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SJR 44 - Introduced - PDF
SJR44
190759-1
By Senator Allen
RFD:
First Read: 01-FEB-18
190759-1:n:01/30/2018:DSM/th LSA2018-589
RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 26 THROUGH MARCH 4, 2018, AS
NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK.
WHEREAS, the 2018 Theme of National Eating Disorders
Awareness Week is "Let's Get Real" which will focus on
expanding the conversation around eating disorders to include
the diverse perspectives of millions of people affected;
eating disorders are shrouded in stigma, secrecy, and
stereotypes and the goal of the 2018 campaign is to shine a
light on these deadly illnesses, dispel misinformation, and
connect people with the support they need to recover; and
WHEREAS, eating disorders are serious conditions
that are potentially life-threatening and have a great impact
on a person's physical and emotional health, signs and
symptoms are often overlooked, and many are unaware of the
devastating mental and physical consequences of eating
disorders, as well as the pressures, attitudes, and behaviors
which shape them; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, 20 million women and
illion men suffer from clinically significant eating
disorders at some time in their lives; these disorders affect
people across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa,
bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders; and
WHEREAS, the National Eating Disorders Association
strives to address the many misconceptions regarding eating
disorders and to highlight the availability of resources for
treatment and support; and
WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is
a collaborative effort of volunteers, including eating
disorder professionals, health care providers, students,
educators, social workers, and individuals committed to
raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders
and the need for early intervention and treatment access; and
WHEREAS, eating disorders usually appear in
adolescence and are associated with substantial psychological
problems, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide;
eating disorders are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices;
anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness;
and
WHEREAS, many cases of eating disorders go
undetected, and less than one-third of youth with eating
disorders actually receive treatment; and
WHEREAS, eating disorder experts have found that
prompt intensive treatment significantly improves the chances
of recovery; it is important for educators, medical providers,
parents, and community members to be aware of the warning
signs and the symptoms of eating disorders; and
WHEREAS, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
will encourage people to share their stories and experiences
with disordered eating and body image struggles; and highlight
the importance of screenings for the early detection and
intervention of eating disorders; it will bust myths and
present eating disorders as a public health issue that affects
people, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, size, or
background; and
WHEREAS, recognition of the vital work of National
Eating Disorders Awareness Week in promoting public and media
attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and working
to improve education about their causes will help those who
are struggling with these debilitating diseases; now
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE LEGISLATURE OF
ALABAMA, That February 26 through March 4, 2018, is recognized
as National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this
resolution be provided to the National Eating Disorders
Association and the Alabama Department of Public Health.