PRINTER'S NO. 556
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
45
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY BROWNE, DINNIMAN, SABATINA, EICHELBERGER,
GREENLEAF, AUMENT, LEACH, RESCHENTHALER, COSTA, SCAVELLO,
RAFFERTY, FONTANA, TARTAGLIONE, KILLION, BREWSTER, BOSCOLA,
VULAKOVICH AND FARNESE, MARCH 21, 2017
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MARCH 21, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the week of February 26 through March 4, 2017, as
"Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania in
conjunction with the observance of "National Eating Disorders
Awareness Week."
WHEREAS, The 2017 theme of "National Eating Disorders
Awareness Week" is "It's Time to Talk About It," which focuses
on dispelling myths and presenting 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 great impact on both the
physical and emotional health of individuals; and
WHEREAS, Signs and symptoms of eating disorders are often
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 that shape them; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, 20 million women and 10
million men suffer from clinically significant eating disorders
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at some time in their lives; and
WHEREAS, These disorders affect people across all backgrounds
and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating
disorders; and
WHEREAS, The National Eating Disorders Association strives to
address the many misconceptions regarding eating disorders and
highlight the availability of resources for treatment and
support; and
WHEREAS, "National Eating Disorders Awareness Week" is a
collaborative effort involving primarily 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; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorders are serious illnesses, not
lifestyle choices; and
WHEREAS, Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any
mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Many cases of eating disorders go undetected, and
less than one-third of youths with eating disorders will receive
treatment; and
WHEREAS, Eating disorder experts have found that prompt,
intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of
recovery; and
WHEREAS, It is important for educators, medical providers,
parents and community members to be aware of the warning signs
and the symptoms of eating disorders; and
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WHEREAS, "National Eating Disorders Awareness Week"
highlights the importance of screenings for the early detection
and intervention of eating disorders, dispels myths and presents
eating disorders as a public health issue with close connections
to substance abuse, trauma, obesity and other mental health
conditions, such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive
disorder; and
WHEREAS, The Senate recognizes the vital importance of
"National Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in promoting public
and media attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and
providing education on the biological and environmental causes
of eating disorders and how to help individuals who are
struggling with these debilitating conditions; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the week of February 26
through March 4, 2017, as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in
Pennsylvania in conjunction with the observance of "National
Eating Disorders Awareness Week."
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