RECOGNIZING THE YEARS 2001 THROUGH 2010 AS THE "BONE AND JOINT DECADE".

WHEREAS, one in every seven Americans reports a musculoskeletal impairment; and

WHEREAS, in the United States alone, musculoskeletal conditions were estimated to cost two hundred fifteen billion dollars ($215,000,000,000) per year; and

WHEREAS, musculoskeletal impairments rank as the number one medical affliction for both men and women and for the major racial groups, and arthritis is the leading chronic condition reported by the elderly; and

WHEREAS, musculoskeletal impairments and deformities deprive children of a normal development; and

WHEREAS, in New Mexico, the Carrie Tingley crippled children's hospital has over the years provided superior health care services to children suffering from musculoskeletal impairments; and

WHEREAS, musculoskeletal research currently is on the cusp of major breakthroughs that likely will change and simplify the way bone and joint disorders are treated and prevented throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, many countries and international organizations have joined together to recognize this decade as the "Bone

and Joint Decade" to increase public awareness of this problem and to promote research to find the cure for musculoskeletal impairments;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it recognize the years 2001 through 2010 as the "Bone and Joint Decade"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico orthopaedic society and Carrie Tingley

Crippled children's hospital as an expression of

appreciation.