Vitamin D Deficiency & Fall Festival

After the results of my latest blood test, it was determined that I was Vitamin D deficient. I was confused, as I often try to eat a well-balanced diet, and sit outside in the sun! After some online research, however, I discovered that celiac disease, as well as other autoimmune diseases can also cause a Vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency might also explain my slightly elevated blood sugar levels- more blood tests to figure this out.
I recommend yearly blood tests for those with celiac disease- and for all celiacs to stick to a gluten-free diet; the symptoms may have been much more severe had I not kept track of what I eat.

This past Saturday was the Fall Festival Reimagined at the Poughkeepsie Day School. I once again found a few people with the disease, and many who were familiar with it. I also met one of my sister's classmates with celiac disease; thankfully she enjoyed My Kidz Gluten Free :)

Miles of Hope Craft Show

The Miles of Hope Craft Show, presented by the Dutchess Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors, was a huge success! All admission donations benefited Miles of Hope, as well as the raffles that many of the vendors contributed too. I made a gluten-free basket, full of pasta, baking mixes, cookies and PEEPS! I met many people with celiac, all eager to try My Kidz. It was surprising as to how many people knew someone else with celiac disease.
I also met Regina, the owner of another local company called Gourmetibles. She just launched a gluten-free line of her products! I tried her gluten-free PB and Pretzel candy- it was delicious! Check out their website: http://www.gourmetible.com/cart/

Gluten-Free at Nature's Pantry

My sister and I checking out My Kidz Gluten Free Products at Nature's Pantry in Fishkill, NY.
Don't forget- Craft Show next week- My Kidz will be there!

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events for My Kidz Gluten-Free Products
1. October 21st- Women's Council of Realtors Dutchess County Chapter 2010 Craft Show.
http://milesofhope.org/news/tag/event/ (Read the flyer- Gluten-Free Bread Loaves!)
Event will benefit the "Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation"
2. November 20th- Poughkeepsie Day School Fall Festival
http://www.poughkeepsieday.org/newsStory.aspx?pageId=79646
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Hudson Valley Fresh

As a teen with celiac disease, I have become increasingly conscious of the foods I consume. Not only does this awareness include gluten-free products, but also includes the types of milk we drink. The Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) is a genetically engineered hormone injected into cows in order to increase milk production. Many companies continue to use rBGH, even though groups have begun to take notice of the adverse effects of the hormone. The Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone has been shown to stimulate increased production of the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-I), a hormone in humans that promotes childhood growth and also plays a role in adult metabolism. Date has also emerged that shows correlations between increased levels of the Insulin-like Growth factor and cancers. For example, IFG-I has been shown to serve as a mitogen for prostate cells, and unchecked cell growth results in cancer.
These larger companies not only add unnecessary chemicals to their milk, but mistreat the cows as well. Cows are kept in large facilities with little space and grazing areas. Conditions are often unclean, and it is fairly easy for a sick cow to continue to give milk, even though she should be quarantined.
Local economies are damaged as well. Small dairy farmers lose business and are unable to keep their farms running.
Hudson Valley Fresh is a local, profit-free milk cooperative. The company receives their milk from less than ten dairy families. There is no mixing of the milk, and the company assures its customers that no antibiotics or hormones are added. Furthermore, Hudson Valley Fresh promotes the local economy, as each cow brings $15,000 into the economy each year.
With the help of Arlington High School's principal, Dr. Lyons, I am trying to collaborate with the kitchen management. We hope to institure the sale of Hudson Valley Fresh by next year.
Last Wednesday I visited Plankenhorn Farms, a local dairy farm run by Dr. Sam Simon, one of the founders of Hudson Valley Fresh.

Breakfast of Champions

Today, the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce held the "Breakfast of Champions", which took place at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.
One local deli, Cucina D'Amore, located on Titusville Road, sells my bread fresh every Friday, and the owner, George, asked us to share a booth with him during this event. His many Boars Head Products are a perfect gluten free compliment for my bread. There were approximately 1,400 people at the event, and since 1 out of every 133 people has celiac disease, we met several celiacs.
Pictured with me is George, owner of Cucina D'Amore and his son.

5K for Celiac!

This past Saturday, June 12th, I participated in the Treetops to Rooftops 5K that took place on the Walkway Over the Hudson. I ran for celiac disease, along with my guidance counsler Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. Sotland and her family. My finishing time was 32:08, and I collected approximately $200.00, which will be donated to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. My guidance counsler, Mrs. Miller, pictured with me, was instrumental in helping with this event.