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17 THE BUZZ AROUND WAYNE COUNTY MARCH 2026 STRENGTH and HOPE GALA Saturday April 25,2026 Maxwell Center The Southeastern Cancer Care Strength and Hope Gala isan evening dedicated to supporting those in our community battling cancer. Held at the Maxwell Center in Goldsboro, this special event promises to be a night filled with inspira- tion, compassion, and celebration of strength. All proceeds from the Gala willgo directly to assist cancer patients with essential needs, such as food, fuel, and utility bills, helping them focus on their healing journey instead of everyday worries. The night will be filled with heartfelt moments and lively entertainment by the talented band Spare Change. Their energetic performance will keep you dancing and smiling all evening long, while you connect with others who are committed to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients. Your participation will not only be a memorable night out, but a powerful way to give back and provide tangible support to those facing the challenge of cancer. Together, we can ease the financial burdens that often come with a cancer diagnosis, allowing patients to focus on their recovery and well-being. Mark your calendars for April 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM-10:00PM and join us for an unforget- table evening of hope, strength, and community at the Southeastern Cancer Care Strength and Hope Gala.Tickets available now! Individual Tickets $75.00,Couple Tickets $125.00 Contact Dana Sutton Monday-Friday at 919-587-9056 for tickets • Total Circulation is 13, 000 of which 8,000 is delivered via the U.S. Post People "LOVE" the Buzz! Averil Williams 919-289-9238 Become part of The BUZZ Family! DEAR DR. ROACH: I've been diagnosed with silent celiac disease at the late age of 62, but I've probably had it for decades. (It may have led to my serious osteoporosis.) A biopsy revealed totally flattened vil-li.I am glu- ten-free and will be get-ting celiac-antibody, nutrient and other regular lab work from now on. But my doctors stated that no further scopes are needed unless my blood work reveals a problem, or I get symptoms while on a gluten-free diet. But for asymptomatic people like me, there are no symptoms, and blood work doesn't show whether the small intestine has physically healed. I tried to ask my doctor this follow-up question but never received an answer. Should I get a second opinion? I hear from other patients that their doctors did schedule a follow-up scope one to two years after their diagnosis to check their physical healing. For senior patients who can tolerate a scope and have had major villi destruction, is a follow-up scope (prudent or unnecessary?— W.C.S. ANSWER: People with unexpected osteoporosis should be considered for celiac disease testing. Celiac dis- ease is a condition of damage to the small intestine due to gliadin sensitivity. Gliadin is a protein that is found in gluten, wheat and other cereals, and it is thought to directly damage the lining of the intestine. This causes flattening of the villi, which is the absorptive surface of the small intestine. The only treatment for celiac disease is strict avoidance of gluten in the diet. The inability to absorb nutrients can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea and weight loss, but symptoms can also be very subtle. Some people have mild abdominal discom- fort after eating, but the symptoms usually disappear once they're on a gluten-free diet. People with celiac disease often have low calcium levels, the reasons for which are complex and involve parathyroid hormone and vitamin D, in addition to the direct malabsorption of calcium. I had one colleague with undiagnosed celiac disease who woke up after yet another colonoscopy, and she was unable to move her muscles due to low blood calcium levels. Since the major reservoir of calcium in the body is the bone, calcium is taken from the boneto preserve blood calcium levels, which can lead to severe osteoporosis over the years. Blood tests can be highly suggestiveof a celiac disease diagnosis, but small bowel biopsies remain the definitive way to diagnose celiac disease. Bloodtests can turn out negative if a person is on a gluten-free diet, so the blood tests must be done while a person is consuming gluten.Your question about getting another biopsy after being on a gluten-free dietis debated. However, the consensus of opinion as published by the American Gastroenterological Association is that people like you with severe celiac disease should get another biopsy within 12 months to confirm the original diagnosis and establish that your diet has allowed the intestine to heal. In your case, carefully monitoring your vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and calcium levels, as well as keeping up with your bone density, will be important ways of confirming whether your treatment was successful. Unfortunately, bone is slow to change, and it will take years to be sure that your osteoporosis is improving through bone density tests. You can read a lot more about celiac disease at celiac.org. Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. © 2025 North America Synd., Inc To Your Good Health with Dr. Keith Roach Monserrate's Auto Solutions: Trusted Local Care for Your Vehicle Monserrate's Auto Solutions continues to set the stan- dard for honest, reliable automotive repair in our community. Locally owned and operat- ed, the shop has built its reputation on transparency, quality workmanship, and a custom- er-first mindset. Whether routine maintenance or complex diagnostics, Monserrate's Auto Solutions approaches every vehicle with the same attention to detail and commitment to safety. Modern vehicles are more advanced than ever, and accurate diagnostics are critical. At Monser- rate's Auto Solutions, our technicians use up to-date diagnostic equipment and real-world experience to identify issues correctly the first-time saving customers both time and money. From engine and transmission concerns to brakes, suspension, heating, and cooling systems, the team focuses on long-term solutions, not quick fixes. What truly sets the shop apart is communication. Customers are kept informed throughout the repair process and are provided clear explanations and recommendations, allowing them to make confident decisions about their vehicles. Automotive Tip:If your check engine light comes on, don't ignore it even if the vehicle seems to be driving fine. Many issues start small, and early diagnosis can prevent costly repairs down the road. A simple scan and inspection can make the difference between a minor fix and major engine damage. For drivers looking for dependable service backed by integrity, Monserrate's Auto Solutions remains a trusted choice for keeping vehicles safe, reliable, and road-ready