News for Celiac Awareness Month
And happy International Celiac Awareness Day!
This is the month when celiac disease gets a lot of love. All of May is dedicated to celiac awareness in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The week of May 9th to the 15th is Coeliac Awareness Week in the UK. And May 16th is recognized as International Celiac Disease Awareness Day. Sadly, none of these occasions require gluten-free cakes to be delivered to celiacs, but maybe one day? In the meantime, please click the little ❤️ above — that helps the Gluten-Free Guidebook to stay out of overeager spam filters.
There’s lots of news to share this month, so let’s dive in! First, let me mention that the Gluten-Free Guidebook itself has a new look at its Substack home. Please check it out, and let me know what you think. Here’s some news from around the globe:
“The City of Córdoba, Spain, Hopes to Be a Leader in Gluten-Free Travel”: According to Rosa Marqués, writing in Condé Nast Traveler, celiac travel is on the rise, and Córdoba is hoping to appeal to that demographic with food maps, an official restaurant approval process, and a new mobile app. This story is loaded with some terrific recommendations for gluten-free spots across Spain, so if you’re headed in that direction in the next few months, bookmark this article.
“Celiac Disease Foundation Landmarks to Light Up in Blue for #ShineALightOnCeliac Campaign”: Is International Celiac Awareness Day really a thing? It turns out it is, according to this lovely list of participating landmarks and cities! That includes São Paulo, Brazil; Tbilisi, Georgia; Montreal, Canada; Houston, USA; Mexico City, Mexico; and Palmerston North, New Zealand. (Here’s a quick list.)
“12 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants & Bakeries in Boston”: Ameera Hammouda at Boston Uncovered has pulled together a tantalizing list of spots that serve up pasta, pizza, and even afternoon tea. Capo, in South Boston, has jumped to the top of the list of places I have to visit next time I’m in town: every Tuesday night, its kitchen becomes an entirely gluten-free zone.
“Local Business Offers Options During Celiac Awareness Month”: The title of this WNKY report is a little misleading, because Awaken Bakery in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is a dedicated gluten-free establishment year-round. Owner Tiana Post was diagnosed with celiac disease some 13 years ago, and Awaken’s offerings look incredible.
“Gluten-Free Chips Ahoy! Cookies Coming to a Store Near You!” The title says it all. Do we really need more cookies? Maybe not, but I’m sure a lot of kids will appreciate the inclusivity.
“10 Signs You Might Have Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity”: This piece from WFLA-Tampa Bay is a great primer for symptoms that can indicate celiac disease. When I was diagnosed, it was because I went to my doctor and asked to be tested (first with a blood test, and when that came back positive, an endoscopy). Even though I had several of the symptoms on this list, my doctor never thought of celiac as a possibility. It’s a great reminder that we need to be our own best advocates.