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PRINTER'S NO. 2368
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
474
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY NEILSON, TOOHIL, DRISCOLL, BURNS, MACKENZIE,
HENNESSEY, MURT, BAKER, BIZZARRO, RYAN, KINSEY, LONGIETTI,
DUSH, SONNEY, SCHLOSSBERG, CALTAGIRONE, FREEMAN, MARSICO,
McNEILL, CAUSER, DiGIROLAMO, MILLARD, READSHAW AND ROZZI,
SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing September 13, 2017, as "National Celiac Disease
Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Celiac disease affects approximately 3 million
people in the United States, representing 1 in every 133 people;
and
WHEREAS, The average length of time it takes for a
symptomatic individual to be diagnosed with celiac disease in
the United States is four years; and
WHEREAS, Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder
that attacks the small intestine during the digestive process
when an individual consumes gluten; and
WHEREAS, As a result, celiac disease inhibits the absorption
of important nutrients into the body; and
WHEREAS, Gluten is found in foods, medications and vitamins
that contain wheat, barley, rye and oats; and
WHEREAS, In order to lessen inflammation in the small
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intestine, individuals with celiac disease must maintain a
gluten-free diet; and
WHEREAS, There are more than 200 known symptoms of celiac
disease, including abdominal bloating and pains, diarrhea,
nausea, weight loss and fatigue; and
WHEREAS, Celiac disease is diagnosed by blood tests that
measure the blood for abnormally high levels of antibodies and
genetic tests for the presence of human leukocyte antigens; and
WHEREAS, A study to determine the prevalence of celiac
disease determined that 60% of children and 41% of adults
diagnosed during the study did not show symptoms of the disease;
and
WHEREAS, Early diagnosis of celiac disease is important
because it may prevent complications derived from the disease;
and
WHEREAS, If left undiagnosed and untreated, celiac disease
can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders such
as osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions and cancer
in certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, There is an increased incidence of celiac disease in
families with a known history of the disease because it is
passed genetically; and
WHEREAS, The only known treatment for celiac disease is
lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet; and
WHEREAS, September 13 has been designated "National Celiac
Disease Awareness Day" in honor of the doctor who identified the
link between celiac disease and diet, Dr. Samuel Gee, who was
born on September 13, 1839; and
WHEREAS, It is important that this Commonwealth support
efforts to diagnose individuals with celiac disease at an early
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stage and raise awareness of celiac disease; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
September 13, 2017, as "National Celiac Disease Awareness Day"
in Pennsylvania and acknowledge all Pennsylvanians living with
celiac disease.
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