[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 23, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S4771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 515--DESIGNATING JULY 24, 2014, AS ``INTERNATIONAL 
                            SELF-CARE DAY''

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

                              S. Res. 515

       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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