HR0691 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0691 LRB102 25750 LAW 35070 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Self-care is the lifelong daily habit of healthy choices for overall wellness, including good hygiene practices, healthy diet, regular exercise, and personal healthcare for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of infections, injuries, and illness, as well as knowing when to seek assistance from healthcare professionals; and

WHEREAS, Self-care is a cornerstone of helping to reduce the overall cost of healthcare in Illinois and the country; and

WHEREAS, Self-care includes making responsible use of over-the-counter and prescription medications, dietary supplements, and medical devices; and

WHEREAS, The United States Food and Drug Administration deems over-the-counter medicine safe and effective for the self-care treatment of minor, acute, and chronic health conditions and symptoms, such as pain, the common cold, and allergies, which impact large segments of the population; and

WHEREAS, According to an Information Resources, Inc. study, every dollar spent on over-the-counter medicines saves the healthcare system more than $7, resulting in more than $146 billion in annual savings; and

WHEREAS, Over-the-counter medical devices, including bandages, menstrual products, face masks, and at-home test kits, used for the purposes of prevention, testing, and treatment are well-accepted, cost-saving elements of the healthcare system; and

WHEREAS, Consumption of vitamin and mineral supplements can fill critical nutrient gaps, particularly for lower income families that may experience food insecurities in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Illinois benefits when its citizens practice appropriate self-care, do not overburden the healthcare system by making unnecessary visits to healthcare professionals, and are empowered by higher self-esteem, improved health, and overall wellness; and

WHEREAS, The availability of self-care can help improve personal and public health, save personal and public treasury, and strengthen the sustainability of the broader healthcare system; and

WHEREAS, Exemptions from sales taxes for over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and consumer medical devices benefit Illinois residents because when affordability of consumer healthcare products increases then more people will seek treatment for their ailments before they become more serious; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the month of February 2022 as Self-Care Awareness Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage consumers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and regulators to communicate the benefits of self-care by recognizing Self-Care Awareness Month.