HR0600 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0600 LRB094 13557 HSS 48421 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, According to the Surgeon General's Report on "Oral Health in America", most adult Americans suffer from periodontal disease, sometimes called gum disease; it is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in America, yet it remains what former Surgeon General David Satcher calls a "silent epidemic"; and

WHEREAS, There remains an underutilization of safe and effective means of preventing and treating periodontal disease with new medical and dental innovations; as a result, millions of Americans who have periodontal disease are unaware of it and may be undertreated or not treated at all; and

WHEREAS, New studies suggest a link between periodontal disease and other adverse health conditions, such as heart attack, diabetes, stroke, and pre-term births; thus, there is a need to educate and provide information to all Americans on important oral health issues related to the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease; and

WHEREAS, Beyond these conditions, untreated periodontal disease exacts a strong psychological and economic toll; studies have shown that people with compromised oral health lack confidence, suffer from low self-esteem, and are less likely to find work or be promoted; and

WHEREAS, The financial costs for ignoring periodontal disease are severe; for individuals, businesses, and government, the latter often bearing the burden of direct medical costs for the consequences of periodontal disease; to this are added the additional costs of work and school absenteeism and lost productivity; and

WHEREAS, In consequence of the "silent epidemic" of periodontal disease and all its attending dental, medical, social, and economic conditions, a National Periodontal Disease Coalition (NPDC) has been formed; the Coalition, with membership drawn from the spectrum of communities of direct and related interests across the private, public, and non-profit sectors, will work to establish a forum for increasing the public's awareness and understanding of periodontal disease and new treatment methods; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and applaud the efforts of the National Periodontal Disease Coalition for its commitment in making the public aware of the dangers of periodontal disease; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we strongly encourage citizens of Illinois to be aware of the dangers of periodontal disease and to seek proper treatment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the NPDC as an expression of our support in its efforts.