Importance of Face-to-Face Support Groups
According to a Columbia University study, celiac patients reported better quality of life when they participated in face-to-face support groups compared to online support groups. Also, longer duration of face-to-face support generated a greater quality of life.
In contrast, they found lower quality of life reports when patients spent more time in online support groups.
“Coeliac disease: the association between quality of life and social support network participation”
Source: http://bit.ly/2K721uL
The gluten-zero lifestyle isn’t a walk in the park. It requires hard work, dedication, commitment, and knowledge. The emotional and physical stress of a difficult lifestyle change piled on top of years [often decades] of ill-health, takes it’s toll. Every opportunity for a positive outcome needs to utilized.
Network equipment giant Cisco performed a study of human behavior and the barriers to effective collaboration. Overwhelmingly, the study showed people were more engaged when they could see and hear each other well; interacting the way humans have been doing since the dawn of their existence: face-to-face.
Humans require direct, face-to-face interaction with one another in order to be happy and healthy.
Online groups can be a great source of support, however, it’s hard to replace friendly smiles, nodding head(s) of agreement, the sympathetic touch of a hand, or a spirit lifting hug.
If you do not belong to a local support group, please seek out the nearest group.
Looking for a group? You can search for group national affiliated [Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF), Celiac Support Assoc. (CSA), Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)] groups here:
Alan Klapperich
GIG of ECW Branch Manager
update: 4/3/19 - Fix broken link to study.