Texas Senate Bill SR442

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Recognizing September 28 through October 2, 2015, as Malnutrition Awareness Week in Texas.

Impact

By acknowledging Malnutrition Awareness Week, SR442 promotes public health awareness across Texas, encouraging healthcare professionals and communities to engage in nutritional screening and therapeutic nutrition practices. The resolution emphasizes that good nutrition can significantly reduce healthcare costs by improving health outcomes and preventing chronic conditions prevalent among certain populations. It aligns with the efforts of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition to draw attention to malnutrition as a critical health issue.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 442 recognizes the week of September 28 to October 2, 2015, as Malnutrition Awareness Week in Texas. The resolution underscores the importance of addressing malnutrition, which can affect individuals of all ages and demographics, particularly vulnerable groups such as older adults and hospital patients. It highlights that malnutrition is not solely the result of undernutrition, but can also occur in overweight individuals who do not receive balanced nutrition. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the condition and its potential impacts on health outcomes and recovery from illness or surgery.

Contention

While SR442 serves to raise awareness about malnutrition, it does not mandate any changes to state laws or healthcare practices in Texas. However, it could stimulate discussions and future legislative efforts aimed at improving nutritional access and support services across the state. The resolution emphasizes the need for better education regarding malnutrition and its implications for health, which may lead to advocacy for increased resources and training for healthcare providers.