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.