I got this in an email this week. As you may know, my DH has Celiac Disease, or an intolerance to gluten found in wheat, rye and barley. Untreated this disease can lead to major weight loss, osteoporosis, cancer and death. Some studies say that 2M+ people in the US have this disease, yet many don't know it. Doctors misdiagnose due to sometimes a lack of many symptoms or a lack of awareness.
I love Uno's pizza, we're looking forward to trying the Gluten Free version!
ACDA & Uno Chicago Grill Partner for Awareness
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Awareness Month events abound. Walks, runs, golf, cooking and . . . GF
PIZZA! That's right. What better way to celebrate awareness month than
going out and sharing a pie with friends.
From May 25 - 31st, Uno Chicago GrillR will host a nationwide Dough Rai$er.
To participate go to: www.unos.com/ACDA . Download the voucher with the ACDA logo and take it to your local Uno Chicago Grill location. Twenty percent of sales generated from those who participate will go to support celiac awareness.
Don't want to wait until May 25th for a GF Pizza. Go to www.unos.com/coupons/glutenfree and download a $1 off coupon. Not a pizza fan? The gluten-free menu has a number of wonderful options.
Mark your calendar now to eat at Uno Chicago GrillR the week of May 25th - And don't forget the voucher!
Beth Hillson,
President,
American Celiac Disease Alliance
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
RIP Gene
My sister's soulmate passed away May 5. We are all completely devastated, as this was completely unexpected. Gene was a special, giving person. Gruff biker on the outside, soft heart and soul on the inside. His funeral was attended by over 120 people, including at least 50 members of his biker club. Watching them roll in and out was amazing.
Please keep Michelle in your thoughts and prayers. She has never lived alone in her life, and is really struggling with the ramifications of Gene's death.
I've been in Florida since I found out last week. Caught the first plane (literally) that I could from home. Don & kids followed by car. We are heading back home on Tuesday night. That is really when it will get hard for my sister and my dad too.
Thanks for your support.
Please keep Michelle in your thoughts and prayers. She has never lived alone in her life, and is really struggling with the ramifications of Gene's death.
I've been in Florida since I found out last week. Caught the first plane (literally) that I could from home. Don & kids followed by car. We are heading back home on Tuesday night. That is really when it will get hard for my sister and my dad too.
Thanks for your support.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Jessica Hardy Suspension lowered to 1 year
This article was published in Swimming World Magazine on May 4, 2009. Basically the gist is that the supplement she was taking was contaminated, apparently when it was packaged or produced. We deal with this issue when looking for foods to avoid in an allergy situation. This is why so many foods say they are packaged in a facility that packages other food containing xyz (allergen like nuts, wheat, eggs, etc). The FDA does not monitor supplements like it does foods, so there is no such warning for supplements. This is a sticky situation, because in the end the athlete is responsible for what they consume. And at this level of athletics, they are pushing their body beyond normal levels, thereby making a choice of supplements (legal) an easy one. The world championships are in Rome from July 18 to August 2. I wonder if we'll see Jessica swimming the last days.
LOS ANGELES, California, May 4. ACCORDING to a press release sent out by Jessica Hardy's legal representation, Hardy's suspension for a positive test for Clenbuterol has been reduced to one year. Hardy tested positive for the banned substance at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb., setting off a firestorm of controversy regarding who would replace her on the U.S. Olympic roster.
The press release states that the American Arbitration Association (AAA) found that Hardy's positive test came from a contaminated supplement sample.
Additionally, should Hardy's one-year suspension fall under the auspices of the new rule where any doping ban for longer than six months would preclude Hardy from competing at the 2012 London Games, the AAA would consider further limiting the suspension.
This is the second high profile doping case for the U.S. ending in a contaminated supplement. Kicker Vencill once drew a four-year suspension, later reduced to two years, before winning a lawsuit to prove his innocence of intent to dope.
