Declare Arthritis Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 3172 BY: Senator HANNON MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, as Arthritis Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that affect the lives of residents of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, as Arthritis Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Arthritis Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Arthritis Awareness Month was developed to increase awareness of arthritis and the importance of seeking appropriate treatment to minimize its disabling impact on daily lives; and WHEREAS, The term "arthritis" describes more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments; symptoms of arthritis typically include pain, swelling, stiffness and aching in and around the joint and can develop suddenly or gradually over time; and WHEREAS, Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in New York State (NYS), affecting approximately 3.6 million adults which is nearly a quarter of the State's adult population; and WHEREAS, Of adults with arthritis, 2.2 million (59.8%) are women and

1.5 million (40.2%) are men; over half (50.9%) of NYS adults aged 65 and older have arthritis, and approximately 34% of NYS adults ages 45 to 64 have arthritis; and WHEREAS, Arthritis is one of the most common causes of disability in NYS; more than half (53.4%) of NYS adults with arthritis have limitations in their daily activities due to arthritis or joint symptoms; and WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help people with Arthritis decrease pain, improve function, stay productive, lower health care costs and have a better quality of life; and WHEREAS, Of NYS adults with arthritis, 35.8% report having trouble working due to their arthritis; this percentage is highest among those with less than a high school education; and WHEREAS, Through public awareness, this Legislative Body seeks to minimize the devastating effects of Arthritis among the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare May 2018, as Arthritis Awareness Month in the State of New York, and to urge the residents of this great Empire State to learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnoses and treatments; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.