All Things Celiac – Dermatology and Celiac Disease: Did Gluten Cause this Rash?

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A range of dermatological features have been associated with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders, including Dermatitis Herpetiformis, eczema and psoriasis, to name a few. Attendees will learn about the connection between the largest organ in our body and celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity in children and adults. “Celiac Disease and Your Skin” will be presented by Channi Silence, MS, a research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital under the mentorship of Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, board certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kourosh will answer the Q & A along with Sophie Delano, MD, Instructor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School, who will present “Recognizing & Treating Cutaneous Symptoms of Pediatric Celiac Disease.”

 

All Things Celiac – The Intersection of Neurology and Celiac Disease

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A range of neurological and neuropsychological features have been associated with celiac disease, including headaches, ataxia (coordination problems), peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling or pain from nerve damage), cognitive challenges and “brain fog,” to name a few.

BIDMC neurologist Samuel Frank, MD, and Benny Kerzner, MD, medical director of the Celiac Disease Program at Children’s National Hospital, will discuss the connection between our nervous system and celiac disease in pediatric and adult patients, as well as non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

 

Food Label Modernization Act of 2021

TAKE ACTION – Join us, the Celiac Disease Foundation and the entire GF community in supporting the Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2021.

This bill would require that all gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, AND barley) be clearly labeled on food packaging, making it easier and safer for individuals with celiac disease to purchase food items. Current food labels do not provide the simple, straightforward information that celiac patients need to evaluate products and make healthy choices.

Please take ONE MINUTE to contact your Members of Congress, using the Celiac Disease Foundation’s simple, pre-populated form, encouraging their support of this important bill.

Click here to learn more about this bill.

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Ask the Experts – August 2021

This month’s “Ask the Expert” features both Dascha Weir, MD, Associate Director, The Celiac Disease Program, Boston Children’s Hospital and Tara McCarthy, MS, RD, LDN, Clinical Nutrition Specialist, Boston Children’s Hospital. Tara offers guidance about setting up your kitchen in a new home. Dr. Weir talks about testing when you have both celiac disease and type 1 diabetes in the family.

Question – We are about to move. Before we set-up and start to use the kitchen I intend to do a thorough cleaning. I want to make sure I clean up any gluten residue from the family who last lived here. Is it necessary to get new appliances (oven and fridge) because of possible gluten residue? Or is a thorough cleaning sufficient?

Tara McCarthy – Congratulations on your move! Moving is hard and setting up a kitchen takes time. It is important to avoid cross contact in all situations. We would suggest cleaning down all surfaces inside and out and that includes the fridge and oven but you do NOT need to buy new appliances. This is a fresh start so it would be nice to organize your new kitchen so that gluten free foods are separate from gluten containing foods. Cleaning cabinets inside and out as well as all counter surfaces should also be included in your cleaning and set up plan. Everyone in the family should be aware of the process you set up in your kitchen and including the person with celiac while making decisions gives them a sense of control and belonging.

Question – I have once child with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and one child with celiac disease (CD). I know that both conditions are autoimmune. Should I be testing the child with CD for T1D and the child with T1D for CD?

Dr. Weir – Both celiac disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus are autoimmune diseases.  Generally, a person with one autoimmune disease is at somewhat higher risk for developing another autoimmune disease.

In children with celiac disease, autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes are the most common overlapping autoimmune conditions. While most children with celiac disease will not develop another autoimmune condition, gastroenterologists monitor their patients with celiac disease for signs or symptoms of these conditions by asking screening questions about both conditions, carefully following a child’s growth and periodically checking thyroid function tests.

Likewise, pediatric endocrinologists caring for children with type 1 diabetes routinely order bloodwork screening for celiac disease.  Approximately 5% of patients with type 1 diabetes also have celiac disease.  Most of these children have either asymptomatic celiac disease or symptoms that are mild.  Many will have undetected celiac disease at the time of their diabetes diagnosis. The celiac diagnosis is usually made within 6 years of the diabetes diagnosis.  In children with both celiac disease and type 1 diabetes, only 1 in 6 (17%) will be diagnosed with celiac disease before type 1 diabetes.

So, a child with type 1 diabetes should be screened for celiac disease with blood tests.  And a child with celiac disease should be monitored for clinical signs of type 1 diabetes.  Remember, non-diabetic siblings of a child with celiac disease should also be screened for celiac disease with blood tests approximately every 3 years or sooner if concerning symptoms arise.

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GF Faves Club – August 2021

Francie KelleyLeave a Comment

Gluten-Free Faves Club is a celiac twist on the traditional book club. Teens and tweens meet monthly to discuss favorite gluten-free items centered on a theme.

Our August discussion topic is “Back to School”. Bring your questions and share your experiences. There is a lot we can learn from each other. RSVP on this page and we will send you the Zoom link.

We meet on the 4th Sunday at 7 pm.