Here is the full press release from lawyer Howard Jacobs:
Los Angeles (May 4, 2009) – The American Arbitration Association today issued its decision suspending Jessica Hardy from competition from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009 for her inadvertent use of a contaminated supplement, thereby allowing her to return to competition this summer. The positive test occurred at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, where Jessica Hardy qualified for the U.S. Olympic team in four events. As a result of the positive test, Jessica Hardy voluntarily withdrew from the Olympic team.
In its decision, the AAA Panel found that a longer sanction would be disproportionate to the facts of the case, relying in part on the following:
-The arbitrators found that Jessica Hardy's positive test was caused by a contaminated Advocare Arginine Extreme supplement.
-Jessica Hardy received personal assurances from Advocare regarding the purity of its supplements.
-The arbitrators found that under all of the circumstances, Jessica Hardy should receive the shortest possible suspension allowed under the rules
-The arbitrators also considered the possible application of a new rule of the International Olympic Committee ("IOC"), which could potentially preclude Jessica Hardy from competing at the 2012 Olympic Games, since her penalty is longer than 6 months. The arbitrators stated that such a result would be "grossly disproportionate," and stated that they would retain jurisdiction to reconsider the length of the penalty if the IOC did not waive the application of its new rule to Jessica Hardy.
In responding to the AAA decision, Jessica Hardy stated as follows:
"I am extremely happy that the Arbitration Panel was persuaded by my scientific proof of supplement contamination, and that they believed me when I told them that I never have and never will use performance enhancing drugs. I look forward to returning to competition as soon as possible and proving that my prior successes, including at the Olympic Trials, were achieved solely through hard work and discipline, with no shortcuts. The past year, including missing the 2008 Olympic Games, has been heartbreaking, the most difficult year of my life. It was made more tolerable by the numerous expressions of support I received from teammates, competitors, and fans all over the world, for which I will always be grateful.
I look forward to again representing my country, and will prepare for the upcoming season with the utmost determination."
USA Swimming released the following statement regarding the ruling:
We are glad that this situation has been resolved. Jessica has served a significant penalty and has taken responsibility for her actions, which were ruled unintentional. The importance in being diligent in following the anti-doping rules cannot be overstated, and this case should serve as a stern reminder to all athletes to take extreme care with everything they put into their bodies.
USADA also released the following press release:
Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 4, 2009) – An independent, three-member American Arbitration Association/Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/CAS) panel issued its decision today in the case of U.S. Swimmer Jessica Hardy, from a positive drug test during last year's U.S. Olympic Trials.
On July 4, 2008, Ms. Hardy tested positive for the anabolic agent, clenbuterol. Following proceedings, instituted pursuant to the USADA Protocol on August 1, 2008, Ms. Hardy voluntarily withdrew from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, reserving her right to seek a reduction to her period of ineligibility.
The AAA/CAS panel heard evidence in January and March of this year concerning Ms. Hardy's claim that her supplements were contaminated with clenbuterol. Ms. Hardy fully accepted responsibility for her negligence in taking supplements in light of education and warnings provided by USADA regarding the associated risks. The AAA/CAS panel credited Ms. Hardy's evidence of contamination and determined that she had exercised sufficient diligence in her investigation of the supplements to be entitled to a reduction of her period of ineligibility. The AAA/CAS panel assigned a one-year period of ineligibility to conclude on July 31, 2009.
The panel also retained jurisdiction for possible consideration at a later date of the potential impact of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Rule 45 on Ms. Hardy. The IOC's Rule 45, effective July 1, 2008, prohibits an athlete who has been sanctioned by more than six months from competing in the next two Olympic Games.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Guide to Prohibited Substances and Methods, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
LOS ANGELES, California, May 4. ACCORDING to a press release sent out by Jessica Hardy's legal representation, Hardy's suspension for a positive test for Clenbuterol has been reduced to one year. Hardy tested positive for the banned substance at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb., setting off a firestorm of controversy regarding who would replace her on the U.S. Olympic roster.
The press release states that the American Arbitration Association (AAA) found that Hardy's positive test came from a contaminated supplement sample.
