Senate Resolution No. 5241

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2018 as Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention
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 serious
illnesses that 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018 as
Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Osteoporosis Awareness and
Prevention Month; and

WHEREAS, National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month was
developed to promote good bone health through prevention, detection and
treatment of osteoporosis; and

WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone density
and weakness which heightens the risk of a broken bone; it is the most
common reason for a broken bone among the elderly and frail; and

WHEREAS, Bones that commonly break include the vertebrae in the
spine, the bones of the forearm, and the hip; unfortunately, until a
broken bone occurs there are typically no symptoms; bones may weaken to
such a degree that a break may occur with minor stress or spontaneously;
and

WHEREAS, In 2010, eight million women and one to two million men
were diagnosed with osteoporosis; and

WHEREAS, Osteoporosis becomes more common with age; about 15% of
white people in their 50s and 70% of those over 80 are affected, and it
is more common in women than men; approximately 80% of osteoporosis
cases are women; and

WHEREAS, Individuals are encouraged to understand the risk factors
associated with this condition, and take preventative measures that
promote healthy bones such as sufficient calcium intake, adequate levels
of vitamin D, and performing bone healthy exercises; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and national levels to support the patients as well as
their families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018 as
Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in the State of New York;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.