THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY WASHINGTON, KITCHEN, BREWSTER, DINNIMAN, EARLL, FARNESE, GREENLEAF, PILEGGI, FERLO, ORIE, RAFFERTY, SOLOBAY, STACK, WARD, ALLOWAY, D. WHITE, PIPPY, ERICKSON, SCHWANK AND FONTANA, MAY 24, 2011

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MAY 24, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the month of May 2011 as "Arthritis Awareness Month"

in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Arthritis is one of the most common chronic health

problems in the United States and the leading cause of limited

joint movement; and

WHEREAS, Roughly 46 million Americans, including an estimated

one in five adults, have arthritis; and

WHEREAS, Arthritis causes severe pain, swelling and limited

movement in joints and connective tissue throughout the body;

and

WHEREAS, Osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid

arthritis are the most prevalent forms of this painful

inflammatory disease; and

WHEREAS, The specific cause of arthritis is unknown for most

forms of the disease; and

WHEREAS, The prevalence of arthritis is higher among women;

and

WHEREAS, The annual economic impact of arthritis in the

United States includes more than $86.2 million in medical care

and lost wages; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and treatment is recommended to

minimize the toll of arthritis; and

WHEREAS, Treatment may include a combination of medication,

exercise, rest, use of heat and cold, joint protection and

surgery in some cases; and

WHEREAS, Public awareness of arthritis symptoms and treatment

options is important in the fight against the disease; therefore

be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of May 2011 as

"Arthritis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.