BILL NUMBER: SCR 37	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Beall

                        APRIL 17, 2013

   Relative to Arthritis Awareness Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 37, as introduced, Beall. Arthritis Awareness Month.
   This measure would proclaim the month of May 2013 as Arthritis
Awareness Month.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Arthritis includes more than 120 rheumatic diseases and
conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround joints, and
other connective tissue; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis causes pain and loss of movement, and can limit
everyday activities such as walking and dressing; and
   WHEREAS, An estimated 50 million adults, or approximately one in
five adults, in the United States are living with some form of
doctor-diagnosed arthritis or a related disease or condition; and
   WHEREAS, An estimated 300,000 children under 18 years of age, or
approximately one in 250 children, in the United States have some
form of arthritis or rheumatic condition; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis is a chronic health problem and the nation's
leading cause of physical disability among Americans over 15 years of
age; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis costs the United States economy more than $128
billion each year in lost wages and health care costs; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis results in approximately 992,100
hospitalizations and 44 million outpatient visits each year; and
   WHEREAS, In California there are more than 5.3 million people
living with arthritis, including 38,000 children; and
   WHEREAS, An estimated 67 million adults 18 years of age and older,
representing 25 percent of the population of the United States, will
have doctor-diagnosed arthritis by the year 2030; now, therefore, be
it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature understands the extent of,
and sympathizes with, the severity of the impact of arthritis on
Californians; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes the month of May 2013 as
Arthritis Awareness Month and appreciates the efforts of the
California Arthritis Foundation Council to seek access to care for
all Californians; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.