1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 822 1-2 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas recognizes that 1-3 osteoporosis is a serious health problem, and May 3, 1999, is the 1-4 beginning of Osteoporosis Week in the Lone Star State; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Many think that osteoporosis is a natural part of 1-6 aging, and it is inevitable, but in recent years, researchers have 1-7 shown that actions may be taken to help prevent the onset of this 1-8 disease; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Today, there is a simple test to measure the density 1-10 of bones, and there are approved therapies for treatment; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Several factors can contribute to the possibility 1-12 of developing this illness: having a diet low in calcium, being 1-13 past 50 years of age, being of Caucasian or Asian descent, having 1-14 previous bone fractures or a family history of the disease, not 1-15 exercising, being of small or thin build, taking certain medications, 1-16 or smoking cigarettes; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease 1-18 because it may be undetected until a debilitating break occurs; the 1-19 bones most vulnerable to fracture are the hip, spine, and wrist; 1-20 and 1-21 WHEREAS, The resulting pain and movement difficulties can turn 1-22 an active life into one of disability and dependence; more than 25 1-23 million Americans are currently diagnosed with osteoporosis; and 1-24 WHEREAS, To help prevent the onset of this illness, preventive 2-1 measures can be followed such as educating oneself, following a good 2-2 diet, and exercising; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-4 76th Legislature, hereby encourage the awareness of Osteoporosis 2-5 Week in Texas beginning on May 3, 1999. 2-6 Zaffirini 2-7 ______________________________________ 2-8 President of the Senate 2-9 I hereby certify that the above 2-10 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-11 on May 3, 1999. 2-12 ______________________________________ 2-13 Secretary of the Senate 2-14 ______________________________________ 2-15 Member, Texas Senate