It's May! And I'm Raising Awareness on Celiac Disease. Also- A to Z is Over and I'm a Survior

May is Celiac Awareness Month

Celiac Disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder triggered by the digestion of gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. It causes damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients. Ingesting gluten will make many individuals with celiac disease very sick.


According to National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, an estimated 1 in 141 Americans has celiac disease, yet 83% of those who have it are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

There isn't a cure for celiac disease, however by eliminating gluten, one can effectively manage the disease.

I was diagnosised with celiac disease almost two years ago. Eating a gluten-free diet can be very challenging at times. I think the hardest part is dealing with cross-contamination. Because of my high sensitivity to gluten, I do not allow any gluten in the house and rarely-if ever- eat out. But since I have gone gluten-free, I have felt a million times better. So it is worth it!

Through out the month of May, join me in raising awareness to celiac disease by supporting gluten-free blogger,   wearing green, sporting a gluten-free bracelet or t-shirt, supporting your local gluten-free restaurant, or even sharing a plate of gluten-free cookies.


Also- The A to Z challenge is over...and I survived.



I had so much fun this past month during the A to Z Challenge. And I must admit that I'm very sad that it's over. I really enjoyed everyone's theme and am grateful for everyone who commented and followed my blog. I thank you all!

I am also grateful to Susan Oloier (and Moxie Writers) for joining up with me. With the "Power of Three" we created a theme of teen tough issues and causes.

Again-thank you all for supporting us. I look forward to seeing you all in the blogosphere.

Sources: National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, Mayo Clinic,

W-Wellness and Health and Characters From YA Books

ellness and Health



Staying well and healthy is important for everyone. Some great ways to stay fit and health are to reduce screen time-- get away from that computer-- and increase exercise, watch proportion sizes, eat healthy meals and snacks, and don't skip breakfast.

Here are some characters from YA books that deals with health and wellness...

Jennifer from Sweethearts by Sara Zarr is now in high school and has been transformed. Known as Jenna, she's popular, happy, and dating, everything "Jennifer" couldn't be---but she still can't shake the memory of her long-lost friend.

Nat, Lise, and Sofia  from Leaving Jetty Road by Rebecca Burton are taking control of their lives and their health. But this is the year that will change them all.









Don't Forget about the power of three!!!

Head over to Moxie Writers for more on the YA cause/tough issue and organizations that help.

Head over to Susan Oloier's site for a song and lyrics that pertain to today's issue.

E-Eating Disorders and Character From YA Books

ating disorders

According to kidshealth.org, eating disorders are so common in America that 1 or 2 out of every 100 students will struggle with one. Every year thousands of teens develop some type of eating disorder. Eating disorders are extreme behaviors with food. The most common are anorexia and bulimia.

Here are some characters in YA books that struggle with eating disorders.



Lia and Cassie from Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson are best friends and competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the thinnest. But then Cassie suffers the ultimate loss-her life-and Lia is left behind, haunted by her friend's memory and racked with guilt for not being able to help save her.










Karen from Skin by Adrienne Maria Vrettos is Donnie's sister. She struggles from anorexia and is starving herself to death. As Karen disappears into nothing, Donnie finds himself disappearing into Karen's disease.

Zoe from Zoe Letting Go by Nora Price is institionalized due to an eating disorder. She is forced to find herself through letters to a friend.









Don't Forget about the power of three!!!

Head over to Moxie Writers for more on the YA cause/tough issue and organizations that help.

Head over to Susan Oloier's site for a song and lyrics that pertain to today's issue.

C-Cutting/Self-Injury and Characters in YA Books

utting and self-injury

Cutting and self-injury/self-harm is the act of deliberately harming your own body, most commonly by cutting or burning. It is not typically a suicide attempt, but rather, an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger, and/or frustration.

Cutting and self-harm is an addictive behavior. It is unknown how many teens self-harm because those who self-harm go to extremes to hide it. 

Here are some characters from books that focus on cutting and self-harm.


 Callie from Cut by Patricia McCormick cuts herself. Never too deep, never enough to die. But enough to feel the pain. Enough to feel the scream inside.










 Kendra from Scars by Cheryl Rainfield is a sexual abuse survivor, cuts to cope with the pain, but when Kendra's abuser starts threatening her, she must find a way to face her past and stop hurting herself--before it's too late.







 Willow from Willow by Julia Hoban  blocks the pain of losing her parents by secretly cutting herself. But when Willow meets Guy, a boy as sensitive and complicated as she is, she begins an intense, life-changing relationship that turns her world upside down.








Don't forget about the power of three!!!

Head over to Moxie Writers for more on the YA cause/tough issue and organizations that help.

Head over to Susan Oloier's site for a song and lyrics that pertain to today's issue.