WESTERN NEW YORK GLUTEN FREE DIET SUPPORT GROUP, INC

                                       GENERAL MEETING – September 13, 2014

                The meeting was opened at 10:15 AM by Chair Julie Fusani. She welcomed all in attendance (29 signed in; 34 present) and asked any newly diagnosed attendees to self- introduce (1).   She announced that a small group counseling session for the newly diagnosed follows the regular meeting.  A bag of gluten free groceries provided by Wegmans will be available for first time attendees.   There will also be a raffle at the conclusion of the regular meeting of a basket of gluten free products donated by Wegmans.

            She reviewed the dates and topics for the general meetings and dining events through the end of 2014. Julie noted that we have been recertified as a viable agency for the United Way Campaign. If so desired, you can request your donation to go to our organization. 

Julie reminded members of our books available at the back table and showed a number of new GF items available in stores.

Paula McGirr, mentioned that the website is being updated and asked for members who would like to “Go Green” and have the newsletter emailed to them, to sign in with their email address.

            Julie then introduced the speaker, Maureen McCabe, RN, who has a long career in the Catholic Health System and is a former coordinator for the NYS Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program. Her topic was Osteoporosis. Some major points included:

·         Osteoporosis is a silent, bone-thinning disease that increases the risks for fractures.

·         50% of all women and 25% of men will experience a broken bone during their lifetime

·         Compression fracture – loss of height, stooped posture, could have difficulty breathing, one you have one, you have a 20% chance of having another within a year

·         Fractures can occur from falls, coughing, banging into furniture, lifting windows

·         Thin bones are high risk factors for bone breakage

·         Bone density tests diagnose osteoporosis

·         Osteopenia is a pre-cursor to osteoporosis

·         Risk factors you cannot change include – family history, age, female, race (Hispanics, Asian, Caucasian more susceptible), early menopause, certain medications, small frame, celiac disease (absorption issues that decrease absorption of calcium and vitamin D)

·         Risk factors we can change include- eating a healthy diet, increasing calcium and Vitamin D, watching intake of sodium/caffeinated beverages and soda, keeping physically active

·         Suggestions: know your risks, get bone density test, get height measured yearly to see if your bones are compressing and you are getting shorter, if you have been prescribed medication for bone density – take them, be aware of safety concerns.

            Following the speaker’s remarks, the raffle occurred and the group session for the newly diagnosed was held.  The meeting adjourned at 11:25 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Lindy Redmond

Secretary