AJR121: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4741/1

SWB:amn

2015 - 2016 LEGISLATURE

2015 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 121

March 11, 2016 - Introduced by Representatives C. Taylor, Wachs, Kahl, Goyke, Zepnick, Spreitzer and Berceau, cosponsored by Senators L. Taylor, Vinehout and Ringhand. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR121,1,2 Relating to: proclaiming February 21, 2016, to February 27, 2016, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in Wisconsin.

AJR121,1,4 Whereas, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is observed annually from February 21 to February 27; and

AJR121,1,7 Whereas, the 2016 theme of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is "3 Minutes Can Save a Life," which will focus on the life-saving benefits of early detection and intervention; and

AJR121,1,10 Whereas, eating disorders are serious conditions that are potentially life-threatening and have a great impact on both a person's physical and emotional health; and

AJR121,1,14 Whereas, too often, signs and symptoms are overlooked, and many individuals, families, and communities are unaware of the devastating mental and physical consequences of eating disorders, as well as the pressures, attitudes, and behaviors that shape them; and

AJR121,2,2 Whereas, in the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from clinically significant eating disorders at some time in their life; and

AJR121,2,4 Whereas, these disorders affect people across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders; and

AJR121,2,7 Whereas, the National Eating Disorders Association strives to address the many misconceptions regarding eating disorders and to highlight the availability of resources for treatment and support; and

AJR121,2,12 Whereas, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collaborative effort consisting primarily of volunteers, including eating disorder professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment access; and

AJR121,2,15 Whereas, eating disorders usually appear in adolescence and are associated with substantial psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide; and

AJR121,2,17 Whereas, eating disorders are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices, and, in fact, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness; and

AJR121,2,19 Whereas, many cases of eating disorders go undetected and less than one-third of youth with eating disorders will receive treatment; and

AJR121,2,23 Whereas, eating disorders experts have found that prompt intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery, and, therefore, it is important for educators, medical providers, parents, and community members to be aware of the warning signs and the symptoms of eating disorders; and

AJR121,3,3 Whereas, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week will highlight the importance of screenings for the early detection and intervention of eating disorders; and

AJR121,3,6 Whereas, intervening during the early stages of development can significantly increase the likelihood of preventing the onset of a full-blown eating disorder and leads to greater chances of a full recovery; and

AJR121,3,11 Whereas, the legislature recognizes the vital work of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in promoting public and media attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and for working to improve education about their biological and environmental causes, as well as how to help those who are struggling with these debilitating diseases; now, therefore, be it

AJR121,3,14 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature proclaims February 21, 2016, to February 27, 2016, as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in Wisconsin; and, be it further

AJR121,3,17 Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to the governor of the state of Wisconsin and the National Eating Disorders Association.

AJR121,3,18 (End)