Last year, US Senate Resolution 550 was passed, making September 13 National Celiac Awareness day. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Ben Nelson, a Democrat from Nebraska. The bill was introduced on September 11, 2012, and agreed to on the same day.
The bill recognizes that citizens of the United States, must be made aware of Celiac Disease, which affects 1 in 133 people in America. The bill asks that people in the United States observe National Celiac Disease Awareness Day (source: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/sres550/text).
Today, we recognize Dr. Samuel Gee (1839-1911), an English doctor and pediatrician. He was the first person to have given the first modern day description of Celiac Disease. He gave the description in 1887, at the Hospital for Sick Children. He recognized that the disease isn't just a childhood ailment, that it affects people of all ages.
His findings can be found in the St. Bartholomew's Hospital Reports, which were published in 1888.
Celiac disease is important, and serious. Those of us whom are afflicted with the disease, know the dangers of not adhering to a strict, life-long, gluten free diet. We know the risks of not being diagnosed properly. We've lived it. On average, it takes a good 10+ years to be properly diagnosed. Most of the 1% of people afflicted with the disease, don't even know that they have it. The damage done to the small intestine, by continuous consumption of gluten, can become life-threatening.
Awareness of this disease is important, and early testing for the gene must be done.
Educate your family, your friends, your community.
For more information, visit: http://www.csaceliacs.info/index.jsp
photo credit: http://i2.wp.com/rockahealthylifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/celiac2011.jpg