HR0913 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0913 LRB096 20528 DRJ 36214 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food; and

WHEREAS, Celiac disease affects people in all parts of the world; originally thought to be a rare childhood syndrome, celiac disease is now known to be a common genetic disorder; and

WHEREAS, More than two million people in the United States have the disease, or about 1 in 133 people; and

WHEREAS, People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein present in wheat, rye, and barley; gluten is found mainly in foods, but may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins, and lip balms; and

WHEREAS, People with celiac disease may have no symptoms but can still develop complications of the disease over time; long-term complications include malnutrition, which can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and miscarriage, and other problems such as liver diseases and cancers of the intestine; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly finds it in the public interest to raise awareness of celiac disease; the Department of Public Health is charged with promoting public awareness of various matters affecting the health and well-being of Illinois residents; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Department of Public Health to take appropriate steps to raise public awareness of celiac disease; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this Resolution be delivered to the Governor and the Director of Public Health.