National arthritis month

WHEREAS, Arthritis includes more than 100 rheumatic diseases and 1
conditions that affect joints, tissues surrounding joints, and other 2
connective tissues; and 3
WHEREAS, Arthritis is a chronic health condition and the leading 4
cause of physical disability among adults in the United States, and 5
it is especially common among people with multiple chronic 6
conditions; and 7
WHEREAS, More than 634,000 adults in Washington state experience 8
activity limitations caused by arthritis; and 9
WHEREAS, Arthritis causes pain and loss of movement, can limit 10
everyday activities such as walking and dressing, and can contribute 11
to serious health complications; and 12
WHEREAS, Arthritis affects an estimated 54 million American 13
adults, representing approximately 24.1 percent of adults nationwide 14
and 22.9 percent of adults in Washington state; and15
WHEREAS, An estimated 300,000 children under the age of 18 in the 16
United States live with arthritis or other rheumatic conditions, 17
representing approximately one in every 250 children; and18
WHEREAS, Arthritis costs the United States economy more than $304 19
billion annually, including $140 billion in direct medical costs and 20
$164 billion in lost wages; and 21
WHEREAS, More than 1.25 million Washington residents, including 22
children and adults, live with arthritis; and 23
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4670, by Representative Simmons
p. 1 HR 4670
WHEREAS, Nationally, 30.5 percent of adults with diabetes and 1
36.5 percent of adults with cardiovascular disease also have 2
arthritis; and 3
WHEREAS, Among working age adults with arthritis in Washington 4
state, approximately 38.8 percent experience work limitations due to 5
their condition; and 6
WHEREAS, One out of every three United States veterans lives with 7
arthritis, making it the leading cause of disability among veterans, 8
with veterans accounting for approximately 17.6 percent of adults 9
living with arthritis in Washington state; and 10
WHEREAS, Research supporting improved prevention strategies, 11
interventions, and treatments is critical to reducing the burden of 12
arthritis and improving quality of life for those affected; and13
WHEREAS, The month of May was federally designated as National 14
Arthritis Month in 1972; 15
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives 16
of the State of Washington recognizes the significant physical, 17
economic, and social impact of arthritis on individuals, families, 18
and communities throughout the state; and 19
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives 20
recognizes the month of May as Arthritis Awareness Month and 21
acknowledges the efforts of organizations working to improve access 22
to care, education, and support for people living with arthritis.23
--- END ---
p. 2 HR 4670