Celiac Testing Event, Salt Lake City

[Nantzie]

I came across this today. It's not in my area, but thought I'd put the word out here. If anyone goes, let us know how the food was.

Nancy

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Free testing for gluten intolerance

The Salt Lake Tribune

Article Launched: 04/24/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT

Correction: Free testing for gluten intolerance will take place May 19 at Wheeler Farm. A Tuesday headline incorrectly cited a different disease.

Up to 500 people can pre-register to receive free testing for celiac disease - or gluten intolerance - on May 19, at Wheeler Farm.

The testing is offered as part of the Utah Gluten Intolerance Group branches' annual walk and awareness event, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon. "Walking Feet Without Wheat" includes a 1K trail walk, food booths and a gluten-free breakfast with waffles, breads and pancakes.

Wheeler Farm is at 6351 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City.

Participants in the free screenings must fill out a three-page medical release, due by Monday. Blood testing will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude when the 500 test kits, donated by Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. and Binding Site, are depleted.

"This is an affordable opportunity for people who suspect they have celiac disease to be tested," said Marcie Coda, Salt Lake City Gluten Intolerance Group branch manager and event coordinator.

Blood will be drawn by licensed health care workers.

Registration for the event is $16 for volunteers, $18 in advance, and $20 the morning of the walk. Registration and medical forms are available at www.gfutah.org or at Wild Oats Markets.

The Gluten Intolerance Group's mission is to increase awareness of celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune disease that can cause malnutrition. Lifelong abstinence from gluten in the diet is the only treatment. To learn more, go to www.gfutah.org.

Major sponsors are Wild Oats Marketplace, Against the Grain, Blue Chip Group, Celiac Specialties, Pamela's Products and St. Mark's Hospital.

[gfp]

Just out of interest.. but will the results be shared?

Will they be taking DNA samples for testing too?

Not that it would stop me but I would be interested, given the location to see if the results will end up in the mormon genetic database? Indeed, it might actually be a good thing since they seem to have the time, dedication and will to maintain this and allow people to access it.. but Im just curious.

[pinktroll]

"The mormon genetic database??" Do you mean the geneology database? I've been a mormon my whole life and I live in SLC and I'm pretty sure there is not a "mormon genetic" database. It made me laugh though-thanks!

[Nantzie]

Yes. Geneology is finding out about your ancestors and where came from. Usually looking up old census records, newspaper articles, marriage, birth and death certificates, etc. It's big in the US since many of us aren't sure. In Europe it's not something most people seem to do because you generally know.

Unfortunately here, especially in the early to mid 20th century, people tended to sweep any family foreign influences under the rug in an attempt to become more Americanized. Very sad really because a lot of families lost touch with their cultures.

Nancy