Senate Concurrent Resolution 556

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2022 AS "SELF-CARE MONTH IN MISSISSIPPI" TO ENCOURAGE CONSUMERS, HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS AND REGULATORS TO COMMUNICATE THE BENEFITS OF SELF-CARE.

WHEREAS, self-care is the lifelong daily habit of healthy choices for overall wellness, including good hygiene practices, healthy diet, regular exercise and personal health care for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of infections, injuries and illness, as well as knowing when to seek assistance from healthcare professionals; and

WHEREAS, self-care is a cornerstone of helping to reduce the overall cost of health care in Mississippi and the country; and

WHEREAS, self-care includes making responsible use of over-the-counter and prescription medications, dietary supplements and medical devices; and

WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration deems over-the-counter medicine safe and effective for the self-care treatment of minor acute and chronic health conditions and symptoms such as pain, the common cold and allergies, which impact large segments of the population; and

WHEREAS, according to an Information Resources, Inc., study, every dollar spent on over-the-counter medicines saves more than $7.00 for the healthcare system, resulting in more than $146 billion in annual savings; and

WHEREAS, over-the-counter medical devices like bandages, feminine hygiene products, face masks and at-home test kits, used for the purposes of prevention, testing and treatment are well-accepted, cost-saving elements of the healthcare system; and

WHEREAS, consumption of vitamin and mineral supplements can fill critical nutrient gaps, particularly for lower-income families who may experience food insecurities in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi benefits when its citizens practice appropriate self-care, do not make unnecessary visits to healthcare professionals, reducing the burden on the healthcare system and are empowered by higher self-esteem, improved health and overall wellness; and

WHEREAS, the availability of self-care can help improve personal and public health, save personal and public funds and strengthen the sustainability of the broader healthcare system; and

WHEREAS, exemptions for over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and consumer medical devices from sales taxes, benefit Mississippi residents because when affordability of consumer healthcare products increases, more people will seek treatment for their ailments before they become seriously ill:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize February 2022 as "Self-Care Month in Mississippi" to encourage consumers, healthcare practitioners and regulators to communicate the benefits of self-care to all citizens in Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the State Board of Health to disseminate to healthcare practitioners and consumers in our state, as appropriate, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.