Assembly Resolution No. 124

BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
February 26 through March 4, 2017, as Eating
Disorders Awareness Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 26 through March 4, 2017,
as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Eating Disorders Awareness
Week; and

WHEREAS, The 2017 Theme of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
is "It's Time to Talk About It," which will focus on busting myths,
disseminating facts about eating disorders, and encouraging everyone to
get screened; and

WHEREAS, Eating disorders are serious conditions that are
potentially life-threatening and have a serious impact on an
individual's emotional and physical health, including abnormal heart
rate, low blood pressure, and reduction in bone density; 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 life; these disorders affect people across all backgrounds and
include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders;
and

WHEREAS, Children begin struggling with body image as young as six
years old and roughly 50% of elementary school girls, ages 6 to 12, are
concerned about their weight; and

WHEREAS, Rates of anorexia in young women have increased every
decade since 1930, and the incident of bulimia in women ages 10 to 39
tripled between 1988 and 1993; 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 disorder 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 of eating disorders and
knowledgeable of available resources; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes 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;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 26 to March 4,
2017, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the State of New York; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York; and The National Eating Disorders Association.