild Turkey Farms - China Grove, N.C. & local markets
Big Oak Farm - Denver, N.C. & local markets
Gilchrist Natural Farms - Iron Station, N.C. & local markets
Grateful Growers - Lincoln County, N.C. & local markets
Poplar Ridge Farms - Union County, N.C. & local markets/ CSA

And the best resource for grass fed meat is here: Eat Wild N.C.

In some of the coming posts we will explore ways to be gluten free which won't break your pocket, nor add undue amounts of sugar and processed foods into your dietary changes. That way when you splurge on the GF treat you are craving, you won't break the scale.

Gluten Free Websites Worth Looking For

2010-08-15T16:36:00.002-04:00

There are some new websites that have grabbed our attention and have good things to provide for your gluten free lifestyle. We subscribe to all of them and suggest you do too if you aren't already.

Gluten Free Checklist - is a free subscription website full of invaluable gluten free lists of products and other useful of gluten free advice. One of the reasons Amazon and other reviewed websites are so popular is because it simplifies our lives without making guesswork for ourselves. Oh and we all look for coupons while paying the gluten free prices and they offer this as a major plus.

Gluten Free Society - This website is authored and run by Dr. Peter Osborne, who is both a doctor of chiropractic as well as a Board Certified doctor of clinical nutrition and is named a functional medicine doctor. His large following is growing stronger with loads of gluten free advice and live interviews to listen to with top experts in the gluten free fields of medicine, nutrition, and support. The main focus of this website is complete gluten and grain free living as an answer for multitudes of issues. Compelling and food for thought everytime we check in, the website also offers free email subscription.

Celiac Facts - Every day we look forward to opening our inbox to this free email subscription site. It is chock full each and every day full of the latest news, trends, research, and products that are of interest in relation to celiac disease. If you ever have wondered how we stay abreast of breaking news, this is just one of the sites we rely on for interesting and factual reporting.

Gluten Freeville -
For everything gluten free: Tips, advice, recipes, books, interviews, reviews, products, etc. Great blog with lots to offer!

We will be adding these to our R.O.C.K. Links found on the sidebar to aid you in your quest for help and gluten free information.

Highlights of The Charlotte Gluten Free Expo

2010-08-11T08:43:00.000-04:00

I missed you!

A month long hiatus from writing on the blog was needed though. The Charlotte Gluten Free Expo was a whirlwind of activity that required every ounce of my attention. We have dubbed the experience as being "Extreme Event Planning 101" which happened all in a matter of 90 days time! I don't recommend such a feat for the faint hearted, but what a wonderful learning curve it was:-)

The Charlotte Gluten Free Expo 2010

You can find more pictures on the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo website:

http://www.charlottegfexpo.blogspot.com/

and on the "Charlotte Glutenfree Expo" FB page

Jennifer Harris with the Atlanta Metro Celiac group has posted a small review of her favorite products she tried at the Expo which can be found here:

Charlotte Gluten Free Expo - Favorite Products

We will be posting some more reviews here in the coming weeks...

My favorite part of the Expo(and it is very hard to pick one!) had to be the Flash Mob dance that the R.O.C.K. Stars did with me before introducing Dr. Ivor Hill for his presentation on Celiac Disease. They were very brave to dance in front of almost 200 people in the auditorium and seemed to love doing it. There wasn't a dry eye in the front rows as far as I could see while the children happily danced to R. Kelly's song "The World's Greatest". If you haven't heard it, take a listen and reap the benefits of the uplifting words:-)

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated Gluten Free foods, sponsored and volunteered to make this Expo a success!

There will be more posted soon, including some videos taken of the three presentations, Chef Peter Reinhart, Pat Fogarty, and Dr. Ivor Hill.

Stay tuned...

Gluten Free Seafood in a Real Southern Fish Camp‏

2010-07-10T15:33:00.001-04:00

Do any of you on a gluten free diet miss going to a fried fish restaurant occasionally and having the old Southern tradition of fried flounder, popcorn shrimp, or oysters with a side of hushpuppies, french fries, and slaw?

Well, my family owns Lake Todd Fish Camp, which is located centrally between Lake Norman and Concord , N.C. off of Highway 3. It is an old rustic seafood restaurant in a scenic country setting that is now offering gluten free options on their menu! Normally I just add a restaurant to the All Star Rock List (link can be found on left of page). But having fried fish or hushpuppies that are gluten free is almost unheard of, so I wanted to share.

