WakeMed is partnering with the Celiac Disease Foundation to start a new local support group at Cary Hospital. In fact, our first meeting is Tuesday, March 17 from 6 to 8 pm. This is great news for people in our area who must follow a gluten-free diet.
Celiac disease is about much more than just a gluten-free diet. It has physical, psychological and social implications. One in 100 people worldwide have Celiac disease and many more have gluten sensitivity. It is estimated that about 2.5 million people are undiagnosed. Celiac disease is an auto immune disorder. If left untreated, it can lead to other autoimmune conditions such as Type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS), anemia and other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, neurological conditions like epilepsy and migraines, growth issues, and intestinal cancers. Celiac is a hereditary disease. People with a first degree relative have a 1 in 10 risk of developing Celiac disease. That is why a support group is necessary for education and awareness.
Learn more about our celiac disease support group, and please plan on joining us to help us build a community that offers a caring environment where participants can help each other with ideas and guidance for coping and managing daily struggles. Expect to benefit from the assistance, encouragement, comfort and reassurance of others dealing with similar issues.
If you have any questions, please contact me, Parul Kharod, RD, in WakeMed Cary Hospital’s Food & Nutrition Services department at 919-350-2351 or by email at pkharod@wakemed.org.
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