Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Allentown/bethlehem/easton Support Group?

Guest GlutenFreeGirlfriend

By Guest GlutenFreeGirlfriend
in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff

Recommended Posts

Guest GlutenFreeGirlfriend
Guest GlutenFreeGirlfriend
Posted

I'm looking for a support group in the Lehigh Valley area to do group dinners with or just chat and get together in general.

I e-mailed the contact person for the Bethlehem group that I found on this website, but she said that she is no longer involved. She told me she would forward my e-mail along to the group's current secretary, but I haven't heard anything back yet.

Any Lehigh Valley Celiacs out there?? :P

  • 2 weeks later...
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


daisy232 Newbie
daisy232
Posted
I'm looking for a support group in the Lehigh Valley area to do group dinners with or just chat and get together in general.

I e-mailed the contact person for the Bethlehem group that I found on this website, but she said that she is no longer involved. She told me she would forward my e-mail along to the group's current secretary, but I haven't heard anything back yet.

Any Lehigh Valley Celiacs out there?? :P

I'm looking for a support group in the Lehigh Valley area to do group dinners with or just chat and get together in general.

I e-mailed the contact person for the Bethlehem group that I found on this website, but she said that she is no longer involved. She told me she would forward my e-mail along to the group's current secretary, but I haven't heard anything back yet.

Any Lehigh Valley Celiacs out there?? :P

Did you ever find your support group? How long have you known that you have celiac disease? Are you having a hard time doing the new lifestyle? I have been gluten-free for a couple of years, and it is still hard!!

Let me know if you need any receipes for breads or whatever!!

Tricia, Kutztown, Pa

princealbertofpa Newbie
princealbertofpa
Posted
I'm looking for a support group in the Lehigh Valley area to do group dinners with or just chat and get together in general.

I e-mailed the contact person for the Bethlehem group that I found on this website, but she said that she is no longer involved. She told me she would forward my e-mail along to the group's current secretary, but I haven't heard anything back yet.

Any Lehigh Valley Celiacs out there?? :P

My husband was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, along with my niece (6 yr old). I do not know of any support groups in the Lehigh Valley, but I can inform you of what I know so far. Wegman’s is a great place to buy gluten-free foods and their list is expanding everyday. You do not have to go to the gluten-free aisle either! Their labeling is changing to include gluten-free foods. You can also go online and print out all of their gluten-free items. NCCC is offering a celiac cooking class on October 16th; $19 for the class & $16 for supplies. There is an awesome bakery in Philly that is 100% gluten-free. It is a little pricey, but very high quality. I have made several baked goods using their flour mixture and the results are incredible! I have tasted a lot of gluten-free foods that I would not even feed to my dogs!! Here is the link to the bakery: Open Original Shared Link. They ship and since we are so close, we can order almost anything off of their list.

  • 10 months later...
gfgirl23 Newbie
gfgirl23
Posted

Hi,

I live in Allentown and am a celiac. My mother is too and we'd like to form a Lehigh Valley gluten-free group. Let us know!! :)

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted

Wegmans is the best store possible!!! They aren't changing their labels, they have been doing the gluten free labeling, the G in the orange circle for quite a few years. Hello from Harrisburg!

  • 9 months later...
starrymazed Rookie
starrymazed
Posted

Has anyone heard about a group in the valley yet? I am newly gluten free, and really have no support. I live in Lehighton, but am willing to go down into the valley providing gas prices do not increase too much more! :rolleyes:

  • 2 weeks later...
RunnerGrl Newbie
RunnerGrl
Posted
Has anyone heard about a group in the valley yet? I am newly gluten free, and really have no support. I live in Lehighton, but am willing to go down into the valley providing gas prices do not increase too much more! :rolleyes:

Hi Starry

I too have been recently diagnosed and while I thought I was going to cope really well, I am finding that I am having a really difficult time with it. I am in the LV...did you get any response?

~Kris

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

Hi Everyone

I'm not in your area but I have started a gluten-free group on the other side of the state! We had nothing here & shopping is always at least an hour or more away. It has become a large group & I line everything up each month on my own. I have people who have survived on only five foods for years !!!! I'm so glad I'm able to bring happiness back into their lives...

I can help you in regards to the best of best in gluten-free & help satisify your cravings!!! Feel free to contact me through a private pm...

blessings

mamaw

starrymazed Rookie
starrymazed
Posted
Hi Starry

I too have been recently diagnosed and while I thought I was going to cope really well, I am finding that I am having a really difficult time with it. I am in the LV...did you get any response?

