Have you hesitated to take the kids to a Halloween party because you (or they) have issues with gluten? The Hudson Valley Celiac Support Group is holding their 2nd annual "Gluten-Free" Halloween Party on Friday, October 19, 2018. The party will take place at Northern Medical Group, formerly Digestive Disease Center, 159 Barnegat Rd., Poughkeepsie, in the 2nd Floor Conference Room, it is set to begin at 6:3pm.

Costumes are encouraged, but not required. The party is for people of all ages who have issues with or sensitivities to gluten. In addition to refreshments, there will be games and activities for all. For more information or to RSVP, call 845-452-9800.

What is gluten? From BeyondCeliac.org, "Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten can also be found in derivative of wheat, barley and rye gains such as malt and brewer’s yeast. Gluten gives dough its elasticity, acting like a glue, giving bread its classic chewy, soft texture."

What is celiacs? It is an autoimmune disorder, where the proteins in the gluten cause damage to the intestinal tract. Patients can maintain a healthy body if they do not consume gluten-based products.

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