Sweet Christines gluten-free confections - My Blog

Gluten free school lunches and your rights!

Christine Ruggio — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:06:50 GMT

Are you aware that according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), celiac disease is defined as an actual disability and that the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Agriculture (USDA) has also adopted this definition as well. What it means is that all children with CD are included under the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Guidance on Children with Special Dietary Needs. Did you know that the USDA oversees the school lunch programs and requires all participating school systems to provide substitutions for students with any food allergy and/or intolerances that qualify as a disability and as previous stated Celiac Disease is an eating disability. Under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and American with Disabilities Act they define a disability as “any person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities including EATING.

First thing to do is to see if your child is qualified. You will need a note from your child’s doctor indicating that they in fact have celiac disease and explaining which foods are to be avoided. Your next step is to set up a 504 plan. If you would like more information you can go HERE. Start researching now so you can get ready for the next school year.

THERE MUST BE MORE AWARENESS!!!!

Christine Ruggio — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:35:48 GMT

I feel so sorry for those people who had to suffer because of one man’s greed! I couldn’t believe what I learned the other day about the owner from Great Specialty Products in Durham. There are so many people misinformed of what exactly Celiac Disease is. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease. People suffering from CD must follow a strict gluten free diet. There is no cure for this disease and there are no medications that we can take. The only way not to get sick is not to eat foods with gluten in them. Gluten is position to a Celiacs system. How dare anyone play with someone’s health. Many people got sick when ingesting what they were told was gluten free bread was in fact not gluten free at all. His argument was not everyone got sick. According to NBC local news in North Carolina Seelig, the owner, defended himself in court Tuesday claiming that he has hundreds of other customers who have not gotten sick. Well, unfortunately many people do not have immediate reactions but no matter what, if you do have CD it is destroying your intestines and in the long run setting you up for other autoimmune diseases and even cancer. I believe he should be punished or at the very least never be able to serve the public again. What makes him any different than a person putting actual poison in a food and serving it? I have CD and if I had his bread I know I would be sick and unable to move my limbs for weeks. Ingesting gluten affects my nervous system and my stomach. Besides pins and needles all over my body I also have extreme weakness to name just a few of the side effects. Everyone has many different symptoms. I hope one day there is enough awareness of CD so that people stop calling it a fad and start to realize that it is not a diet but an autoimmune disease. Eating gluten free is medically required for a celiac and not the newest diet trend!

A New Year for New Beginnings!

Christine Ruggio — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:59:54 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
Now is a good time to put the past in the past and focus on a new year, a new beginning and to a new healthy YOU! If there is one thing that I learned this past year, it's that if you do not take some time EVERYDAY to focus on YOU, the YOU will slowly fall apart, EMOTIONALLY and PHYSICALLY. Since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I have changed my way of eating for the better, and believe that my eating habits have improved greatly. But what so many of us forget is that STRESS, no matter how well we eat, can be a silent killer!!!! Personally, I have gone through a lot this past year, and sadly like so many of us, have forgotten to look at the positive things that have occurred. I do not believe in New Year's resolutions, but I do intend to make some changes in my life. The most important things in my life are my family. I have been blessed with the most loving, beautiful and caring children. Because of them I smile everyday!
When things get tough, I hope you all can take a moment and think of something positive that has happened to you that day, no matter how small, and smile! POSITIVE thinking will help us mentally and physically.
I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. Tomorrow is a new day! Do us all a favor here at Sweet Christine's, and when you come in to order your healthy, gluten free lunch and dessert tell us one positive thing that has happened to you that day and we will share ours with you and we can all smile. SMILING is contagious!!!!! Thank you for a great 2009. We truly have the BEST customers around!

Pre-prepared Gluten Free School Lunches

Christine Ruggio — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:43:17 GMT

Pre-prepared Gluten Free School Lunches - Perfect for Families on the Go!

With kids back to school it means you need to prepare the right kind of lunch.

Pre-prepared meals make it convenient and safe to eat a healthy meal at school. Why think about meals when you have to concentrate on school work and activities.

Save time. Eat Healthy!

Gluten free lunches are the way to go for school lunches for kids with Celiac Disease or food allergies.

Following a Gluten free diet presents challanges for Celiacs and their caregivers. I know because I have CD and a couple of my children are gluten intolerant. I am pleased to be able to meet Celiacs from all over and they are very happy when they find a reliable source of quality gluten free food and know that they do not have to worry because our facility is completly gluten free!

According to Business Week, prepackaged lunches are a $750 million-a-year industry, and the category is dominated by Kraft's Oscar Mayer Lunchables, whose 44 varieties (at last count) command 85 percent of the "lunch kit" market. Despite some efforts to make them healthier, most of these meals are high in fat, sodium, and harmful additives. That is a lot of unhealthy stuff being consumed by children.

