Arthritis Awareness Month

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, because more than 50 million Americans have arthritis, including 1,199,000 Alabama residents, affecting one in four Americans in the general population and that number is expected to climb to 67 million by 2030; and
WHEREAS, arthritis encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect the joints, tissue surrounding the joints and other organs; and
WHEREAS, over 300,000 children in the U. S., that’s 1 in 250, live with arthritis; and
WHEREAS, early diagnosis and appropriate management can help people with arthritis decrease pain, improve function, stay productive, lower health care costs and have a better quality of life; and
WHEREAS, arthritis is our nation’s leading cause of disability, resulting in an annual cost of $128 billion, including $81 billion in direct costs and $47 billion in indirect costs; and
WHEREAS, one in 25 working age adults have to change jobs, stop working entirely, or reduce the hours they work due to arthritis; and
WHEREAS, one out of every three U. S. veterans lives with arthritis and is the top cause of disability among veterans. Research supporting better prevention strategies, interventions and treatments is crucial to reducing the number of soldiers and veterans suffering from arthritis; and
WHEREAS, Arthritis Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase awareness of the disease and recognize the importance of seeking appropriate treatment to minimize the disabling impact on daily lives; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 2017, as
Arthritis Awareness Month
in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of May 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor