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Free celiac screening to be held Saturday, July 12 at CHH
Last updated: 07/09/2008
A free screening for celiac disease will be held Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cabell Huntington Hospital at the atrium entrance. The event, sponsored by the West Virginia Gluten Intolerance Group and the Department of Pediatrics at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, will provide screenings for one of the most common yet undiagnosed genetic conditions.
Celiac is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine when wheat, barley or rye is consumed. A blood screening should be conducted for anyone with a family history of celiac or someone who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. Side effects of celiac can include malnutrition in children and can lead to more serious health problems like cancer in adults.
"This is one of the most unrecognized medical diseases that we are aware of," said Yoram Elitsur, MD, professor of Pediatrics and associate chair for Clinical Research at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University. "Screenings are very important and can test for certain inconsistencies in the blood."
Pre-registration is required at www.orgsites.com/wv/wvgig or by calling (304) 757-0696.