The Celiac Child: What We Can Do To End The Stigma

Children go through a lot of growing pains. For a Celiac child, the growing pains can be much worse. The diagnosis of Celiac Disease alone, confuses and frightens the child. The social aspect of having Celiac Disease can be devastating. It does not help that TV shows geared to kids, are depicting Celiac Disease as a thing to mock and make fun of. Children are extremely impressionable, and to have a popular kids show, like, "Jessie" depicting hatred against us, can make the Celiac child's transition a lonely and painful one. Celiac children should not be made fun of for having an illness that they cannot help having.

Shows like "Jessie," are teaching young children that it's okay to make fun of children for being different. The only thing different about Celiac children is that they have dietary restrictions, that's it. Still, the Celiac child suffers because kids do not understand what Celiac is. This is why children should be educated about illnesses, like Celiac Disease.

It is heartbreaking to see a Celiac child left out of birthday parties, dining out, etc. This could damage a child's self-esteem. What can be done to include a Celiac child into the group? Maybe offering to make a Gluten Free goodie and/or dish to bring to a party, or, calling a restaurant ahead to see if the restaurant offers a Gluten Free option for children.

As for school lunches, I just hope and pray that schools implement a Gluten Free option on their menus. Some parents are busy and don't have time to make lunches. This is why schools should have these options. Along with menus for diabetics, those with lactose intolerance, and children who are vegans or vegetarians. There should be options out of respect for the children and their families. No child should feel left out.

In society, when the media portrays Celiac disease in a condescending manner, it makes a child feel left out. They feel as if they are not human. They ARE human. Us Celiacs need to educate the public about our community, and how serious it is. Celiac disease is NOT a joking matter. None of us asked to be Celiac. I sure as heck didn't. I loved wheat bread and pasta. I loved oatmeal. Unfortunately, I can no longer have my favorite foods, unless there is a Gluten Free option.

I am making a mission to spread Celiac Disease Awareness around the world. Not just for my sake, but, for all those who suffer the stigma of Celiac Disease. I'm especially doing this for children as well. I know what it is like to be made fun of for being different, I lived it.

(photo courtesy of: http://images.idiva.com/media/healthmeup/photogallery/2012/Jun/kidsglutenfreecover_600x450.jpg)

Celebrities who have Celiac Disease

Getting diagnosed with Celiac Disease can be pretty tough (believe me, I remember how hard it was for me). You may be the first among your family and/or friends that has been diagnosed as Celiac. It can be lonely (even though my grandmother had it, and I was partially raised by her, she had been gone for a few years when I was diagnosed. I had no one). What gave me some comfort was that I was not alone. Some of the celebrities I look up to were also Celiac Disease sufferers. People like Elizabeth Hasselbeck and Emmy Rossum had been living with the disease for years before I was diagnosed. I researched both and learned a lot from them. Also, learning that my first celeb crush has 2 Celiacs in his family really helped me feel less alone. Here is a list of celebs who have diagnosed Celiac Disease: Elizabeth Hasselbeck (public figure) Emmy Rossum (actress) Wil Wheaton's mom and sister Meg Cabot (author) Sarah Joy Brown (actress) Joe C (rapper who frequently performed with

South Park's Gluten-Free Ebola Episode

photo credit: southparkdigital Greetings Celiac Warriors! Recently, South Park did a gluten free episode that got a lot of attention in the gluten free and Celiac communities. For the most part, the reaction has been positive. Many folks, including myself, found it hilarious. You may be wondering what the episode was about. I'm going to give you the cliff notes version: The episode starts off with the kids returning to school after their start up company fails. Then the show cuts to the teachers lounge where the teachers are discussing Mr. Mackey who has gone gluten free. Mr. Mackey comes back and starts blaming all the world's problems on gluten. A co-worker becomes annoyed by all the gluten free talk and starts screaming at Mr. Mackey to shut up. Mackey states that behavior problems are due to gluten consumption. A female teacher expresses interest in going gluten free. Later on, the boys are on the radio promoting an "epic" party. Callers ask the boys i

Celiac Women At a Decreased Risk for Hormone-Related Cancers.

When it comes to Celiac Disease, there really are not many benefits to the disease. However, research has shown that women, who have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, are at a lower risk for hormone-related cancers, which include Endometrial, Breast, and Ovarian Cancers. Women with Celiac Disease are 15% less likely to develop Breast Cancer, 40% less likely to develop Endometrial Cancer, and 11% less like to develop Ovarian Cancer. Researchers believe that this is due to a decreased level of female hormones that promote reproductive Cancers. Sources: http://thesavvyceliac.com/2012/09/22/celiac-may-reduce-breast-cancer-in-women/ http://www.celiac.com/articles/23048/1/Women-With-Celiac-Disease-At-Lower-Risk-for-Hormone-Related-Cancers/Page1.html (photo courtesy of: http://uvahealth.com/services/digestive-health-1/images-and-docs/landing_page_main_digestive2.jpg/image_large )

Celiac Warrior Gal

Search This Blog