Florida Senate - 2024                             (NP)    SR 360
       
       
        
       By Senator Perry
       
       
       
       
       
       9-00769-24                                             2024360__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing June 2024, and each June
    3         thereafter, as “Scoliosis Awareness Month” in Florida.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine
    6  which can lead to lifelong health issues and affects an
    7  estimated 7 million people in the United States and almost
    8  550,000 people in this state, and
    9         WHEREAS, left untreated, scoliosis can worsen and may cause
   10  chronic back pain, impact heart and lung function, limit
   11  mobility, damage self-esteem, and diminish the overall quality
   12  of life, and
   13         WHEREAS, most are diagnosed with scoliosis between the ages
   14  of 10 and 15, but the condition also affects infants and adults,
   15  regardless of race, class, or gender, with curve acceleration
   16  occurring, on average, just before age 12, and
   17         WHEREAS, increasing public awareness is important for
   18  health care professionals, teachers, parents, and children to
   19  understand and recognize the early signs of scoliosis and to
   20  help those affected to seek professional treatment, avoiding
   21  what could become a complex spinal deformity, and
   22         WHEREAS, health care screening for the condition is
   23  noninvasive and takes about 30 seconds, allowing for early
   24  detection and treatment, which can lessen the long-term effects
   25  of scoliosis, and
   26         WHEREAS, the Department of Education, in cooperation with
   27  the Department of Health, through the school health services
   28  program, screens for scoliosis and monitors growth and
   29  development to help minimize health barriers for students in
   30  grades pre-K through 12, and
   31         WHEREAS, Governor Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General
   32  Dr. Joseph Ladapo are working together to protect, promote, and
   33  improve the health of all Floridians by making public health
   34  resources available through state, county, and community
   35  efforts, and
   36         WHEREAS, Scoliosis Awareness Month is an opportunity to
   37  renew our commitment to increasing awareness of scoliosis and
   38  bettering our understanding of this condition through research
   39  and innovation, NOW, THEREFORE,
   40  
   41  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   42  
   43         That June 2024, and each June thereafter, is recognized as
   44  “Scoliosis Awareness Month” in Florida.