Celiac Disease Support Group

 Celiac Disease Support Group in Fort Myers

                                                                                                                                              Coupon     

 GOOD NEWS for persons with Celiac disease in Southwest Florida! A new support group has just been formed in Fort Myers and surrounding areas.  Until now, there was nowhere for people afflicted with this disease to go for support. We will be meeting to discuss whatever is on our minds; the best gluten free products, restaurants, travel tips and more. Having more awareness of Celiac disease is important for those with this disease and the millions who have not yet been diagnosed. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to the ingestion of gluten, a storage protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats, by damaging the small intestine and preventing the proper absorption of nutrients into the body. Currently, the only "cure" for this disease is a gluten free diet. One in 100 persons has Celiac disease in the United States and 97% of Americans with the disease have not yet diagnosed. Unfortunately it takes many years for doctors in this country to diagnose patients with Celiac disease. With delayed diagnosis, there is increased damage to the small intestine and additional diseases and conditions become of serious concern such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and anemia among others. Celiac disease affects more people in the United States than Crohn’s Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease combined. On the upside, Celiac disease support groups are popping up all over the country with as many as 500 participants attending meetings in the larger cities. A support group is helpful for its members and is also an excellent way to get information out to the community. Having general awareness is incredibly important since there is still an increased rate of persons being diagnosed and many more to come! Having a support group in the area is a wonderful step forward in raising awareness of Celiac disease. If you have Celiac disease, or think you do or know someone who does and would like to join our Celiac Disease Support Group, Feel free to contact us for more information.