LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim February 2014 as Gum Disease Awareness Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of issues which affect
the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2014 as Gum Disease
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Gum Disease Awareness Month in the State of
New York is to draw public attention to the dangers and widespread
nature of the disease; and
WHEREAS, Gum Disease Awareness Month is an annual event aimed at help-
ing people make lifelong improvements in their health and quality of
life by sharing information and spreading awareness of the risk factors,
signs and symptoms, and treatment options available in the fight against
gum disease; and
WHEREAS, Gum Disease Awareness Month encourages all New Yorkers of all
ages to take an active role in preventing gum disease, recognizing risk
factors, getting diagnosed and seeking treatment, an initiative
supported by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, a non-profit
educational and research center dedicated to providing evidence-based
clinical training in laser dentistry therapies; and
WHEREAS, Gum disease is one of the most common diseases in the United
States, more prevalent than cancer, heart disease, and arthritis; the
consequences can be serious, but the condition can be treated in every
patient; and
WHEREAS, Mounting university research links gum disease to heart
disease, diabetes, stroke, pre-term and still births and certain
cancers; over 85% of American adults suffer from some degree of gum
disease, but fewer than half are diagnosed; and
WHEREAS, Often symptoms of gum disease are ignored until the disease
is in advanced stages, when tooth loss is common; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is committed to educating the citizens
of the State of New York about the widespread health threat of gum
disease and the importance of prevention and treatment; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local,
State and national levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2014 as Gum
Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.