HR0913

LRB096 20528 DRJ 36214 r





  
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HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
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    WHEREAS, Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages 
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the small intestine
and interferes with absorption of nutrients 
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from food; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Celiac disease
affects people in all parts of the 
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world; originally thought to be a
rare childhood syndrome, 
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celiac disease is now known to be a common
genetic disorder; 
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and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, More than two million people in the United States 
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have the disease, or
about 1 in 133 people; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate

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gluten, a protein present in wheat, rye, and barley; gluten is 
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found
mainly in foods, but may also be found in everyday 
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products such as
medicines, vitamins, and lip balms; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, People with celiac disease may have no symptoms 
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but can still develop
complications of the disease over time; 
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long-term complications
include malnutrition, which can lead 
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to anemia, osteoporosis, and
miscarriage, and other problems 
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such as liver diseases and cancers of the
intestine; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, The General Assembly finds it in the public 
 


 






HR0913
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LRB096 20528 DRJ 36214 r




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interest to raise awareness of celiac disease; the Department 
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of Public Health is charged with promoting public awareness of 
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various matters affecting the health and well-being of Illinois 
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residents; therefore, be it
  
 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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urge the Department of Public Health to take appropriate steps 
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to raise public awareness of celiac disease; and be it further
  
 
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    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this Resolution be 
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delivered to the Governor and the Director of Public Health.