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TO RECOGNIZE FEBRUARY 26 THROUGH MARCH 4, 2017 AS EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OBSERVANCE OF NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK.
Whereas, the 2017 theme of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is "It's Time to Talk About It." The purpose of the week is to bust myths about eating disorders, teach the facts, and encourage everyone to get screened; and
Whereas, eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions. Too often, signs and symptoms go 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
Whereas, in the United States, twenty million women and ten million men suffer from clinically significant eating disorders at some time in their life. These disorders affect people across all backgrounds and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders; and
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
Whereas, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collaborative effort consisting primarily of volunteers, including eating disorders professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness about the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment access; and
Whereas, eating disorders usually appear in adolescence and are associated with substantial psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Anorexia, as one, has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Eating disorders are also closely linked to trauma, obesity, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices; and
Whereas, many cases of eating disorders go undetected. Less than one-third of youth with eating disorders will receive treatment; and
Whereas, eating disorders experts have found that prompt intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery. Therefore, it is important for educators, medical providers, parents, and community members to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of eating disorders; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Senate recognizes the vital work of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in drawing attention to the serious nature of eating disorders and in 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 resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize February 26 through March 4, 2017 as Eating Disorders Awareness Week in South Carolina, in conjunction with the observance of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Henry McMaster, Governor of the State of South Carolina, the National Eating Disorders Association, and the South Carolina Eating Disorders Association.
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