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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 1, 2023 12:18 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | National Celiac Awareness Day (September 13) |
| In the near future I will introduce a resolution recognizing September 13, 2023, as National Celiac Awareness Day. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to impact 1 in 100 people worldwide and about 3 million Americans, including about 129,000 Pennsylvanians. The connection between celiac disease and diet was first established by Dr. Samuel Gee who was born on September 13, 1839. Researchers are finding that celiac disease prevalence is doubling approximately every 15 years, making it a public health epidemic. Gluten ingestion for people with celiac causes permanent immunological scarring, doubles the risk of heart disease, and acts as a carcinogen. Celiac disease can be very challenging to diagnose and is often misdiagnosed as other conditions. If left untreated, celiac disease can cause chronic and life-threatening damage, and an increased risk of other nutritional and immune related diseases. With no cure at this time, celiac disease is a lifelong condition that required lifelong treatment. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution to raise awareness of celiac disease. |
Introduced as SR160