[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 515 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

113th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 515

     Designating July 24, 2014, as ``International Self-Care Day''.


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                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 23, 2014

    Mr. Casey (for himself and Mr. Roberts) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
     Designating July 24, 2014, as ``International Self-Care Day''.

Whereas chronic diseases impose high costs in the United States in the forms of 
        human capital, medical expenditures, and economic productivity;
Whereas chronic diseases are the leading cause of disability and death in the 
        United States, and chronic diseases account for 7 out of 10 deaths in 
        the United States;
Whereas approximately 25 percent of individuals with a chronic disease have some 
        limitation on daily living activities and may be restricted from working 
        or attending school;
Whereas chronic diseases account for $3 of every $4 spent on health care in the 
        United States, including--

    (1) $432,000,000,000 spent annually on heart disease and stroke;

    (2) $174,000,000,000 spent annually on diabetes;

    (3) $154,000,000,000 spent annually on lung disease; and

    (4) $148,000,000,000 spent annually on Alzheimer's Disease;

Whereas the adoption of proactive healthy behaviors and lifestyles by 
        individuals will materially reduce the burden of chronic diseases in the 
        United States;
Whereas it is not possible to meet the enormous challenges presented by chronic 
        diseases, the aging of the population, and other demographic changes 
        without engaging individuals to be active participants in maintaining 
        their health and well-being;
Whereas self-care can reduce the human and economic costs of chronic diseases, 
        help individuals achieve better overall health, and prevent or delay 
        many diseases;
Whereas self-care includes simple actions that individuals can take for 
        themselves and their families to stay healthy, treat minor illnesses, 
        and prevent or manage long-term conditions;
Whereas self-care entails a lifelong habit and culture of--

    (1) making healthy lifestyle choices on a daily basis;

    (2) practicing good hygiene to prevent infection and illness;

    (3) avoiding unhealthy and risky actions;

    (4) monitoring for signs and symptoms of changes in health;

    (5) taking care of minor ailments; and

    (6) knowing when to consult a doctor, pharmacist, or other health care 
professional;

Whereas individuals need greater access to tools that enable better self-care, 
        including those that improve health literacy, promote good nutrition and 
        overall wellness, facilitate physical activity, and prevent and manage 
        chronic diseases;
Whereas over-the-counter medicines (commonly known as ``self-care medicines'' in 
        other regions of the world) are some of the most important self-care 
        tools, and help individuals improve wellness, treat everyday ailments, 
        and prevent chronic diseases;
Whereas every $1 spent on over-the-counter medicines in the United States each 
        year saves the health care system in the United States $6 to $7, 
        accounting for $102,000,000,000 in annual savings relative to treatment 
        alternatives;
Whereas self-care and the responsible use of over-the-counter medicines can help 
        individuals avoid unnecessary visits to health care professionals, 
        easing the burden on those health care professionals;
Whereas self-care empowers individuals with higher self-esteem, improves 
        wellness, and reduces the use of health care services;
Whereas individuals in the United States have not sufficiently taken advantage 
        of the potential of self-care to improve health, reduce the burden of 
        chronic disease, and strengthen the sustainability of the health care 
        system in the United States; and
Whereas achieving the full potential of self-care is the shared responsibility 
        of consumers, policymakers, regulators, and health care professionals: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates July 24, 2014, as ``International Self-Care 
        Day'';
            (2) recognizes the importance of improving awareness of 
        self-care and the value self-care represents for the people of 
        the United States;
            (3) encourages patients, government officials, health care 
        professionals, manufacturers and providers of medical products, 
        and the media to use ``International Self-Care Day'' to 
        highlight the benefits of self-care; and
            (4) acknowledges that ``International Self-Care Day'' is 
        recognized by health care organizations and parties with an 
        interest in health care around the world.
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