House Concurrent Resolution 15

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DECLARING THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2018 AS "TAKE YOUR CHILD FOR A MEDICAL CHECK-UP MONTH," AND ENCOURAGING CITIZENS OF THE STATE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS OBSERVANCE.

WHEREAS, many young Mississippi children and teens fall ill due to chronic or acute disease that could have been prevented by early diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi children are known to be more likely than their peers nationally to suffer from a wide range of debilitating diseases including obesity, asthma, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, seizures, mental health problems, and learning disabilities; and

WHEREAS, yearly medical check-ups are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for all school-aged children; and

WHEREAS, yearly medical check-ups allow medical providers to diagnose possible health problems in children and to treat those health problems in the early and most easily treatable stages of the disease or condition; and

WHEREAS, there is a strong body of research pointing to better outcomes for children suffering from medical, psychological, dental, vision, learning or other developmental problems with early diagnosis and treatment; and

WHEREAS, with early diagnosis and treatment of these problems, Mississippi children will have a better chance to live full, productive lives; and

WHEREAS, schools, local communities, state businesses, physicians and state health providers, government assistance programs, and citizens share the burden of an unhealthy population; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi physician Dr. Timothy Quinn, the Mississippi State Medical Association, the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians, and Jackson Public Schools have worked together to create the JPS pilot School Health Initiative to encourage school-aged children to learn about the importance of yearly medical check-ups; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to provide positive outcomes for the health and wellness of Mississippi's youth, thereby improving the lives of all Mississippi citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That the month of August, 2018, be recognized as "Take Your Child for a Medical Check-Up Month."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.