The Gluten Intolerance Group of N.A. and North Texas Gluten Intolerance Group are proudly hosting this year's conference in the Fort Worth/Dallas area. Take advantage of early registration savings by registering now for the 2008 GIG National Education Conference to be held this year on June 6-7 at the DFW Marriott, Irving, TX. Early registration ends May 21. Save even more on registration costs by becoming a member of GIG, which you can do online at www.gluten.net.

Some of the featured speakers are:

• Dr. Alessio Fasano, Professor of Pediatrics and Founder and Medical Director of the Center for Celiac Disease Research, University of Maryland Medical Center. Dr. Fasano is the leading expert in the field of celiac disease research.
• Dr. Edward Hoffenberg, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, who studies epidemiology and the clinical features of celiac autoimmunity in early childhood, inflammatory bowel disease and inherited polyposis syndromes, will address "Diabetes, Thyroid, Endocrine Disorders and Celiac Disease."
• Dr. Michelle Pietzak, pediatric gastroenterologist at the University of California at Los Angeles, will present "Life Lessons from Celiac Pediatrics."
• Dr. Jean Layton, a Washington state licensed physician trained at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, will present "Inflammatory Process and the Role for Probiotics and Glutamine in Gluten Intolerance."
• Dr. Stephen Wangen, a licensed and board certified physician received his doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine from the internationally renowned Bastyr University. He specializes in digestive disorders and food allergies and has first-hand experience with IBS, having been diagnosed with it in 1994. He is co-founder of the IBS Treatment Center in Washington State and author of the book, “The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Solution.” Dr. Wangen presents "Diagnosing Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance."
• Andrea Levario, J.D., Executive Director of the American Celiac Disease Alliance will provide an update on "Labeling GF and Allergen."
• Dr. Megan Tichy, PhD, Chemistry, Texas A&M University will present "Making Sense of Science."

Highlights from the Friday sessions:

• Cathy Breedon, PhD, RD, Clinical Nutrition Specialist at MeritCare Medical Center, Fargo, ND who specializes in identifying and correcting nutrition problems related to chronic complex medical conditions, infants and children with special health needs, and pregnant women who have medical problems, will talk about "Super Foods for Super Nutrition."
• Carol Fenster, PhD., Carol is regarded as one of the leading experts on gluten-free cooking. She is the author of seven gluten-free cookbooks, she also develops gluten-free products for leading manufacturers and is an international culinary consultant. She is a contributing writer for Better Nutrition magazine. Her next book, “1000 Gluten-Free Recipes,” is to be published by Wiley in Fall 2008. Carol will present "Getting into the Whole Grain Habit."
• Shelly Case, RD, a leading North American expert on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet, a frequent guest on television and radio, and author of numerous articles in leading health journals, will present "Managing Weight on a GF Diet."
• Danna Korn, founder of GlutenFreedom, is considered one of the foremost experts on the gluten-free diet and medical conditions that benefit from it. She is the author of “Wheat-Free, Worry Free: The Art of Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free Living,” “Kids with Celiac Disease: A Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Gluten Free Children” and “Gluten Free Living for Dummies.” She also founded R.O.C.K., Raising Our Celiac Kids groups.

On Friday night, we will host a Texas Hoe Down at the famous Circle R Ranch, with authentic Texas BBQ, a professional line dancing teacher and music by The Singing Cowboy. The entire family is welcome to come have a fun-filled evening with us on Friday night. Bring the kids! We expect a large number of gluten free vendors to be in the Exhibitor Hall with the latest and greatest gluten free products available to the gluten free community. Check online to see the full slate of speakers and other exciting plans we have for you at the conference. The DFW Marriott Hotel is just minutes away from DFW International Airport and offers free shuttle to/from the hotel. Information about the conference and the registration brochure is found on www.gluten.net, where you may register online or use the attached brochure to register. With the line-up of speakers, you don't want to miss this year's conference!

A separate brochure highlighting the family vacation opportunities available in the State of Texas also attached. Encourage your out of state friends and relatives to use the brochure and plan a vacation while here!

Vacation_In_Texas.pdf

Betty Barfield
President, North Texas GIG
www.northtexasgig.com
817-929-9227
817-967-2804