The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese. Any wonder why?

Healthy gluten free foods for lunch....fight fat too.

How to get kids to embrace super-nutritious school lunches is a key to healthier diets that will combat the increase in obesity rates.

Even children without food allergies could benefit from healthy gluten free pre prepared lunches.

Families on the go have fewer free moments to prepare nutritious, gluten free lunches. It is very convenient, quick and easy so pre prepared gluten free lunches are the way to go for school lunches for kids with Celiac Disease or food allergies.

Sweet Christine’s offers store-made lunchboxes, featuring items like all-organic sandwiches, pizza, salads and much more!

Mayo Clinic Celiac Disease Study Findings Video

Christine Ruggio — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:59:11 GMT

If you want expert insights into Celiac Disease then the Video - "Mayo Clinic Celiac Disease Study Findings" is for you. I enjoyed it and it took me less than 5 minutes to watch.

Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and celiac disease specialist Joseph Murray, M.D. describes the findings of Mayo Clinic research published July 1, 2009 in the journal Gastroenterology concerning the increased prevalence of celiac disease and the higher mortality for people who have celiac disease but don't know it. http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2009/0...

Mayo Clinic overview

In 2009, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, was ranked as the #2 overall hospital in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. A total of 4,861 hospitals were considered and ranked in 16 specialties from cancer and heart disease to respiratory disorders and urology; 174, or less than 0.4 percent of the total, were ranked in even one of the 16 specialties. Of the 174 hospitals that are ranked in one or more specialties, 21 qualified for the Honor Roll by earning high scores in at least six specialties. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, was ranked in the top 12 in all 16 specialties, in the top seven in 15 specialties, and was the #1 ranked hospital in four specialties. This demonstrates distinctive breadth of excellence.

U.S. News & World Report - Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 2009 Rankings by Medical Specialty

New York Times Story Claims Gluten Free Diet is Tax Deductible

Christine Ruggio — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:44:07 GMT

A recent New York Times article on "The Expense of Eating With Celiac Disease" indicated that a Gluten free diet may be tax deductible. Could it be.............

Here is how it works.

If you itemize your tax return and your total medical expenses for the year exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income, you can write off certain expenses associated with celiac disease. You can deduct the excess cost of a gluten-free product over a comparable gluten-containing product. NY Times

Ok that is good news - so here is an example of how it would work.

Let’s say you spend $6.50 on a loaf of gluten-free bread, and a regular loaf costs $4; you can deduct $2.50. In addition, you can deduct the cost of products necessary to maintain a gluten-free diet, like xanthan gum for baking. If you mail order gluten-free products, the shipping costs may be deductible, too. If you have to travel extra miles to buy gluten-free goods, the mileage is also deductible. You’ll need a doctor’s letter to confirm your diagnosis and your need for a gluten-free diet, and you should save receipts in case of a tax audit. NY Times

Bad News - Insurance companies reluctant to offer coverage of gluten free diets.

Patients inclure an extra cost of a special diet and the cost is not usually reimbursed by health care plans.Trips to a dietitian to receive nutritional guidance are also rarely covered.

Ok that is good news - so here is an example of how it would work.

Raising Celiac Awareness Online

There are many online resources that provide current, comprehensive, science-based information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of celiac disease. Please visit my site for helpful links and reources.

Ideas for Kids who have to eat Gluten Free!

Christine Ruggio — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:29:02 GMT

You’ve just been told that your child has a gluten intolerance. Don’t panic just sit back and relax, I am here to give you some ideas for every meal.

I was diagnosed five years ago and, thankfully, since then there are many more gluten free items on the market and, believe it or not, some of them actually taste good.

All fruits and veggies are gluten free and a great snack! Now that it is summer it is the perfect time to get your child to enjoy fruits and veggies. Kids love to play with food. Have them take turns washing them, help them cut them up and then they can make fruit kabobs. If you have a child who says no way to healthy fruits and veggies, try putting out some dip for the veggies. We love Annie’s Cowgirl Ranch Salad Dressing for veggie dipping, and we love melting chocolate chips for a great dip for most fruit. Don’t forget peanut butter! Banana and peanut butter YUMMY!!! These are all great snacks. My kids will eat anything when watching their favorite TV program. Cheese and crackers are a great snack. Glutino has a great cracker.