My daughter, who has celiac disease, has been a good reason for them to start offering gluten free options and this was achieved because one of the deep fryers was dedicated to french fries only. Now, that same fryer handles only gluten free fish, hushpuppies and fries! Even the tartar sauce is made with gluten free ingredients. If you do not want fried fish, they also have grilled and broiled options. The salad bar is stocked with veggies out of the garden and gluten free salad dressing options.

It touches my heart that our daughter has been the reason for so many changes that have positively affected the gluten free community. If it weren't for her, I would not have chartered R.O.C.K.(Raising Our Celiac Kids) Charlotte. I would not have been a part of making the first Charlotte Gluten Free Expo happen. And ultimately, my family would not have likely had to adapt her fish dinners to gluten free at their restaurant. Sometimes I find it amazing how a turn of events can impact so many.

Here is the website for Lake Todd Fish Camp which has a menu link: http://www.laketoddfishcamp.blogspot.com/

You won't believe the prices - very affordable!:

So, step back in time while eating gluten free safely in a real Southern "Fish Camp" steeped in history and family run for close to 50 years. Oh, and if you don't mind, be sure to tell my aunt Delane who runs the restaurant that I sent you:-)

The R.O.C.K.in' Summertime

2010-07-06T19:20:00.000-04:00

Here at R.O.C.K. Charlotte's headquarters, we try to bring you up to the minute news about our group activities, meetings and news items that effect all of us in the gluten free community.

Therefore, we will constantly be adding restaurants that offer gluten free menus, gluten free products that we find on the internet and locally which can help ease your load, child friendly events and places to go that offer gluten free options, and recipes that are kid tested and parent approved for nutritious goodness.

This means the website will stay actively posted in ALL sections and you should check back often.

R.O.C.K. Charlotte posts to a yahoo group which can be found here: rockcharlotte@yahoogroups.com

What's Happening Now?

Summer 2010 is a break for the regular monthly meetings and summer activities of R.O.C.K. Charlotte, N.C. because we are involved in the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo on August 7th.

We will resume our meeting schedule on September 11th, 2010. The meeting venue and theme is to be announced in August. We can promise it will be fun though.

So stay tuned! And have a R.O.C.K.in' summer!

Take The Gluten Free Shopping Tour

2010-06-29T15:21:00.000-04:00

As it has been written in the R.O.C.K. blog some time ago, the first shopping trip when newly diagnosed with having to live a gluten free lifestyle can be daunting at best. We addressed this in a post called "Gluten Free Soul Food - Paying It Forward".

So our R.O.C.K. Coordinator, Nikki Everett, is hosting a Gluten Free Shopping Tour at our favorite gluten free store in Charlotte, N.C. Please pass on the word to all your newly diagnosed friends and lend them a helping hand in shopping.

Healthy Home Market on South Blvd.

June 30th, 2010

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

We are meeting in the cafe before taking the tour.

Hope to see you there:-)

* Some other tips for newly diagnosed gluten free lifestylers can be found here: "Newly Diagnosed Gluten Free"

Charlotte Gluten Free Expo Is Now On A Wait List!

2010-06-23T14:30:00.002-04:00

Who would have thought we would meet capacity on the first Charlotte Gluten Free Expo in only 16 days?!?
I mean, we knew there was a need based on sheer statistics - But we did not fathom it would be a "sell out" so quickly. The good news is that if you missed registering for this event, we do have a wait list available in case of cancellations and it is accessible from the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo site: Cancellation Wait List

Kathleen Purvis, from the Charlotte Observer, has a blog entitled "I'll Bite". Yesterday, I got a notice by email that she had written about our extraordinary accomplishment of registering to capacity so quickly. In her write up she said, "And in the meantime, with that much demand, I'll bet Charlotte's second gluten-free expo won't be far behind."
Well she is correct! We have already started discussing plans for next year's Charlotte Gluten Free Expo and we don't think you will have to wait a whole year to be able to be a part of it...
Not if we can help it anyway:-) Johnson and Wales University Charlotte Campus has expressed their interest in doing it again next year if the current Expo is a big success. We can't see how it won't be.

This venture all started only 2 months ago when I had an idea and called Johnson and Wales to see if they were interested in hosting our event. Two months later, with the help of Johnson & Wales, many volunteers from area support groups, gluten free food manufacturers, and medical professionals the idea has become a reality. So you can only imagine the whirlwind of work it has taken to come this far in only 60 days time! Therefore, I apologize for not being able to spend more time on the R.O.C.K.(Raising Our Celiac Kids) website - But this Expo is important in a variety of ways.

