Declare Arthritis Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 5232 BY: Senator PARKER MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, as Arthritis Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Autoimmune Arthritis Day, Sunday, May 20, 2018 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 World Autoimmune Arthritis Day, Sunday, May 20, 2018; and WHEREAS, The Arthritis National Research Foundation's mission is to provide initial research funding to brilliant, investigative scientists with new ideas to cure arthritis and related autoimmune diseases; 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 Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes, leading the fight for the Arthritis community; this vital organization helps conquer everyday battles through life changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections; and WHEREAS, The Arthritis Foundation strives to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans and living a full life, and making each day another stride towards a cure; and WHEREAS, Arthritis affects 3.8 million people in the State of New York; 24.2% of New York adults have self-reported doctor-diagnosed Arthritis; and WHEREAS, Fifty-two million Americans have Arthritis, affecting one in four Americans in the general population; by 2030, that number is expected to climb to 67 million; and WHEREAS, Approximately, 300,000 children in the United States suffer from Arthritis; and WHEREAS, Arthritis encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions which affect the joints, tissues surrounding the joints and other organs; and WHEREAS, In New York State, 40% of adults with Arthritis are inactive; 50% of adults diagnosed with Arthritis also have diabetes, 43% also have hypertension, and 36% are obese; 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, Arthritis is our nation's leading cause of disability, resulting in an annual $128 billion price tag which includes $81 billion in direct costs and $47 billion in indirect costs; and WHEREAS, One in 25 working age adults have to change jobs, stop working entirely, or reduce the hours they work due to Arthritis; and WHEREAS, One out of every three United States veterans lives with Arthritis and it is the top cause of disability among veterans; research supporting better prevention strategies, intervention and treatments is crucial to reducing the number of soldiers and veterans suffering from Arthritis; 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 proclaim May 2018, as Arthritis Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Autoimmune Arthritis Day, Sunday, May 20, 2018, 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, and the Arthritis Foundation.