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.