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It is wonderful to see individual states supporting celiac disease awareness. This April, Alaska became the latest to pass a resolution recognizing May as Celiac Awareness Month. Governor Sean Parnell and Senator Cathy Giessel are applauded for their efforts to advance celiac disease awareness.
Gov. Parnell & Sen. Giessel with the Celiac Awareness Month Resolution
(Juneau) – A resolution to proclaim May 2012 as Celiac Disease Awareness Month, SCR 16, was signed by the governor, Sean Parnell, today.
Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, an advanced nurse practitioner, sponsored SCR 16 after being approached by a constituent of hers, Brandy Wendler, also a nurse practitioner, who was diagnosed 4 years ago. Together, they wanted to bring greater public awareness to a disease that is much more common than many realize, and often goes undiagnosed. Mrs. Wendler reported, “Statistics tell us that 1 in 133 people have Celiac Disease, which is three million Americans, yet 97% of them do not know it.” May is also National Celiac Disease Awareness Month.
“I appreciate the Governor signing off on SCR 16,” Sen. Giessel said. “Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder which results in a variety of digestive symptoms. It is frequently misdiagnosed, based on its symptoms, and can lead to malnutrition and other health problems in a person who is suffering from it.”
Gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye, is present in baked products but is also used in hundreds of processed food products, medications, and sometimes in common things like cosmetics. There is no cure for Celiac disease; symptoms are only alleviated by complete avoidance of gluten.
Rep. Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell, also a registered nurse, carried the resolution in debate on the House floor. “Even as a nurse I was surprised at the high percentage of people with Celiac disease that aren’t aware they have it,” Rep. Wilson said. “I believe that this resolution will heighten awareness to reduce this percentage. I was proud to be a cross-sponsor of this important resolution.”
House Minority Leader Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau, who also supported the resolution, said, “For those of us with Celiac disease, we know the importance of raising awareness of the disease and its symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking treatment can really improve a person’s well-being.”
“Our goal is to help Alaskans by increasing public awareness of this under-diagnosed disease,” Sen. Giessel said. “It’s amazing how many Alaskans have talked to me about having Celiac disease since I introduced this resolution. Extrapolating from national estimates, there are probably 5,000 Alaskans who could have Celiac disease, most of them unaware of what’s causing their symptoms, and who could be helped by a heightened awareness of it.”
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Author Information: John Libonati, Philadelphia, PA
Publisher, Glutenfreeworks.com.
Editor & Publisher, Recognizing Celiac Disease.
John can be reached by e-mail here.