The original vision was to bring quality gluten free products from all over America to this expo because we didn't see why the gluten free community should have to settle for less when it comes to the taste of their food. We think those that registered will be thoroughly surprised at the quality of the gluten free products we have carefully selected to feature. Companies like: Farmo Pasta, The Grainless Baker, The Chocolate Fetish, Attune probiotic wellness bars, Jaxn's Potato Stix, & local restaurants that feature gluten free menus like Fuel Pizza, Razoo's Cajun Cafe, Posana Cafe, & many more.

The addition of speakers and presentations for quality gluten free information is what will set the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo apart from any we have ever attended - Truly an all encompassing gluten free event that Charlotte, N.C. can be proud of. So if you were not able to get registered this time around, have faith that we will be working hard so that next year's event is even better!

Gluten Free Summer Camp Options & Issues

2010-06-16T23:48:00.000-04:00

It's summertime alright - hot weather, days are longer, and our R.O.C.K. Stars(celiac kids) are on to their summer schedules. For some parents, this means a break from the hardships of worrying about packed lunches and contamination risks at school. But what if your gluten free child has summer plans like sports camps, academic camps, or summer day camps? What if the facility doesn't offer help or understanding to your child's specific needs?

One of our R.O.C.K. Stars, Erin, went to Camp Weekaneatit in Winder, Georgia again this year. This is a gluten free camp which is sponsored by Georgia R.O.C.K.(Raising Our Celiac Kids) and is 5 days of fun and fellowship between children who all eat gluten free. Last year was their first successful camp and Erin went along as the youngest female camper at only 8 years old. She was somewhat scared and homesick at times, but she never stopped talking about going back and all the fun she experienced. So this May 31st, she packed up and headed back down to Winder and Camp Weekaneatit for another week of gluten free companionship. This time, she walked in with her head high and was the expert camper who won the Helping Hands Award for her cabin. Best of all, her parents never had to worry that she would be contaminated or feel left out.

Camp Weekaneatit 2010

But sadly, we have heard parents tell stories of struggling through dealing with sending their children to a regular camp. In one such story, the mother has not been able to get a menu of the camp week with ingredients to look over since emailing them starting in March. The staff have not even heard of celiac disease nor what gluten is - how in the world can she feel secure in allowing her child to go to camp? Of course the answer is that she can't. They have decided to rent a room at a place locally which has a small kitchen for them to prepare their meals - all at their expense of course. This is the reality of living with an allergen which prohibits your child from participating in the basic need of eating.

It is our mission to provide parents with resources which help them in their goals of raising a healthy gluten free child. Any school or camp which is taking care of and feeding children are held to federal, state, and district laws. Therefore,below are some basic school guidelines that are laid out in the FAAN(Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) which could apply to all sensitivities of severity as well.

If a food allergen has been well documented and has medical backing by a professional - the school’s responsibility is as follows:

•Be knowledgeable about and follow applicable federal laws including ADA, IDEA, Section 504, and FERPA and any state laws or district policies that apply.

•Review the health records submitted by parents and physicians.

•Include food-allergic students in school activities. Students should not be excluded from school activities solely based on their food allergy.

•Identify a core team of, but not limited to, school nurse, teacher, principal, school food service and nutrition manager/director, and counselor (if available) to work with parents and the student (age appropriate) to establish a prevention plan. Changes to the prevention plan to promote food allergy management should be made with core team participation.

•Assure that all staff who interact with the student on a regular basis understands food allergy, can recognize symptoms, knows what to do in an emergency, and works with other school staff to eliminate the use of food allergens in the allergic student’s meals, educational tools, arts and crafts projects, or incentives.

•Practice the Food Allergy Action Plans before an allergic reaction occurs to assure the efficiency/effectiveness of the plans.

•Coordinate with the school nurse to be sure medications are appropriately stored, and be sure that an emergency kit is available that contains a physician’s standing order for epinephrine. In states were regulations permit, medications are kept in a easily accessible secure location central to designated school personnel, not in locked cupboards or drawers. Students should be allowed to carry their own epinephrine, if age appropriate after approval from the students physician/clinic, parent and school nurse, and allowed by state or local regulations.

•Designate school personnel who are properly trained to administer medications in accordance with the State Nursing and Good Samaritan Laws governing the administration of emergency medications.

•Be prepared to handle a reaction and ensure that there is a staff member available who is properly trained to administer medications during the school day regardless of time or location.

