Recalled
January 23, 2024
H. 4849
S. Printed 01/23/24--S.
Read the first time January 18, 2024
________
To deClare July 2024 as Juvenile
Arthritis
Awareness Month and urge citizens to be mindful of the condition and its effect on South Carolina's youth.
Whereas, juvenile
arthritis
, also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, is a term used to describe a group of inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children under the age of 16; and
Whereas, juvenile
arthritis
includes many forms of rheumatic diseases and conditions that cause inflammation, swelling, pain, and tenderness in the joints of those who suffer from it. Some types of juvenile
arthritis
can also affect the skin, eyes, and internal organs. Most kinds of juvenile
arthritis
are autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases, which means that the body's immune system releases inflammatory chemicals to attack healthy cells and tissue; and
Whereas, an estimated three hundred thousand children under 16 years of age have a form of juvenile
arthritis
, representing approximately one in every two hundred fifty children in the United States, many of them living in South Carolina; and
Whereas, the exact cause of juvenile
arthritis
is not fully understood, but researchers believe that external factors, such as viruses and bacteria, may activate certain genes which cause the condition. There is no evidence that the disease is caused by diet, toxins, or allergies; and
Whereas, juvenile
arthritis
has no cure, but can go into remission with early and aggressive treatment. Medication, healthy eating, and physical activity are all commons forms of treatment. Physical therapists and occupational therapists can also work with children who have juvenile
arthritis
to teach them exercises that will help them stay active and accomplish daily tasks. Treatment can be effective in alleviating joint pain, slowing disease progression, and helping avoid joint and organ damage; and
Whereas, the General Assembly recognizes the severity of juvenile
arthritis
and encourages the citizens of this great State to educate themselves on the effects and treatments of this chronic health problem. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, declare July 2024 as Juvenile
Arthritis Awareness Month and urge citizens to be mindful of the condition and its effect on South Carolina's youth.
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