HR0311 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0311 LRB098 11943 GRL 45310 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass, structural deterioration of bone, and increased susceptibility to fractures, especially in older women; and

WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 52 million Americans; and

WHEREAS, One in every 2 women and one in every 4 men over the age of 50 will be affected by osteoporosis and low bone density; and

WHEREAS, Annual osteoporosis costs for America's healthcare system top $18 billion and will double by 2050, as America's population ages; and

WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is responsible for 1.5 million bone fractures annually; and

WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is often thought of as a disease more prevalent amongst elders; in actuality, bone health is a concern for people of all ages; and

WHEREAS, Substantial risk of osteoporosis has been reported in persons of all ethnic backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disease; and

WHEREAS, Building strong bones throughout childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later in life; and

WHEREAS, Almost 90% of bone mass is acquired by age 18 in women and by age 20 in men; and

WHEREAS, Only one in 3 Americans receive enough calcium in their daily diet, a problem which is especially severe for children and adolescents in critical years of bone development; and

WHEREAS, Optimum bone health and prevention of osteoporosis can be maximized by a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and a healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake; and

WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss can occur without symptoms and may not be detected until a fracture occurs; and

WHEREAS, A bone mineral density test can be performed to identify osteoporosis and determine the risk for fractures and the severity of the disease; and

WHEREAS, At least 14 states, including Illinois, mandate insurance coverage for osteoporosis-related diagnostic and treatment services; and

WHEREAS, The month of May has been designated as National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and appreciate the ideals, goals, and activities of National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month and urge the people of Illinois to observe appropriate good health programs and activities with respect to preventing and controlling osteoporosis.