•Review policies/prevention plan with the core team members, parents/guardians, student (age appropriate), and physician after a reaction has occurred.

•Work with the district transportation administrator to assure that school bus driver training includes symptom awareness and what to do if a reaction occurs.

•Recommend that all buses have communication devices in case of an emergency.

•Enforce a “no eating” policy on school buses with exceptions made only to accommodate special needs under federal or similar laws, or school district policy. Discuss appropriate management of food allergy with family.

•Discuss field trips with the family of the food-allergic child to decide appropriate strategies for managing the food allergy.

•Follow federal/state/district laws and regulations regarding sharing medical information about the student.

•Take threats or harassment against an allergic child seriously

Charlotte Gluten Free Expo - Off To An Excellent Start

2010-06-15T08:20:00.002-04:00

We have had a very exciting week with the launch of our Charlotte Gluten Free Expo website.

We already have 145 attendees registered!

This kind of response only reinforces our resolve that this event was much needed in the greater Charlotte, N.C. area.

So if you haven't registered, don't delay or else you may miss out. Space is limited.

http://www.charlottegfexpo.blogspot.com/ is where it is all happening!

The next volunteer committee meeting for the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo will be:

June 24th at 6:30 p.m.

Healthy Home Market

South Blvd. location

The First Charlotte Gluten Free Expo Registration Website Is Here

2010-06-09T22:49:00.000-04:00

It's all happening!

R.O.C.K. Charlotte is proud to announce the official release of the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo website for registration.

You can now register to attend or become a vendor at the premiere educational gluten free event for Charlotte, N.C. and surrounding areas!

Hurry though - Space is limited.

Experts in the field of medicine and culinary arts will be giving presentations

Over 40 gluten free food vendors!

Free door prizes and much more...

Go to http://www.charlottegfexpo.blogspot.com/ and register today!

Is It Really Gluten Free? New Study Reveals All

2010-06-02T21:07:00.003-04:00

Do you feel poorly sometimes even though you made the transition to gluten free?

Just when you think it isn't confusing to be gluten free any longer because our options have multipled like wildfire - A study comes out which boggles you even further. The current status is that it has been proven scientifically through extensive testing that other grains which are "inherently gluten free" and not labeled gluten-free are now known to be contaminated by gluten. This contamination is thought to be due to the farming techniques in which grains are handled.

In the Journal of the American Dietetic Association report, Gluten Contamination of Grains, Seeds, and Flours in the United States: A Pilot Study, researchers looked at 22 "inherently" gluten-free grains, seeds and flours that were not specifically labeled "gluten-free," but that would meet the proposed FDA requirements for single-ingredient foods to be considered gluten-free. The study, which was posted on June 1, 2001, presents possibilities which may bring some harsh realities to light in the gluten free community about the grains they have come to embrace in lieu of naturally gluten containing grains. The reality is that unless they are certified gluten free, then you are taking a risk.

The original article which spurred this one was posted to Suite 101 and can be found here: Celiac Disease Diet Study: Many Gluten-free Grains Contaminated

Gluten Free - Buzzwords And Hype

2010-05-30T22:28:00.001-04:00

Everyday now, gluten free foods which are new and innovative are starting to flood the market. This flooding has been met with a good deal of praise and cynicism in the gluten free community. On the one hand, we are so glad to finally have options which are safer than they used to be and more variety of options to discriminate. On the other hand, we worry that they will not be as diligent about making sure the gluten free products are contaminate free or are labeled properly.

But what we should worry about is how easily the gluten free community is led to the marketing strategy of "Creating the Hype". It's completely understandable since you are grieving over the loss of tasting gluten that you hope beyond hope that a new product will deliver on taste when so many of them don't. However, the term "Creating the Hype" is why you probably do like we have done and pour money endlessly into "New" gluten free foods to taste that elusive gluten like product. Remember Charlie & The Chocolate Factory? The Golden Ticket?

The buzz through the gluten free wires right now is that Nature's Own bread manufacturers are testing their gluten free breads and making a go at the market. The catch is that they are only sending samples out to select people who happen to critique gluten free products and a small market in the grand scheme. They are also limiting the amount they make available even though they have already paid to add the options to their website - That's right - "Creating the Hype".

As quoted from a marketing lessons website: "Hype is a form of buzz marketing. Hyping a product pre-launch creates buzz which also creates curiosity and expectations. Bloggers write posts and the press writes news articles and releases. Before you know it the word gets out to thousands of people all hearing how great this new product is. This gets them excited and they can hardly wait to get their hands on it.

