Let’s talk gluten-freely! Experts discuss celiac disease and nutrition

LOVELAND, Colo. (May 23, 2011) – McKee Medical Center invites community members to a two-part educational series on celiac disease and what it means to eat gluten free. The sessions take place at McKee Conference and Wellness Center, 2000 Boise Ave., Loveland.

The first session, Celiac Disease: What You Should Know, is 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 14. Gastroenterologist Daniel Langer, MD, will talk about celiac disease: What is it? What is an autoimmune disease? How does this disease differ from gluten intolerance?

Dr. Langer received his medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and was elected to the Alpha-Omega-Alpha medical honor society. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency also at the University of Colorado. He received fellowship training in gastroenterology and hepatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

He has practiced in Loveland since 2008. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.  He is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

In the second session, Delete the Wheat and Other Gluten-Containing Foods, is 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 21. Registered dietitian Elizabeth Long will focus on the nutritional aspects of celiac disease and gluten intolerance and how to cook safe and healthy gluten-free foods.

Long, MS, RD, CDE, is the outpatient dietitian and diabetes educator at McKee. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food service management from Montana State University and her master’s degree in nutrition from Colorado State University. Besides her nutrition credentials, Long is certified in adult weight management and diabetes education.

She will be joined by Northern Colorado Celiac Sprue Association chapter chairwoman Gina Mohr-Callahan and two chapter board members. They will share gluten-free support resources available in the area. Mohr-Callahan was diagnosed with celiac disease in 1999. She also teaches gluten-free cooking classes and counsels people on living gluten-free.

This event, part of the Health and Wellness Series at McKee, is free and open to the public. Registration is requested by calling (970) 593-6074.

For more information about upcoming Health and Wellness Series events, please visit www.bannerhealth.com/classes.