Celiac conference June 19 - 2010-06-07

Paul Smith’s College to Host Conference on Celiac Disease
June 19 event focuses on disease affecting more than 3 million Americans

CONTACT: Mary McLean, (518) 327-6430, mmclean@paulsmiths.edu

PAUL SMITHS – People afflicted by celiac disease often need to make radical changes to their diets in order to live with it. An upcoming conference at Paul Smith’s College promises to give them the tools to do that.

The Saturday, June 19 event, “Celiac Disease and the Gluten-Free Diet: Practical Approaches and New Medical Horizons,” is organized by Prof. Ruth Pino of Paul Smith’s. The conference will bring together medical experts, registered dieticians, chefs and others to help attendees plan, prepare, and enjoy the restrictive menus that celiac patients are prescribed.

More than 3 million Americans are affected by celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms vary widely, but include abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. The only treatment for this chronic disease is lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.

Pino, a registered dietician herself, says that the college’s strength in the culinary arts makes it a natural candidate to host the conference. Doctors, nurses, dieticians, executive chefs, food service directors and those living with the disease are among those who could find it useful; presenters will provide attendees the latest scientific evidence on the disease, as well as demonstrate appropriate diet therapies.

Speakers at the event include Shelley Case, author of “Gluten Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide,” and Christina A. Tennyson, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. In addition, a gluten-free continental breakfast, lunch and dinner; gluten-free baking discussion; and case-study panel featuring a question-and-answer session will be offered.

Registration is $50 until June 9 and $70 after that. A hands-on training session in cooking pasta, quick breads and grains is currently filled to capacity, although there is a waiting list; that session costs an additional $25.

Conference sponsors include Adirondack Medical Center, Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Cream Hill Gluten Free Oats, GlutenFree Passport, Namaste Foods, Nori’s Village Market, Price Chopper Supermarkets, and West Meadow Farm Bakery.

For more information or to register, contact Mary McLean at mmclean@paulsmiths.edu or (518) 327-6430.

Website: www.paulsmiths.edu/offices/conferences/20100618.php

About Paul Smith’s College

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. Our programs, in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences, draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere.

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