~Kris

Hello! Nope, I have not heard much. Right now I am doing a gluten challenge of sorts, so that I can have my biopsy done on June 5th. I cannot wait to feel better again! Eating out with my family is what is hardest for me, as hardly anything is gluten free :angry: However, in case you never heard of it, there is a pizza place in Bethlehem called Manny B's, and they serve gluten free pasta dishes as well as pizza. As soon as my biopsy is done, I am going right back to a gluten-free diet, regardless of the results, and I am going to go to Manny B's for sure. They are located on Freemansburg Ave if you are interested, and they have a web site with their menu www.mannybspizza.com

  • 5 weeks later...
mac0521 Newbie
mac0521
Posted
Has anyone heard about a group in the valley yet? I am newly gluten free, and really have no support. I live in Lehighton, but am willing to go down into the valley providing gas prices do not increase too much more! :rolleyes:

Hello - I live in Macungie as was just diagnosed with Celiac .

We do have a very good support group in the Lehigh Valley - have you gotten the information on it yet?

Maureen

mac0521 Newbie
mac0521
Posted

:rolleyes:

Hello! Nope, I have not heard much. Right now I am doing a gluten challenge of sorts, so that I can have my biopsy done on June 5th. I cannot wait to feel better again! Eating out with my family is what is hardest for me, as hardly anything is gluten free :angry: However, in case you never heard of it, there is a pizza place in Bethlehem called Manny B's, and they serve gluten free pasta dishes as well as pizza. As soon as my biopsy is done, I am going right back to a gluten-free diet, regardless of the results, and I am going to go to Manny B's for sure. They are located on Freemansburg Ave if you are interested, and they have a web site with their menu www.mannybspizza.com

HERE IS THE INFORMATION ON THE Lehigh Valley Celiac Support Group meets five times a year at 2166 S. 12th Street in Allentown. Speakers and participants provide information, tips and support, covering everything from restaurants and products to health concerns. They have food you can try and recipes to share. You can even participate in a food co-op, saving you money and allowing you to buy in smaller quantities. For more information, contact Kathleen Heist at 610-767-1622 or Beverly Kistler at 610-776-1178.

Neet meeting is July 7 - I hope this helps - Maureen

RunnerGrl Newbie
RunnerGrl
Posted
:rolleyes:

HERE IS THE INFORMATION ON THE Lehigh Valley Celiac Support Group meets five times a year at 2166 S. 12th Street in Allentown. Speakers and participants provide information, tips and support, covering everything from restaurants and products to health concerns. They have food you can try and recipes to share. You can even participate in a food co-op, saving you money and allowing you to buy in smaller quantities. For more information, contact Kathleen Heist at 610-767-1622 or Beverly Kistler at 610-776-1178.

Neet meeting is July 7 - I hope this helps - Maureen

Thanks so much for getting back to me! I will definitely contact someone about it!

mac0521 Newbie
mac0521
Posted

Great -I will be at the July 7 meeting. I hope to see you there. Maureen

Thanks so much for getting back to me! I will definitely contact someone about it!
starrymazed Rookie
starrymazed
Posted

Thank you for this information! I was trying to get a hold of someone regarding the meeting just yesterday!

mac0521 Newbie
mac0521
Posted

Thank you for this information! I was trying to get a hold of someone regarding the meeting just yesterday!

Glad I could help - its tough doing it on your own in the beginning!

  • 3 years later...
ciavyn Contributor
ciavyn
Posted

Any news on this old topic? I'm new to the area and looking for restaurants and such to enjoy, and would love to connect with other gluten free folks in the area.

  • 10 months later...
ccassid1 Newbie
ccassid1
Posted

I'm a 42 year old living in Allentown who just got diagnosed last week. This was years after being pricked and pried by every specialist in the LV. I'm relieved to finally have a diagnosis, but yet frustrated! I don't know where to begin, ugh, but I'm happy I found this website (great info, but I'm overwhelmed ....Anyway, I spoke with Kathleen Heist (very nice person) from the LV support group and she told me they are meeting on April 24th and they have a guest speaker (Dr. Harmad). The meeting is at: 2166 S. 12th Street in Allentown at 7:00.  

