Celiac disease – a chronic condition and autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten found in food containing wheat, rye and barley – will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Helen John-Kelly, M.D., who specializes in pediatric gastroenterology, will lead the seminar that will run from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, 147 N. Brent St. in Ventura.

Celiac disease can occur at any stage of life, is commonly inherited and can be especially threatening to children. Dr. John-Kelly will cover the symptoms of celiac disease, how it is diagnosed and what the treatment is for children. She also will discuss how patients can live optimally healthy lives.

Dr. John-Kelly received her medical degree from Madras Medical College in India and completed a pediatric medicine residency at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York as well as a three-year pediatric gastroenterology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is a member of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society. Dr. John-Kelly is a member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

Registration is free but reservations are required. Visit cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800/838-3006.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.