With Hype can also come backlash, it often over-inflates expectations. For example my wife had been telling me for weeks about this great breakfast place she found. She kept telling me it was the best place she had ever been to and I just ‘had’ to go. She was building hype. I couldn’t help but imagine this wonderful place where the food just melted in your mouth. In my mind it was going to be unlike anything I had ever experienced. Well, we had the chance to go the other day and I was extremely let down. It’s not that this place wasn’t any good, it just didn’t meet the expectations that had been set."

And that, my friends, is what this is all about.
Perhaps before you buy into the Hype, you might want to verify that the purchase is worth it. We won't know about Nature's Own for sure until it is more readily available. But trusted and respected review sites claim it is worth the standard market price on gluten free breads, so we'll likely buy into their bread after all. At least we'll be conscious of the fact and not blindly suckered into the purchase which never makes anyone feel good about spending their money.

Charlotte Gluten Free Expo Website Coming Soon

2010-05-28T10:54:00.000-04:00

We are sorry for not posting anything lately...
Please bear with us as we are in the process of designing a website and finalizing web registration pages for the Charlotte Gluten Free Expo on August 7th.

It takes lots of work and time to pull off an event of this magnitude. We appreciate your understanding and we will have the website available for your viewing very soon.

In the meantime, if you have suggestions for gluten free vendors you would like to see at the event, then please don't hesitate to email them to:
Decole at lynport@bellsouth.net

Thank you:-)

Read All About It - National Company Features R.O.C.K. Charlotte In Guest Blog

2010-05-21T08:03:00.000-04:00

As more becomes known about digestive health, studies are showing that balancing out the bacteria in the digestive tract provides a healthier environment. This balancing can be done with the addition of probiotics in the diet. And wouldn't it be nice if the probiotics were disguised in a healthy little chocolate treat?

Well, look no further than Attune probiotic wellness bars.

These little bars are chock full of beneficial probiotics which have been clinically proven to aid in promoting digestive health and are low in sugar content. They have several gluten free options in products and are active in promoting awareness about all digestive disorders.

Because of their active involvement with these issues, they have garnered over 30,000 e-subscribers to their newsletter and were picked as a favorite on the go snack by the Celiac Disease Foundation. This month they have been hosting a series of articles on Celiac Awareness in honor of our May month. Attune's Online Community Manager, Annelies, asked our Coordinator to write a guest blog for them on "Tips for going gluten free".

You can find the article here: Attune Blog: Tips for going gluten free: How to avoid gluten and stay healthy by Nikki Everett

We also recommend you trying Attune's Probiotic Wellness Bars for yourself.

And remember - Keep spreading Celiac Awareness and educating those who need it everyday, not just in May:-)

It's All Happening! - First Charlotte Gluten Free Expo Committee Meeting

2010-05-13T21:19:00.003-04:00

Planning has started in full swing for the First Charlotte Gluten Free Expo on August 7th, 2010.

National and local vendors of quality gluten free foods
Local Restaurants that specialize in quality gluten free foods
Education and information about gluten free lifestyles and celiac disease awareness

We had 13 show up for the first committee meeting.

Ironically, isn't 13 a lucky number? We think it is.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for May 20th and will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Healthy Home Market Cafe located at 2707 South Blvd., Charlotte, N.C.

Don't miss being a part of this exciting event. Come sign up and get to know the others who are making this important event possible.

It's all happening!

Tips For Eating Out Gluten Free

2010-05-07T11:26:00.004-04:00

Nothing can be more frustrating to a parent who has a child that is gluten free than to visit a restaurant or other food establishment and find that the staff is not trained about gluten free or to find very limited options when dining out. We have found that even when dining out at establishments that have a gluten free menu, sometimes the staff still doesn't know what gluten free entails.

I have tried to look at those frustrating moments as times when we can educate others about what gluten free is and how careful they must be with our food because our daughter has no option to to be anything but gluten free - A gluten free diet is her prescription for good health. As a protective parent is easy to let the frustration make you feel even more angry at the restaurant's staff than usual if they aren't diligent about ensuring that the food is as contaminate free as you would have it at home.

Since R.O.C.K. Charlotte started, we have had to plan many events for gluten free groups. If anyone has ever planned for gluten free group events, it can pose some snags especially when dealing with multiple food sensitivities. So here are a few tips to eating out gluten free...

