Celiac Support Group
One out of every 133 Americans has Celiac's Disease and 17% of Celiac patients have an immediate family member who also has Celiac. However, 97% of people with Celiac Disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Celiac Disease (also referred to as Celiac Sprue and gluten-free enteropathy) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by someone consuming a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. When a person with Celiac eats gluten, the protein interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food by damaging a part of the small intestine called villi. Damaged villi make it nearly impossible for the body to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, leading to malnourishment and a host of other problems including cancers, osteoporosis, infertility, diabetes and the onset of other autoimmune diseases.
Megan Willard, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Digestive Disease Associates and a patient with Celiac's Disease, is pleased to host a monthly Celiac Sprue Support Group for providers, patients and family members to learn more about the disease, the most up-to-date methodology for diagnosing the condition and ways to live a healthy lifestyle. Jackie Failla, R.N., a patient too with Celiac, will be sharing her experience and dietary means to maintain a gluten-free diet.
The free informational support sessions are held on the first Monday of each month from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Wellness Center at the Medical Pavilion of Howard County, 10710 Charter Drive, Ste. 100, Columbia, Md. 21044. Those interested in attending should contact Danielle at (443) 276-7907 or by sending her an e-mail to dmartin@ddamd.com with their name, telephone number and the number of individuals who will be attending.