Assembly Resolution No. 673

BY: M. of A. Abinanti

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 2017, as Scoliosis Awareness Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months set aside to increase awareness of serious 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, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Scoliosis
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Scoliosis Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Scoliosis is the most common deformity of the spine, with
no known cause; the condition causes the spine to abnormally curve
sideways, into an "S" or "C" shape; it affects two to three percent of
the population, or seven million people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 15
although people of any age can be afflicted with this disorder; and

WHEREAS, Approximately one out of every six children diagnosed with
scoliosis has a curve which requires active treatment, sometimes
involving surgery; females are five times more likely to progress to a
curve magnitude which requires treatment; and

WHEREAS, Scoliosis can cause chronic back pain, impact heart and
lung function, and take a toll on a patient's self-esteem; with
community awareness, early detection and proper treatment, people
diagnosed with scoliosis can lead healthy, active lives; and

WHEREAS, In September of 2013, a NIH-funded study, the "Bracing
Results in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BRAIST)," was
published in the New England Journal of Medicine; the results of this
study affirmed the efficacy of bracing for scoliosis and the need for
early detection of scoliosis; and

WHEREAS, The BRAIST study conclusively demonstrated that early
detection and treatment of scoliosis with bracing, in appropriately
indicated patients, will result in less surgery with the potential for
reduced cost to society; and

WHEREAS, Scoliosis Awareness Month encourages a renewed commitment
to raising awareness of and combating the spinal condition of Scoliosis,
and to recognize the need for increased research and funding to reduce
the pain and suffering it causes to millions of Americans; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Scoliosis
Awareness 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.