By Seaman                                              H.R. No. 403
         76R7141 JBR-F                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, This year marks the 50th anniversary of the
 1-2     Arthritis Foundation, which will hold its annual national meeting
 1-3     in San Antonio on November 18-22, 1999; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Today, there are more than 100 different diseases
 1-5     that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and
 1-6     inflammation in connective tissue throughout the human body; and
 1-7           WHEREAS, These diseases affect more than four million Texans,
 1-8     including some 20,000 children, and are the leading cause of
 1-9     disability, costing an estimated $3 billion in lost productivity
1-10     and medical costs; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Despite these sobering statistics, scientific
1-12     evidence supports the efficacy of early diagnosis, treatment, and
1-13     prevention of these diseases; and
1-14           WHEREAS, Many countries and international organizations have
1-15     joined together to recognize the years 2000 through 2010 as the
1-16     "Decade of the Bone and Joint" to increase public awareness of this
1-17     problem and to promote research to find the cure for and prevention
1-18     of arthritis; now, therefore, be it
1-19           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
1-20     Legislature hereby recognize the years 2000 through 2010 as the
1-21     "Decade of the Bone and Joint" and encourage all Texans to work
1-22     together to combat arthritis and to improve the quality of life for
1-23     those affected by bone and joint diseases; and, be it further
1-24           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 2-1     prepared for the Arthritis Foundation as an expression of high
 2-2     regard by the Texas House of Representatives.