1. Check ahead at the restaurant for gluten free options and possibly a menu. There are many online resources for eating out gluten free like TriumphDining or the GlutenFreeRegistry. But even after finding information online it is still prudent to check with the restaurant personally to make sure their gluten free policies are still in effect.

2. When you arrive at the restaurant, I find it is best to let every person who handles your party know that you are gluten free. From the receptionist at the door to the first time your table is greeted and waited on, it should be clear to anyone handling any part of your meal that you have special dietary needs. In some instances, if a restaurant does not have a staunch gluten free policy in effect it is best to speak with a manager and the chef who will be preparing the meal.

3.You are the biggest advocate for yourself and probably know more than most restauranteers about your dietary needs. Therefore, if something appears on your plate like a side of sauce and you know that sauces are one of the pitfalls that can contain gluten - Do not hesitate to ask the wait staff to double check that it is indeed gluten free. This simple practice can save you a lot of pain and a "gluten attack" later. If one or more of the group are not eating gluten free the chances of a mix-up will of course increase.

4. If there is a "mix-up" or if the staff of the restaurant are not trained about gluten free then try to calmly explain what gluten free is. It is not my suggestion that you eat at an establishment that gives no regard to contamination, but as we all know, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." In other words, you may very well be the person that gets them interested in giving gluten free options. They most assuredly will miss your patronage more if you are pleasant and less so if you are frustrated and irritated.

5. If a contamination occurs and someone is "glutenated" by their visit, the best thing to do is contact the management or corporate with an email and or phone call the next day. They cannot know about an issue if it is not brought to their attention. Keep in mind that if you think about how hard it can be for some of us to keep contamination out of the environment at home, it has to be doubly hard in a restaurant where multiple people have a hand in serving you your meals.

Miss USA Pageant Has A Rock Star For Celiac Disease Awareness

2010-04-29T20:36:00.001-04:00

Who is Jenna Drew?

Well she is a contestant in the Miss USA pageant, but she has also been dubbed a "Rock Star" for her volunteer efforts in the March 2010 Newsletter of The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

Jenna Drew has been promoting Celiac Awareness throughout Pennsylvania for the last year on her own because her mother has Celiac Disease. And as she states on the Miss USA Facebook page, "because you never know – you could be that 1 in 133."

You can vote for her on The Miss USA Facebook page up to 10 entries a day through April 30th.

Let's give her the opportunity to continue promoting Celiac Awareness throughout the USA with the help and support of the celiac community.

Our powerful support is in the numbers - Let's rock America!

Didn't we say it would be a ROCKin' year for Celiac Disease Awareness?!?

Send In Your Ideas For R.O.C.K.(Raising Our Celiac Kids) Charlotte Website

2010-04-28T17:44:00.001-04:00

Over the past few months we have had a few members contribute some very good ideas for the R.O.C.K. Charlotte website/blog and we LOVE your feedback.

Not only do we love it - We need it.

You are the most important contributors in our mission to be a success and grow.

The more we grow, the more R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) Charlotte is able to help others and plan fun informative gluten free events.

Please don't hesitate to send us your ideas via the little e-mail icon located in the left column.

Or you may email them to:

Nikki Everett at haircolorexpertise@hotmail.com

web designer of R.O.C.K. Charlotte's web site

R.O.C.K. Charlotte Visits Asheville's Gluten Free Vendor Fair

2010-04-25T12:44:00.003-04:00

This past weekend R.O.C.K. Charlotte's coordinating members, Brenda Holland, Erin Everett, and Nikki Everett went to Asheville to be a part of the Gluten Free Food & Information Fair sponsored by Ingles grocery stores and the Asheville/Hendersonville Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). If you couldn't be there, here is a little overview of what it was like.

Not only is Asheville one of our favorite cities in the mountains to visit, but the people involved with the fair were incredibly hospitable and enjoyable. The three members left there feeling more than welcomed and accepted into their mountain community, feeling that feel good feeling you get from sharing with others in the gluten free community itself.

Before the GF Fair, clinical dietician from Pardee Memorial Hospital, Laurie Steenwyk gave a very informative talk on "Raising A Healthy Celiac Child".
The Fair opened and was packed with attendees at the vendors tables which were loaded with gluten free food and information that soon filled attendees bags. Among the gluten free vendors were lots of food companies that could be found in Ingles food stores like:
Hormel meats
Seeds of Change gluten free organic foods
Wellshire Farms hormone free, nitrate free meats
Bob's Red Mill gluten free flours and mixes
Glutino pretzels, candy bars, cookies, etc.
Chebe bread mixes
Simply Organic gluten free mixes
Allergaroo pre-packaged kid's meals free of the top 8 allergens: milk, soy, egg, wheat(gluten), fish, shellfish, peanuts(treenuts).
A Taste of Thai gluten free Indian mixes
Organicville gluten free salad dressings and sauces and packaged mixes
San-J sauces and salad dressings
And many more...

