Declare Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Assembly Resolution No. 124 BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 26 through March 4, 2017, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 26 through March 4, 2017, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week; and WHEREAS, The 2017 Theme of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is "It's Time to Talk About It," which will focus on busting myths, disseminating facts about eating disorders, and encouraging everyone to get screened; and WHEREAS, Eating disorders are serious conditions that are potentially life-threatening and have a serious impact on an individual's emotional and physical health, including abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, and reduction in bone density; too often, signs and symptoms are overlooked, and many individuals, families, and communities are unaware of the devastating mental and physical consequences of eating disorders, as well as the pressures, attitudes, and behaviors which shape them; and WHEREAS, In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from clinically significant eating disorders at some time in their life; these disorders affect people across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders; and WHEREAS, Children begin struggling with body image as young as six years old and roughly 50% of elementary school girls, ages 6 to 12, are concerned about their weight; and WHEREAS, Rates of anorexia in young women have increased every decade since 1930, and the incident of bulimia in women ages 10 to 39 tripled between 1988 and 1993; and WHEREAS, The National Eating Disorders Association strives to address the many misconceptions regarding eating disorders, and to highlight the availability of resources for treatment and support; and WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collaborative effort consisting primarily of volunteers, including eating disorder professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment access; and WHEREAS, Eating Disorders usually appear in adolescence and are associated with substantial psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse and suicide; they are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices; in fact, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness; and WHEREAS, Many cases of eating disorders go undetected; less than one-third of youth with eating disorders will receive treatment; and WHEREAS, Eating disorder experts have found that prompt intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery; therefore, it is important for educators, medical providers, parents, and community members to be aware of the warning signs and of eating disorders and knowledgeable of available resources; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the vital work of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in promoting public and media attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and for working to improve education about their biological and environmental causes, as well as how to help those who are struggling with these debilitating diseases; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 26 to March 4,