[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 17, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 197--DESIGNATING MAY 6, 1998, as ``NATIONAL DISORDERS 
                            AWARENESS DAY''

  Mr. REID submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 197

       Whereas over 8,000,000 Americans suffer from eating 
     disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and 
     compulsive eating;
       Whereas 1 in 10 individuals with anorexia nervosa will die;
       Whereas 1 in 4 college-age women struggle with an eating 
     disorder;
       Whereas 80 percent of young women believe they are 
     overweight;
       Whereas 52 percent of girls report dieting before the age 
     of 13;
       Whereas 30 percent of 9-year-old girls fear becoming 
     overweight;
       Whereas the incidence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia has 
     doubled over the last decade, and anorexia nervosa and 
     bulimia is striking younger populations;
       Whereas the epidemiologic profile of individuals with 
     eating disorders includes all racial and socio-economic 
     backgrounds;
       Whereas eating disorders cause immeasurable suffering for 
     both victims and families of the victim;
       Whereas individuals suffering from eating disorders lose 
     the ability to function effectively, representing a great 
     personal loss, as well as a loss to society;
       Whereas the treatment of eating disorders is often 
     extremely expensive;
       Whereas there is a widespread educational deficit of 
     information about eating disorders;
       Whereas the majority of cases of eating disorders last from 
     1 to 15 years; and
       Whereas the immense suffering surrounding eating disorders, 
     the high cost of treatment for eating disorders, and the 
     longevity of these illnesses make it imperative that we 
     acknowledge the importance of education, early detection, and 
     prevention programs: Now, therefore, be it
         Resolved, That the Senate designates May 6, 1998, as 
     ``National Eating Disorders Awareness Day'' to heighten 
     awareness and stress prevention of eating disorders.

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