[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 13 (Monday, April 1, 2002)]
[Pages 509-510]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7533--National Bone and Joint Decade, 2002-2011

 March 21, 2002

 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

[[Page 510]]

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 
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.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 25, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on March 25, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
March 26.