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– Nearly 1% of the population, or about three million people in the United States, have celiac disease with incidence of the disease rising in recent years. Celiac disease is a serious genetic autoimmune disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. Gluten-free diets, the only known treatment for celiac disease/gluten intolerance, require extreme dietary restrictions and major lifestyle changes.

HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is offering a new support group for individuals and families with celiac disease and/or gluten intolerance. This support group strives to provide support and education to those living with this disease.

The group is facilitated by a registered dietitian and will consist of an educational portion followed by group discussion. The Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance Support Group will meet on the third Monday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library in the Workman Room, 200 North Third Street in Effingham.

The first meeting is Monday, September 16, 2019. No pre-registration is required.

For more information regarding this or other programs, contact St. Anthony’s Community Programs at 217-347-1529 or visit HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital’s website at stanthonyshospital.org. HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is part of the Southern Illinois Division of Hospital Sisters Health System, which also includes HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland. ### About Hospital Sisters Health System