Additionally, should Hardy's one-year suspension fall under the auspices of the new rule where any doping ban for longer than six months would preclude Hardy from competing at the 2012 London Games, the AAA would consider further limiting the suspension.
This is the second high profile doping case for the U.S. ending in a contaminated supplement. Kicker Vencill once drew a four-year suspension, later reduced to two years, before winning a lawsuit to prove his innocence of intent to dope.
Here is the full press release from lawyer Howard Jacobs:
Los Angeles (May 4, 2009) – The American Arbitration Association today issued its decision suspending Jessica Hardy from competition from August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009 for her inadvertent use of a contaminated supplement, thereby allowing her to return to competition this summer. The positive test occurred at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, where Jessica Hardy qualified for the U.S. Olympic team in four events. As a result of the positive test, Jessica Hardy voluntarily withdrew from the Olympic team.
In its decision, the AAA Panel found that a longer sanction would be disproportionate to the facts of the case, relying in part on the following:
-The arbitrators found that Jessica Hardy's positive test was caused by a contaminated Advocare Arginine Extreme supplement.
-Jessica Hardy received personal assurances from Advocare regarding the purity of its supplements.
-The arbitrators found that under all of the circumstances, Jessica Hardy should receive the shortest possible suspension allowed under the rules
-The arbitrators also considered the possible application of a new rule of the International Olympic Committee ("IOC"), which could potentially preclude Jessica Hardy from competing at the 2012 Olympic Games, since her penalty is longer than 6 months. The arbitrators stated that such a result would be "grossly disproportionate," and stated that they would retain jurisdiction to reconsider the length of the penalty if the IOC did not waive the application of its new rule to Jessica Hardy.
In responding to the AAA decision, Jessica Hardy stated as follows:
"I am extremely happy that the Arbitration Panel was persuaded by my scientific proof of supplement contamination, and that they believed me when I told them that I never have and never will use performance enhancing drugs. I look forward to returning to competition as soon as possible and proving that my prior successes, including at the Olympic Trials, were achieved solely through hard work and discipline, with no shortcuts. The past year, including missing the 2008 Olympic Games, has been heartbreaking, the most difficult year of my life. It was made more tolerable by the numerous expressions of support I received from teammates, competitors, and fans all over the world, for which I will always be grateful.
I look forward to again representing my country, and will prepare for the upcoming season with the utmost determination."
USA Swimming released the following statement regarding the ruling:
We are glad that this situation has been resolved. Jessica has served a significant penalty and has taken responsibility for her actions, which were ruled unintentional. The importance in being diligent in following the anti-doping rules cannot be overstated, and this case should serve as a stern reminder to all athletes to take extreme care with everything they put into their bodies.
USADA also released the following press release:
Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 4, 2009) – An independent, three-member American Arbitration Association/Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/CAS) panel issued its decision today in the case of U.S. Swimmer Jessica Hardy, from a positive drug test during last year's U.S. Olympic Trials.
On July 4, 2008, Ms. Hardy tested positive for the anabolic agent, clenbuterol. Following proceedings, instituted pursuant to the USADA Protocol on August 1, 2008, Ms. Hardy voluntarily withdrew from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, reserving her right to seek a reduction to her period of ineligibility.
The AAA/CAS panel heard evidence in January and March of this year concerning Ms. Hardy's claim that her supplements were contaminated with clenbuterol. Ms. Hardy fully accepted responsibility for her negligence in taking supplements in light of education and warnings provided by USADA regarding the associated risks. The AAA/CAS panel credited Ms. Hardy's evidence of contamination and determined that she had exercised sufficient diligence in her investigation of the supplements to be entitled to a reduction of her period of ineligibility. The AAA/CAS panel assigned a one-year period of ineligibility to conclude on July 31, 2009.
The panel also retained jurisdiction for possible consideration at a later date of the potential impact of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Rule 45 on Ms. Hardy. The IOC's Rule 45, effective July 1, 2008, prohibits an athlete who has been sanctioned by more than six months from competing in the next two Olympic Games.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Guide to Prohibited Substances and Methods, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
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