Bill Text: MI HR0096 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare May 2021 as Celiac Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 21-2)
Status: (Passed) 2021-05-06 - Adopted [HR0096 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0096-Enrolled.html
house resolution no.96
Reps. Koleszar, Hood, Ellison, Bolden, Pohutsky, Young, Breen, Steenland, Aiyash, Allor, Bezotte, Breen, Cherry, Garza, Haadsma, Hope, Morse, Rogers, Sneller, Sowerby, Steenland, Stone, Thanedar, Whitsett and Witwer offered the following resolution:
A resolution to declare May 2021 as Celiac Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when a person eats foods with gluten; and
Whereas, Gluten is a form of protein found in some grains, including wheat, rye, and barley, which individuals living with celiac disease need to avoid; and
Whereas, The damage to the intestine makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients, especially fat, calcium, iron, and folate; and
Whereas, Celiac disease is estimated to affect one in 133 people in the United States; and
Whereas, Eighty-three percent of the people with celiac disease remain undiagnosed and at risk for long-term health complications; and
Whereas, Common symptoms of celiac disease include severe abdominal pain, severe skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, iron deficiency anemia, musculoskeletal problems, muscle cramps, seizures, tingling sensation in the legs, and depression; and
Whereas, Celiac disease can leave a person susceptible to additional health problems, including osteoporosis, miscarriage, infertility, growth problems in children affected by the disease because they do not absorb enough nutrients, and cancers of the digestive system; and
Whereas, People who have celiac disease may have other autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disease, type I diabetes, Crohn’s disease and colitis, and juvenile arthritis; and
Whereas, Some people with celiac disease have so much damage to their intestines that a gluten-free diet will not improve their condition, and these patients may need to receive nutritional supplements intravenously; and
Whereas, Maintaining a gluten-free diet can be a difficult change, as gluten is found in some products in which gluten is not naturally occurring; and
Whereas, Gluten is found in most processed foods, but it is also used in nonedible products such as lipsticks, vitamins, and medications; and
Whereas, Gluten-free food touching the same surface as gluten-containing food can cause cross-contamination that can be dangerous for someone with celiac disease by triggering celiac disease symptoms; and
Whereas, Approximately 70 percent of people with celiac disease remain exposed to gluten while on the gluten free diet, putting their long-term health at risk.
Whereas, Awareness for celiac disease has grown significantly in recent years; and
Whereas, The development of new gluten-free food products has made it much easier for people with celiac disease to expand their dietary options; and
Whereas, Labeling of gluten-free products makes shopping easier for people with celiac disease; and
Whereas, Gluten-free restaurants, gluten-free menus, and the education of food handlers regarding celiac disease have given people living with celiac disease safer options for dining out; and
Whereas, There is still much work to be done to properly educate restaurants, food handlers, retailers, and the public about celiac disease and about how to properly handle and prepare gluten-free products; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2021 as Celiac Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
