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                                     Local Site Announcement
 Serological (Blood) Screening for Prevalence of Celiac Disease


Saturday, September 22, 2001 8 a.m. - 12:00 noon First United Methodist
Church, 211 N. School, Normal, Illinois (at the corner of School and
Locust; plenty of free parking available)

Your organization is invited to participate in the local site of a nationwide
blood screening being conducted by University of Maryland Center for Celiac
Research in Baltimore to determine the prevalence of celiac disease.

Featuring:

Blood tests (tTG dot-blot test, antibody tests, HLA typing for relatives
of celiacs) Displays Videos Speakers:  Dr. Thomas DeWeert,
Gastroenterologist, Normal, IL;  Dr. Carl Catassi, Epidemiologist of
Celiac Disease, University of maryland;  Karen Melon, Dietitian,Bro-Menn
Hospital, Normal, IL; and Michelle Melin-Rogovin, Univ. of Chicago
Research Program Director, Univ. of Maryland.

Gluten-free food fair.

There will be no charge for the screening or other events.  Contributions to
help fund the research project will be accepted from those who choose to give.

Since we need to let the University of Maryland know how many test kits to
send, please start spreading the word.  We will be accepting reservations for
one-hour time blocks so participants will know when to arrive and  will be
guaranteed a test.  Extra test kits will  be ordered for walk-ins, but
reservations are recommended.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a genetic disorder affecting children and adults.  People
with celiac disease are unable to eat foods that contain gluten, which is
found in wheat and other grains.  In people with celiac disease, gluten sets
off an autoimmune reaction that causes the destruction of the villi in the
small intestine, causing damage and illness.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

Symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain,
chronic fatigue, weakness, malnutrition, and other gastrointestinal problems.
 In children, the symptoms may include failure to thrive (an inability to
grow and put on weight, irritability, and inability to concentrate, diarrhea
and bloating.  Further, people affected by celiac disease may experience
extra intestinal symptoms that involve many systems and organs including
bones (osteoporosis, arthritis, and joint pain), blood (anemia and bleeding),
reproductive system (infertility and reoccurring abortion), nervous system
(chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, dementia), and behavioral changes.

How common is celiac disease?

Nearly one out of every 150 Americans suffer from celiac disease, according
to a new study by the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research in
Baltimore.  The research indicates that celiac is twice as common as Crohn's
disease, ulcer. colitis and cystic fibrosis combined.  First degree relatives
of celiacs (parents, children, siblings) and those with other autoimmune
disorders, such as Type I Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis have a much
higher prevalence of celiac disease.

How is celiac diagnosed?

A blood test is now available to screen for the presence of specific
antibodies.  A biopsy of the intestine (before beginning a gluten free diet)
is needed to make a final diagnosis.

What are the long-term effects of celiac disease?

Untreated celiac disease can be life threatening.  Celiacs are more likely to
be afflicted with problems relating to malabsorption, including osteoporosis,
tooth enamel defects, central and peripheral nervous system disease,
pancreatic disease, internal hemorrhaging, organ disorders (gall bladder,
liver, and spleen), and gynecological disorders.  Untreated celiac disease
has also been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer,
especially intestinal lymphoma.

What is the treatment for celiac disease?

There are no drugs to treat celiac disease and there is no cure.  But celiacs
can lead normal, healthy lives by following a gluten free diet.  This means
avoiding all products derived from wheat, rye, barley, oats, and a few other
lesser-known grains.

*http://celiaccenter.org/Facts.html


RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED BY Saturday, Sept 1st.  Please contact Cindy
Cummins at (309) 664-0901.

E-mail at [log in to unmask]