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens. I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium. I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells. When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly. This is safe...
    2. Jane02
      - Jane02 replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency. I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hello, @Jane02, I take Naturewise D 3. It contains olive oil. Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets. Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking. Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the...
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Penobscot Bay, Maine: Nurturing Gluten-Free Wellness Retreat with expert celiac dietitian, Melinda Dennis

      until
      Hello! Join me and treat yourself to a four-day, three-night restorative gluten-free retreat in a peaceful, private coastal retreat setting near Penobscot Bay in Maine. Dates: April 10-13, 2026 Enjoy engaging classes...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,334
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    johnfreirefr
    Newest Member
    johnfreirefr
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens.  I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium.  I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells.  When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly.  This is safe and nontoxic.  Vitamin D level should be above 70 nmol/L.  Lifeguards and indigenous Pacific Islanders typically have levels between 80-100 nmol/L.   Levels lower than this are based on amount needed to prevent disease like rickets and osteomalacia. We need more thiamine when we're physically ill, emotionally and mentally stressed, and if we exercise like an athlete or laborer.  We need more thiamine if we eat a diet high in simple carbohydrates.  For every 500 kcal of carbohydrates, we need 500-1000 mg more of thiamine to process the carbs into energy.  If there's insufficient thiamine the carbs get stored as fat.  Again, recommended levels set for thiamine are based on minimum amounts needed to prevent disease.  This is often not adequate for optimum health, nor sufficient for people with absorption problems such as Celiac disease.  Gluten free processed foods are not enriched with vitamins like their gluten containing counterparts.  Adding a B Complex and additional thiamine improves health for Celiacs.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.  Thiamine helps the mitochondria in cells to function.  Thiamine interacts with each of the other B vitamins.  They are all water soluble and easily excreted if not needed. Interesting Reading: Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/ Safety and effectiveness of vitamin D mega-dose: A systematic review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857184/ High dose dietary vitamin D allocates surplus calories to muscle and growth instead of fat via modulation of myostatin and leptin signaling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38766160/ Safety of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31746327/ Vitamins and Celiac Disease: Beyond Vitamin D https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11857425/ Investigating the therapeutic potential of tryptophan and vitamin A in modulating immune responses in celiac disease: an experimental study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40178602/ Investigating the Impact of Vitamin A and Amino Acids on Immune Responses in Celiac Disease Patients https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814138/
    • Jane02
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Jane02 · Posted

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency.  I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently meet from my diet is vitamin D. Calcium is a hit and miss as I rely on vegetables, dark leafy greens as a major source, for my calcium intake. I'm able to meet it when I either eat or juice a bundle of kale or collard greens daily haha. My thiamine intake is roughly 120% of my needs, although I do recognize that I may not be absorbing all of these nutrients consistently with intermittent unintentional exposures to gluten.  My vitamin A intake is roughly 900% (~6400 mcg/d) of my needs as I eat a lot of sweet potato, although since it's plant-derived vitamin A (beta-carotene) apparently it's not likely to cause toxicity.  Thanks again! 
    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @Jane02,  I take Naturewise D 3.  It contains olive oil.   Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets.  Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking.  Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the jar, and thus may be irritating to the digestive system. I avoid supplements made with soy because many people with Celiac Disease also react to soy.  Mixed tocopherols, an ingredient in Thornes Vitamin D, may be sourced from soy oil.  Kirkland's has soy on its ingredient list. I avoid things that might contain or be exposed to crustaceans, like Metagenics says on its label.  I have a crustacean/shellfish/fish allergy.  I like Life Extension Bioactive Complete B Complex.  I take additional Thiamine B 1 in the form Benfotiamine which helps the intestines heal, Life Extension MegaBenfotiamine. Thiamine is needed to activate Vitamin D.   Low thiamine can make one feel like they are getting glutened after a meal containing lots of simple carbohydrates like white rice, or processed gluten free foods like cookies and pasta.   It's rare to have a single vitamin deficiency.  The water soluble B Complex vitamins should be supplemented together with additional Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine and Thiamine TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) to correct subclinical deficiencies that don't show up on blood tests.  These are subclinical deficiencies within organs and tissues.  Blood is a transportation system.  The body will deplete tissues and organs in order to keep a supply of thiamine in the bloodstream going to the brain and heart.   If you're low in Vitamin D, you may well be low in other fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin K. Have you seen a dietician?
    • Scott Adams
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product. 
    • trents
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By trents · Posted

      Contact them.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.