For immediate releaseApril 1, 2002
For more information, contact: Adrian J. Wright847-384-4034, [email protected]
Claudette Yasell847-384-4035, [email protected]
AAOS continues commitment to National Bone and Joint Decade proclamation gives boost to on-going initiative
Rosemont, Ill. -- President George W. Bush issued a proclamation designating the years 2002-2011 as National Bone and Joint Decade during a press conference held March 27, 2002. "I call upon the people of the United States to the decade with appropriate programs and activities; and call upon the medical community to pursue research in this important area," President Bush stated in the proclamation. "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."
President Bush recognized the efforts of federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, as well as industry and private professional and voluntary agencies engaged in research in this area.
"Thanks to the hard work of these dedicated researches, 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" stated President Bush.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has been a partner in the Bone and Joint Initiative since its inception in 1998, and has worked to bring the burden of disease into the forefront. "This is a tremendous boost to our ongoing efforts to reduce the burden that musculoskeletal conditions place on society," states Stuart L. Weinstein, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, University of Iowa, and the National spokesperson for the Bone and Joint Decade. "The economic impact has been estimated at more than a quarter of a trillion dollars each year, and the human impact is equally enormous. The musculoskeletal system gives us support and the power to move. When things go wrong, people are in pain and their lives become limited. The goal of the Bone and Joint Decade in the U.S. is to keep people moving, to enjoy fuller lives," concluded Dr. Weinstein.
The National Action Network of the Bone and Joint Decade in the United States is made up of 59 patient and physician health care organizations, and is led by a steering committee.
The burden of disease has been identified, and efforts are now being focused on building projects and activities that will ultimately reduce the affect it has on the American society.
"The Decade will emphasize education, prevention and research, and we intend to help empower patients to participate in decisions about their musculoskeletal care," said Weinstein. He continued by stating, "worldwide, 38 national governments have endorsed the Decade, and more than 750 organizations, health ministries, medical groups and journals have signed the declaration of support. With the world's aging population, musculoskeletal conditions will increase, so our program of education and research will have an impact around the world."
The full text of the proclamation is found in the Federal Register, March 26, 2002, and at the White House Website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/03/20020325-5.html.
The 25,500 member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) or (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org), is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.boneandjointdecade.org), the global initiative in the years 2000-2010 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.
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