2013 Senate Joint Resolution 87
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month.
Whereas, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a serious lung disease that, over time, makes it difficult to breathe; and
Whereas, because the disease develops slowly and gradually worsens, many people delay seeking diagnosis and treatment until the disease reaches its late stages; and
Whereas, risk factors for the disease include a history of smoking, long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, and exposure to certain chemicals, dust, or fumes in the workplace; and
Whereas, COPD is now the third leading cause of death in America, affecting one in five adults over the age of 45 in the United States and more than 234,700 in the state of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, the death rate of women with COPD has recently surpassed the death rate of men with COPD, and women over the age of 40 are the fastest-growing segment of the population developing this irreversible disease; and
Whereas, early diagnosis and treatment is possible with the help of a simple breathing test called spirometry; and
Whereas, the citizens of Wisconsin should take steps to fight this debilitating disease by learning more about COPD and talking with their health care providers about early detection; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature proclaims November 2014 as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month.
