SENATE MEMORIAL 73

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

John C. Ryan

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE FEBRUARY 2016 "SELF-CARE MONTH" IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, self-care is a lifelong daily habit of making healthy lifestyle choices, good hygiene practices, the prevention of infection and illness, the avoidance of unhealthy choices, monitoring for signs and symptoms of changes in health, the knowledge of when to consult a health care practitioner and knowing when it is appropriate to self-treat conditions; and

     WHEREAS, the United States food and drug administration deems over-the-counter medicines safe and effective for the self-care treatment of minor acute and chronic health conditions and symptoms such as pain, the common cold, allergies and other conditions that affect large segments of the population; and

     WHEREAS, over-the-counter medications are either developed as new nonprescription medicines or are substituted for existing prescription medicines; and

     WHEREAS, over-the-counter nonprescription medicines are self-care products that consumers purchase in pharmacies, supermarkets, retail stores and online; and

     WHEREAS, nonprescription medicines help to ease the burden on health care practitioners, eliminating unnecessary medical examinations that could be avoided with appropriate self-care; and

     WHEREAS, people benefit when they practice appropriate self-care and do not unnecessarily visit health care practitioners, and are thus empowered by higher self-esteem, improved health and reduced use of health care services; and

     WHEREAS, people benefit from the potential of self-care to improve personal and public health and to save money; and

     WHEREAS, over-the-counter medications have the potential to improve, and reduce costs to, the public health system; and

     WHEREAS, achieving the potential of self-care is a shared opportunity for consumers, health care practitioners, policymakers and regulators;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to declare February 2016 "Self-Care Month" in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the importance of improving awareness of self-care and the value it represents to consumers be recognized; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that consumer empowerment be encouraged through the development of new nonprescription medicines and the appropriate substitution of certain prescription medicines with nonprescription drugs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that consumers, health care practitioners, policymakers and regulators be encouraged to recognize the benefits of self-care; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chair of the New Mexico medical board and the superintendent of regulation and licensing.

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