Asheville's top-notch gluten free restaurant that everyone is buzzing about, Posana Cafe, had a booth at the show. Their incredible pastry chef creations were gone in a matter of no time. People tasted their gluten free delicacies again and again as they marveled at how gluten free food doesn't have to taste inferior. The three R.O.C.K. Charlotte members ate every meal they had while in Asheville at Posana Cafe and felt the same amazement about every thing they tried on the menu. And it is ALL GLUTEN FREE!
So stay tuned for an upcoming post from Nikki, R.O.C.K. Charlotte's coordinator, about the Posana Cafe experience and be sure to plan a visit next time you are in Asheville, N.C.

Goodies from The Herban Baker

There were also some other gluten free vendors local to Asheville that especially caught everyone's attention. Their products were very tasty and their effort into taking extra interest in providing gluten free products of superior quality really impressed our R.O.C.K. members.

The Chocolate Fetish - Chocolate delicacies, hand made, like chocolate covered gluten free pretzels - Yum!

The Herban Baker - Wholesome, local & organic baked goods that are not only incredible but also healthy

True Color Cooking - Chef for hire, Harriette Bugel, is an allergen friendly, self taught chef who cooks local & organic. Her meal plans and food art bring delicious healthy creations to those with food allergies and sensitivities to gluten, corn, wheat, peanuts, soy, eggs and dairy, as well as meet medical recommendations for arthritis, autism, diabetes, cancer, ADD/ADHD, and celiac condition.

It was truly a great time and alot of people sharing, caring and making their journey gluten free:-)

Use The Resources For Digestive Health

2010-04-22T22:48:00.001-04:00

Would you like to have a website which gives you up to date information about your child's digestive health issues?

Well, here is a website which can help you find a specialist who deals with digestive health, research and learn about various digestive disorders, and stay abreast of current digestive news:

Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation

Another excellent resource is from the American College of Gastroenterology and is called Digestive Health Smart Brief (DHSB). Sign up for their newsletter here: DHSB Newsletter

The best way to deal with any medical problem is to be as well informed as you can be so that you can take pro-active steps to a healthier family.

The Buzz Around R.O.C.K. Charlotte Upcoming Events

2010-04-21T23:37:00.003-04:00

Get in on the buzz...

If you haven't heard of all the events R.O.C.K. Charlotte is traveling to and hosting then you are missing out on the down-low.

Hurry up and head over to the R.O.C.K. Charlotte Events page and check out everything happening!

R.O.C.K. CHARLOTTE EVENTS

There is:

Gluten Free Food Fair in Asheville this Saturday April 24th
First Charlotte Gluten Free Expo Meeting May 6th
Strawberry picking May 8th
Gluten free basics cooking class on May 22nd

And more to come - Be sure to bookmark events for future reference.

Gluten Free Mothers ROCK!

2010-04-17T01:36:00.001-04:00

May is not only Celiac Awareness month, it is also the month in which we honor our mothers with the age old celebration of Mother's Day.

Just how old is Mother's Day?

Well, Mother's Day is centuries old and can be linked to the ancient Greeks. In those days, Mother's Day was more of a religious ceremony. Through the years that has changed a whole lot and is more a day of spending time with your mother and giving gifts.

Either way the fact still remains that mothers are obviously the reason why we are all here today.

Without being born, you would not exist.

But if you are growing up gluten free, your mothers are usually spending alot of their time and energy to make sure that you eat properly.

(We do it because you are our R.O.C.K. Stars and we love you ;-)

Below are the top reasons why you should especially honor your gluten free mother on this national holiday.

Gluten Free Mothers

1. Never leave home without a snack - (Just in case...)

2. Have a secret network of friends who help them cook the impossible meals or find the newest gluten free menus.

3. Never give up on a quest to find gluten free foods for you that are comparable to the ones you loved before your diagnosis - Even if it means ordering it from some foreign country you've never heard of.

4. Teach you how to read food labels because it gives you something to do while they decipher the big words and if they're safe.

