ENROLLED
2018 First Extraordinary Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 5
BY REPRESENTATIVE MORENO
A RESOLUTION
To recognize February 2018 as Self-Care Month in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, self-care involves the lifelong cultivation of daily habits for healthy
living and includes healthy lifestyle choices, good hygiene practices, nutritious diet, regular
exercise, prevention of infection and illness, the avoidance of unhealthy choices, continuous
monitoring for signs and symptoms of changes in health, knowledge of when to consult a
healthcare practitioner, and knowledge of when it is appropriate to self-treat symptoms and
conditions; and
WHEREAS, self-care includes making responsible use of all medications, both
prescription and over-the-counter; and
WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration deems over-the-
counter medicines to be safe and effective for the treatment of minor acute and chronic
health symptoms such as pain, the common cold, allergies, and other conditions; and
WHEREAS, over-the-counter medicines are either developed as new nonprescription
medicines or are switched from existing prescription medicines; and
WHEREAS, over-the-counter medicines are self-care products that consumers
purchase in pharmacies, supermarkets, and retail stores and from online vendors; and
WHEREAS, every dollar spent on over-the-counter medicines saves the United
States healthcare system six to seven dollars, totaling 102 billion dollars in annual savings;
and
WHEREAS, over-the-counter medicines eliminate unnecessary medical
examinations, thus helping to ease the burden on healthcare practitioners; and
WHEREAS, increased practices of self-care can improve personal and public health,
save money, and strengthen the broader healthcare system; and
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WHEREAS, Louisiana benefits when its citizens practice appropriate self-care; and
WHEREAS, achieving self-care's potential represents a shared opportunity for
consumers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and regulators.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize February 2018 as self-care month in the state
of Louisiana; does hereby recognize the importance of improving awareness of self-care
among the citizens of Louisiana; and does hereby support increased consumer empowerment
through the development of new over-the-counter medicines and the increased use of non-
prescription medicines in appropriate circumstances.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives hereby encourages
consumers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and regulators to communicate the
benefits of self-care to the citizens of the state of Louisiana.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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