Please join us.

Visit our Table at the Canton Farmer’s Market

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Visit us at the community table and enjoy Big Joe IN-PERSON at 11:00 a.m.

The mission of the market is to bring together local farmers and artisans. Like most farmer’s markets the array of fresh produce and locally sourced meats, seafood and dairy items are naturally gluten-free (GF). Plus there are a number of GF vendors. Yai’s Kitchen food truck will be 100% GF that day, Bettergrains GF Bakery will have a special menu for the day. And, Monebella’s GF pizza crust will have samples and crust mix for sale.

 

You can learn more about the market on their website.

Holiday Party

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Celiac Kids Connection 2021 Holiday Party! 

Yay! It’s holiday party time! We all can’t be together again in person this year but we still know how to PARTY!  Please join us on Sunday December 5th at 12 noon for some gluten-free virtual holiday cheer!

 

As usual there will be fun for all; silliness with Big Joe, games for older kids, treat decorating, dance parties and of course Goodie Bags! Since space isnt limited on Zoom – members and non-members are welcome to Join!   Family Ticket is $15 and includes access to all of the online festivities and goodie bag that includes your treat decorating kit.

Goodie Bag bags can be picked up at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) in Waltham, mailed or at a local porch pickup.  Don’t want to make dinner after picking up your goodie bag in Waltham – You’re in Luck! We have partnered with Tempo and Better Grains to offer you the option of buying dinner and dessert.  See the details and ordering instructions below.

 

Goodie Bags Pick-up options : 

Boston Children Hospital Waltham Drive-Through

Goodie Bag Drive Through on December 4th from 2 to 4:00 at BCH in Waltham.  

Optional Add on:   Better Grains treat box and/or Tempo dinner  

(Details & ordering instructions below)

 

Porch Pick-up

Bags will be available at various homes in Belmont, Braintree, Canton and Marlborough for pick-up. Bags will be out between 9am-8pm Thursday 12/2 to Saturday 12/4.  

 

Mail

We can mail your Goodie bag to you. The postage charge is $12.

 

Shopping LIst

You can forgo the goodie bag and we will send you a list of any materials you will need to participate in the activities.

 

 

Dinner and Dessert Add-on

Only available if coming to Waltham for Drive-Thru 12/4

 

Better Grains Treat Box – $6 per box- Will be added to your goodie bag

Each holiday treat box includes 4 blizzard brownies. These are fudgy brownies with white chocolate chips and powdered sugar. Orders must be placed by November 28th.

Tempo Dinners – Pick up down the street at Tempo just 4 minutes from BCH

The dinner will be refrigerated at the time of pick-up and include heating instructions. All meals are gluten-free and serve a family of 4.

 Coq Au Vin Shepherd’s Pie – $48

Red Wine Braised Chicken, Bacon, Lardons, Carrots, Mushrooms, Pearl Onions, Turnip, Leek & Mashed Potato Crust

Chicken Parmesan – $60

GF Panko Crusted All Natural Chicken, Housemade GF Pasta, Marinara

 

Dietary restrictions in addition to GF can be accommodated if you let us know when you place your order. Orders must be placed by November 29th.

 

Tempo dinners and Better Grains boxes will only be available to pick-up in Waltham. Pre-orders will be required for both.

 

 

 

Tales of Gluten-Free Grandparents – A Webinar to Support Grandparents with a Grandchild with Celiac Disease

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Do you have a grandchild with celiac disease and want to brush up on your skills of royally spoiling them in gluten-free style?

Join the Celiac Disease Programs at Boston Children’s Hospital and Children’s National Hospital, Celiac Kids Connection, and Schar USA for a fun and interactive webinar that will include interviews with experienced gluten-free Nanas, marvelous baking Mimi’s, grill master Grandpas, and some of their adoring grandchildren. Come prepared to ask your toughest questions and leave inspired by how much fun you can have together!

 

Holiday Recipes in Gluten-Free Style Featuring Schar Gluten-Free Products

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Get ready for the 2021 holiday season with a full on virtual cooking class of holiday favorites made gluten-free. Join Meghan Donnelly from Schar USA and Vanessa Weisbrod from Boston Children’s Hospital to learn how make a mouthwatering holiday feast for your family. The demo will feature recipes using Schar gluten-free products.

Recipes and ingredients lists will be provided prior to the demonstration so you can cook along!

 

Gluten-Free Cooking on a Budget! Fabulous Family Meals for $25 or Less!

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The gluten-free diet is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be to still taste delicious! Join us this month for a special webinar looking at cutting costs on your family meals while still making delicious, filling, and fabulous foods.

During this webinar Vanessa Weisbrod, Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Celiac Program at Boston Children’s Hospital will talk about cost effective grocery shopping strategies, pantry staples, and demo cooking family dinners that cost $25 or less to cook for a family of four.

Recipes and ingredient lists will be provided prior to the webinar.