HR1017 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1017 LRB099 20557 GRL 45108 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The 2016 Theme of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is "3 Minutes Can Save a Life", which will focus on the life-saving benefits of early detection and intervention; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders are serious conditions that are potentially life-threatening and have a great impact on both a person's physical and emotional health; too often, signs and symptoms are 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 which shape them; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from clinically significant eating disorders at some time in their lives; 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 to highlight the availability of resources for treatment and support; and

WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collaborative effort consisting primarily of 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; they are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices; in fact, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness; and

WHEREAS, Many cases of eating disorders go undetected; less than one-third of youth with eating disorders will receive treatment; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders experts have found that prompt intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery; therefore, 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

WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week will highlight the importance of screenings for the early detection and intervention of eating disorders; intervening during the early stages of development can significantly increase the likelihood of preventing the onset of a full-blown eating disorder and lead to greater chances of a full recovery; and

WHEREAS, The members of this body recognize the vital work of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in promoting public and media attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and for working to improve education about their biological and environmental causes, as well as how to help those who are struggling with these debilitating diseases; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the week of February 21-27, 2016 as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the National Eating Disorders Association.