[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 58 (Tuesday, March 26, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 13703-13704]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7360]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 58 / Tuesday, March 26, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 13703]]

                Proclamation 7533 of March 21, 2002

                
National Bone and Joint Decade, 2002-2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Living a life free from daily bone pain or joint 
                discomfort is something most people take for granted. 
                Our bones, joints, and connective tissues are the 
                structure upon which all other systems of the body 
                depend. They give us strength, mobility, protection, 
                and stability. And they permit us to perform a great 
                variety of physical activities that shape our daily 
                lives.

                Our musculoskeletal structure is a complex system of 
                tissue and bone that is regularly subjected to trauma, 
                metabolic and genetic processes, and the gradual wear 
                and tear of an active life. When these bones and 
                tissues become damaged or diseased, they can create 
                chronic conditions that may seriously impede and 
                sometimes permanently affect one's health and well-
                being.

                In the United States, musculoskeletal disorders are a 
                leading cause of physical disability. Conditions such 
                as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, 
                back pain, spinal disorders, and fractures, also affect 
                hundreds of millions of people around the world. And 
                many children suffer from crippling bone and joint 
                diseases and deformities, impeding normal development 
                and preventing them from experiencing a full and 
                healthy life.

                The incidence of musculoskeletal conditions will 
                increase as the average age of our population 
                increases. And our culture's increasing emphasis on 
                physical activity, while important to society's overall 
                well-being, will also increase the stress factors on 
                bones and joints. Ensuing disorders, if left untreated, 
                could result in significant pain and suffering that 
                would affect employment, well-being, and healthcare 
                costs.

                National Bone and Joint Decade, 2002-2011, envisions a 
                series of international initiatives among physicians, 
                health professionals, patients, and communities, 
                working together to raise awareness about 
                musculoskeletal disorders and promoting research and 
                development into therapies, preventative measures, and 
                cures for these disorders. Advances in the prevention, 
                diagnosis, treatment, and research of musculoskeletal 
                conditions will greatly enhance the quality of life of 
                our aging population.

                The National Institutes of Health, the National 
                Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin 
                Diseases, and other Federal agencies support many bone 
                and joint studies. Industry and private professional 
                and voluntary agencies support other initiatives. This 
                work involves scientists examining the possible genetic 
                causes of bone and joint diseases and studying how 
                hormones, growth factors, and drugs regulate the 
                skeleton. Other researchers are studying bone density, 
                quality, and metabolism, and other ways to increase the 
                longevity of joint replacements for those whose daily 
                activities have become painful, difficult, or even 
                impossible. These research efforts can help relieve 
                pain and suffering and give countless children and 
                adults the opportunity for a better life.

                Thanks to the hard work of these dedicated researchers, 
                we have made great progress in understanding and 
                treating musculoskeletal disorders. I commend their 
                efforts and encourage them to pursue diligently further 
                research that will help those suffering from these 
                disorders. And I hope

[[Page 13704]]

                that all Americans will learn more about 
                musculoskeletal problems, their long- and short-term 
                effects, and the therapies and treatments available to 
                help them.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim the years 2002-2011, as 
                National Bone and Joint Decade. I call upon the people 
                of the United States to observe the decade with 
                appropriate programs and activities; and I call upon 
                the medical community to pursue research in this 
                important area.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-7360
Filed 3-25-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P