5. Half of the time they know more about celiac disease then most of the doctors you have been to see.

And last but not least...

Gluten Free mothers seem to know exactly what to do to make you feel better when you don't feel good.

So, don't forget to wish your gluten free mother a Happy Mother's Day on Sunday, May 9th, 2010.

And to our gluten free mother's - Thank you for all you do.

Happy Mother's Day from R.O.C.K.!

Newly Diagnosed & Gluten Free?

2010-04-10T17:44:00.002-04:00

If you are new to being gluten free...

Here's a BIG hug and reassurance that you WILL be able to manage this journey.

Life has changed - Try to focus on what you CAN eat, not what you can't.

One day, this will seem easier than in the beginning.

Here are 5 goals to accomplish for anyone newly diagnosed:

1. Find a dietician who is knowledgeable about gluten free.

Dieticians can tell you what you can eat, help you put together menus for your child's nutrition, give you the steps to accomplish living gluten free successfully, and aid you on getting the right supplements. Your gastroenterologist or diagnosing physician should be able to refer you to someone reputable.

2. Reading labels is mandatory.

It is a must to read labels even on brands you typically buy. Because of a company's ability to change ingredients on a regular basis, you can't always assume something is gluten free because you bought it once before. After you begin to read labels, you might start making some other healthier choices in the end. Reading something somehow spells it out, if you know what I mean:-)
Here is a list of GF Safe Ingredients. If you aren't sure though - It's best to not try.

3. Back to the basics in cooking:

I met a woman in the health market and she was asking me questions in the gluten free aisle.

She said, "So it's like going back to the basics and cooking like your grandmother did?"

I said, "Basically."

Yes, the gluten free market is exploding with pre-made mixes and the sort but if you want to be 100% sure you are gluten free - Then I suggest at least watching some basic cooking videos if you are not an accomplished cook. Sometimes all we need is a little visual step by step to spark our learning curve.

4. The internet is your best gluten free friend. There are hundreds of blogs, recipes, articles, videos and important links to national support groups and email groups which are local to you and can provide you with the help you need. We have many listed here in the School Lunch Section, the Product List, and Recipe Section. A support group is your most valuable tool in having the ability to work through the entangled web of gluten in our lives due to processed foods.

5. Parents have an added challenge of making sure their children's school environment is gluten free and safe. There are many websites with information about the 504 plan which mandates that your child be given the rights to be in a safe environment and be offered foods to meet their needs. Many of our parents in R.O.C.K. Charlotte can be support for those who need it during this process. I decided a different route because of my daughter's absences while being diagnosed which put her behind. She is now home schooled and on honor roll. She is gluten free, healthy, and happy which is all we needed.

Support Celiac Awareness Everyday But Especially In May!

2010-04-07T21:51:00.000-04:00

If you didn't know it, May is Celiac Awareness Month:-)

Triumph Dining has teamed up with the National Foundation For Celiac Awareness NFCA to raise $5,000 for Celiac Awareness and all you have to do is post their badge on your webpage...

Gluten Free

You'll find ours here and at the top left of this main page.

Although only one badge per page is counted for each entry, we are going to place it on each of the R.O.C.K. Charlotte pages - If nothing more than to signify our commitment to raising Celiac Awareness everyday:-)

Spread the word and join us in wearing the badge with honor...Supporting Celiac Awareness ROCKS!

Presbyterian Hospital Brings The Colossal Colon to Matthews, N.C.

2010-04-07T16:59:00.001-04:00

Digestive Health Day

Your key to fun and unlocking a life of colorectal wellness

Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Presbyterian Hospital Matthews

1500 Matthews Township Pkwy., Matthews, NC 28105

Join us for a day of kid-friendly activities, information booths, screenings, seminars and a chance to tour Coco, the Colossal Colon®.

Program Schedule

The Importance of Cancer Prevention

10 - 11 a.m.

Living with Crohn’s Disease and Colitis

11:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

Eat Healthy, Stay Active: Eating and

Exercising for Healthy Digestion

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Making the Grade: Raising a Child

with Celiac Disease and Food Allergies

1:40 - 2:20 p.m.

Tour Coco, the Colossal Colon®

April 5 - 10

Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Presbyterian Hospital Matthews

Tour the 40-foot exhibit and see what it means to be diagnosed with colitis, hemorrhoids, colon cancer and many other digestive diseases. Family-friendly, expert-led, interactive, educational sessions scheduled throughout Coco’s visit to learn about one of the most serious and least talked about health concerns: colorectal disease.