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TO RECOGNIZE FEBRUARY 25 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2019 AS "EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO COINCIDE WITH NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK, AND TO RECOGNIZE FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019 AS "EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the 2019 theme of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is "Come as You Are" and aims to highlight a movement toward inclusivity in the greater eating disorder community and the goal of unifying the field of eating disorders. In particular, this year's theme sends a message to individuals at all stages of body acceptance and eating disorder recovery that their stories are valid; and
Whereas, eating disorders usually appear in adolescence, and an estimated four thousand adolescents in South Carolina struggle with an eating disorder; and
Whereas, eating disorders are serious conditions that are potentially life-threatening and have a great impact on both a person's physical and emotional health. Eating disorders are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices, and are often associated with substantial psychological problems, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide. In fact, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness; and
Whereas, many individuals, families, and communities are unaware of the devastating mental and physical consequences of eating disorders, as well as the pressures, attitudes, and behaviors that shape them. Too often, the signs and symptoms of eating disorders are overlooked; and
Whereas, less than one-third of youth with eating disorders will receive treatment, but eating disorder experts have found that prompt intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery. Therefore, it is important for educators, medical providers, parents, and community members to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of eating disorders; and
Whereas, the National Eating Disorders Association strives to address the many misconceptions regarding eating disorders and to highlight the availability of resources for treatment and support, and the South Carolina Eating Disorders Association further provides critical support for families and friends, raises community awareness, offers educational programs, and promotes quality care and early intervention; and
Whereas, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collaborative effort consisting primarily of volunteers, including eating disorder professionals, health care providers, students, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment access; and
Whereas, the General Assembly of South Carolina recognizes the vital work of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in promoting public and media attention to the seriousness of eating disorders and for working to improve education about their biological and environmental causes, as well as how to help those who are struggling with these debilitating diseases. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize February 25 through March 3, 2019 as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in the State of South Carolina, to coincide with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and recognize Friday, March 1, 2019 as "Eating Disorders Awareness Day" in South Carolina.
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