I personally find breakfast the most challenging meal. Eggs are gluten free which is a healthy quick meal. Unfortunately, I have to stay away from eggs as well so I have found GF oatmeal as a very healthy alternative. You could add a little brown sugar and some raisins. We use oats from Gluten Free Oats. We also sell them in our bakery! My kids love Gorilla Munch cereal by Envirokidzl!!!! There are many cereals now on the market even Chex is now gluten free! You can also make gluten free pancakes. My kids love making animal shapes out of them. Make a lot they freeze well! Oh yeah….add some banana or chocolate chips in the pancakes. BONUS! Don’t forget SWEET CHRISTINE’S muffins and our baked donuts!!!!

For me lunch and dinner is easy, but I know children love their fried foods and pizza. This is the perfect time to try healthier items. Take them to a salad bar and have them make their own salad! My kids love a salad bar, and they always get a baked potato as well. Potatoes are gluten free. Try making homemade french fries. Cut up a few potatoes and drizzle with olive oil and a little salt and maybe some rosemary and bake them in the oven for about 30 mins. You can buy Bell & Evans chicken nuggets. My kids love them! Add Boar's Head cold cuts to SWEET CHRISTINE’S bread and the kids will have no idea they are eating gluten free. Many deli's offer Boar's Head! My children also eat our pizza at least once a week. There are many gluten free hotdogs as well. Boar's Head has a gluten free hotdog.

Plain chicken, fish and meats are gluten free. When out just ask that they hold the sauce and make sure they have not been marinated! Soy Sauce is gluten and it is in many condiments. My kids love Bionaturae Pasta!! I fooled my Italian relatives. Caesars has great raviolis and stuffed shells!

Desserts....we all know where to get them! In case you forgot SWEET CHRISTIN'S BAKERY.

When you go out to eat ask if they have a gluten free menu. You will be surprised how many restaurants have one and if they don't I can almost guarantee that they can suggest something on the menu that is safe. My kis and I eat out all of the time. Believe me it gets easier. Word is out about Celiac Disease, and the gluten free diet is spreading rapidly. Every day it will get easier and easier. Summer is the perfect time to experiement with gluten free foods. Get your children involved. They will love it and what better way to spend time as a family. ENJOY!

Misdiagnosis of Celiac Disease

Christine Ruggio — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:56:24 GMT

I suffered from being misdiagnosed by doctors who were not on top of the condition. It hurt me greatly but now that I know more about Celiac disease I understand what causes doctors to get it wrong. The bottom line is Celiac disease is not well known and often overlooked. I had a number of diagnoses, all which were wrong and extended my suffering and pain. Celiac disease is often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or another chronic digestive disease. In cases where the main symptoms are non-digestive symptoms such as anemia and fatigue, the condition might be misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or other fatigue-causing disorders. I was even told I had Multiple Sclerosis. That was an extremely scary experience.

Doctors Get it Wrong & People Suffer

What many doctors don't know is celiac disease also can manifest itself in ways that have nothing to do with the digestive system. Doctors usually misdiagnose it, mistreat it or miss it altogether. According to Reader's Digest, Celiac Disease is one of the top 10 misdiagnosed diseases. That raises the awareness but is little comfort to those of us who have been misdiagnosed.

Good news – Celiac disease is being diagnosed more today, but test are still imperfect

Doctors often misunderstand how best to diagnose this disease, and because of that patients are often misled. Nowadays doctors screen for celiac disease with a blood test called "tissue trans-glutaminase" (TTG) to determine whether or not this enzyme is present in an abnormal form (which is the case in patients with celiac disease). However the test has an 80% sensitivity, which means that 80% of the people who have celiac disease test positive with the TTG test, but 20% of the people who test positive do NOT have celiac disease.

Good information is available

I am offering information on my website about Celiac Disease and other websites such as the Celiac Sprue Association and NFCA are excellent sources of trustworthy information.

Welcome to my new website and blog.

Christine Ruggio — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:04:41 GMT

I am excited to launch my first official blog for Sweet Christine’s Gluten Free Confections. My hope is that this blog will give you a more in-depth look at the inner workings of my bakery and my thoughts on Celiac Disease and living a glutenfree lifestyle. I will cover topics ranging from latest news and medical advances, to unique Sweet Christine’s business practices and products, plus information for people suffering from Celiac Disease and food allergies.

Understanding Celiac Disease

I built my website not just for the purpose of promoting my business but also to provide resources to help people understand more about Celiac Disease. I hope you’ll find this space interesting and possibly useful. I am a baker but I am looking to connect with people who offer different perspectives but share the same passion for spreading the word about Celiac Disease and gluten-free diets.

Over time it is my hope this blog provides you with a deeper insight into my business, who we are, what we do and what we care about. I am very excited to be out here talking to you!

Thanks so much for visiting Sweet Christine’s website and my blog. Please stop back and read future blog entries and let me know what you think!