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Dedicated to providing awareness of Celiac Disease/Sprue.
Serving the South Jersey and Southeastern Penna. area.
Celiac Disease (CD) (also called non-tropical sprue, celiac sprue, gluten sensitivity enteropathy, gluten intolerance or mal-absorption
syndrome) is a chronic digestive disorder affecting genetically susceptible individuals in which the surface of the small
intestine is damaged by gluten containing grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. Malt is also to be avoided as it is usually
made from one of the gluten containing grains. Triticale, spelt, and kamut contain gluten as well. Oats are avoided due
to the high chance of contamination.
The symptoms of CD are as varied as the nutritional deficiencies caused by the lack of absorption of nutrients. The most
common symptoms are: chronic diarrhea, constipation, pale and bulky stools, abdominal crampling, intestinal gas, distention
and bloating, anemia, fatigue, weakness, lack of energy, weight loss, depression and irritability.
A related skin condition known as dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) can also occur. DH causes intense itchy, blistering outbreaks,
usually on the elbows, knees and feet. CD and DH are so closely linked, that 80% of DH patients have the same bowel sensitivity
to gluten as CD patients.
For further information, send an email to the address below.
Monthly meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m. (except July & August, as noted below) at:
Barry D. Brown Health Education Center
Virtua Health/West Jersey Hospital
Carnie Blvd. and Evesham Road
Voorhees, NJ 08043
for directions, go to:
http://www.virtua.org/page.cfm?id=about_loc_voorhees
Sept. 13 (2nd Sunday)
Oct. 4 - Mr. Ritts will be UNABLE to attend this meeting.
Nov. 8 - Thanksgiving coverdish *** NOTE -This is the Second Sunday in November due to a scheduling conflict at
the hospital.
Dec. 6 - Cookie Swap
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