Education and awareness of celiac disease.

Celiac disease (CD) education and awareness are critical to ensure that people with the condition can live safely and healthily gluten-free. Education can range from raising awareness among the general public to training healthcare professionals and educating people with celiac disease and their families.

Food is constantly present in our lives and a real concern is the lack of understanding of celiac disease in social settings, such as in workplaces or restaurants.

People with CD may feel uncomfortable having to explain their condition to others and ask for gluten-free foods. But one of the most repeated and unavoidable situations for people with celiac disease is the need to continually explain the importance of food handling and the risks of cross-contamination in the dishes they are served.

This can lead to marginalization and social exclusion, which can be especially difficult for those who are newly diagnosed. Although it is sometimes easy to lose patience it can be seen as yet another opportunity to educate and raise awareness of the condition.

Raising public awareness of CD

Public awareness is an important step in educating about celiac disease. Many people still do not know what it is or what its symptoms and consequences are. Many may think of it as a mild digestive condition.

Fortunately the number of initiatives to raise awareness of this condition is growing every day. Some examples are:

• Media awareness campaigns: many media outlets conduct public awareness campaigns about celiac disease through television programs, radio interviews, newspaper and magazine articles, and social media posts.

• National Celiac Day: In several countries, National Celiac Day is celebrated, where events and activities are held to raise awareness of celiac disease and its importance.

• Non-profit organizations: There are many non-profit organizations dedicated to helping people with celiac disease and raising public awareness of the disease. These organizations often conduct awareness activities in schools, universities and other public places.

• Gluten-free food labeling: In many countries, legislation has been implemented that requires manufacturers to label gluten-free foods. This has helped to raise awareness of the disease and has facilitated safe food choices for people with celiac disease.

• Courses and workshops on gluten-free cooking: Many cooking schools and professional chefs offer courses and workshops on how to prepare gluten-free foods. These events help raise awareness about celiac disease and also provide useful information for people with the disease.

• Celebrities speaking publicly about their diagnosis: Some celebrities have spoken publicly about their celiac disease diagnosis, which has helped raise public awareness of the disease. For example, actress and TV host Elisabeth Hasselbeck has spoken openly about her experience with celiac disease on several TV shows and in her book "The G-Free Diet."

Training of health care professionals

Training health care professionals is another important aspect of celiac disease education. The first step in diagnos