Assembly Resolution No. 1277

BY: M. of A. Rules (Williams)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
July 2018, as Juvenile Arthritis 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 July 2018, as Juvenile
Arthritis Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Juvenile arthritis (JA), also known as pediatric rheumatic
disease, is a term used to describe the many autoimmune and inflammatory
conditions or pediatric rheumatic diseases which can develop in children
under the age of 16; JA affects nearly 300,000 children in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, Although the various types of JA share many common
symptoms, like pain, joint swelling, redness and warmth, each type of JA
is distinct and has its own special concerns and symptoms; some types of
JA affect the musculoskeletal system; JA can also involve the eyes,
skin, muscles and gastrointestinal tract; and

WHEREAS, While many diseases are passed down from one parent or
both, The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin
Diseases notes that it's "very rare" for more than one family member to
have JA; and

WHEREAS, According to HealthCentral.com, JA affects more girls than
boys, and is likely to develop from ages 2 to 4 or during the
adolescent/teen years (but under the age of 16); and

WHEREAS, Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (collectively
known as AORC) in youth has accounted for approximately 50 deaths in the
United States between 1979 and 1998; and

WHEREAS, The treatments used for JA focus on improving quality of
life for young people; in some cases, pain medication is the solution,
but in some cases anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are used; doctors may
also prescribe DMARDs, a family of drugs that are designed to slow the
progression of the juvenile arthritis; and

WHEREAS, Arthritis is an all too common problem that can prevent one
from living the lives they want; the good news is that a physician can
help patients with arthritis devise an effective strategy for combating
the issue; and

WHEREAS, Through public awareness, this Legislative Body seeks to
minimize the devastating effects of JA among the young people 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 July 2018, as Juvenile
Arthritis 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 a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.