Declare Osteoporosis Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 5241 BY: Senator PARKER MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018 as Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention 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 illnesses that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018 as Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month; and WHEREAS, National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month was developed to promote good bone health through prevention, detection and treatment of osteoporosis; and WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone density and weakness which heightens the risk of a broken bone; it is the most common reason for a broken bone among the elderly and frail; and WHEREAS, Bones that commonly break include the vertebrae in the spine, the bones of the forearm, and the hip; unfortunately, until a broken bone occurs there are typically no symptoms; bones may weaken to such a degree that a break may occur with minor stress or spontaneously; and WHEREAS, In 2010, eight million women and one to two million men were diagnosed with osteoporosis; and WHEREAS, Osteoporosis becomes more common with age; about 15% of white people in their 50s and 70% of those over 80 are affected, and it is more common in women than men; approximately 80% of osteoporosis cases are women; and WHEREAS, Individuals are encouraged to understand the risk factors associated with this condition, and take preventative measures that promote healthy bones such as sufficient calcium intake, adequate levels of vitamin D, and performing bone healthy exercises; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and national levels to support the patients as well as their families; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018 as Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.