Senate Concurrent Resolution 603

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE MAY AS OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS MONTH IN MISSISSIPPI AND TO ENCOURAGE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 41-93-1 THROUGH 41-93-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972.

WHEREAS, osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease that is a major health concern; and

WHEREAS, osteoporosis is a "silent disease" that typically progresses without symptoms until fractures occur; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that some 77% of the approximately 400,000 Mississippi women over the age of 50 remain untreated and undiagnosed for osteoporosis; and

WHEREAS, osteoporosis is generally regarded as a preventable, but not reversible, disease; and

WHEREAS, early detection of osteoporosis among at-risk individuals is crucial to the prevention of the disease; and

WHEREAS, the 1994 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature expanded the state's role in women's health with the passage of Sections 41-93-1 through 41-93-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, enabling the State Department of Health to create a statewide program to promote public awareness about osteoporosis:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate May as "Osteoporosis Awareness Month in Mississippi."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the Capitol Press Corps.