[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7533]

Proc. 7533

Proclamation 7533 of March 21, 2002

National Bone and Joint Decade, 2002-2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          Living a life free from daily bone pain or joint discomfort is 
          something most people take for granted. Our bones, joints, and 
          connective tissues are the structure upon which all other 
          systems of the body depend. They give us strength, mobility, 
          protection, and stability. And they permit us to perform a 
          great variety of physical activities that shape our daily 
          lives.
          Our musculoskeletal structure is a complex system of tissue 
          and bone that is regularly subjected to trauma, metabolic and 
          genetic processes, and the gradual wear and tear of an active 
          life. When these bones and tissues become damaged or diseased, 
          they can create chronic conditions that may seriously impede 
          and sometimes permanently affect one's health and well-being.

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          In the United States, musculoskeletal disorders are a leading 
          cause of physical disability. Conditions such as osteoporosis, 
          osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, spinal 
          disorders, and fractures, also affect hundreds of millions of 
          people around the world. And many children suffer from 
          crippling bone and joint diseases and deformities, impeding 
          normal development and preventing them from experiencing a 
          full and healthy life.
          The incidence of musculoskeletal conditions will increase as 
          the average age of our population increases. And our culture's 
          increasing emphasis on physical activity, while important to 
          society's overall well-being, will also increase the stress 
          factors on bones and joints. Ensuing disorders, if left 
          untreated, could result in significant pain and suffering that 
          would affect employment, well-being, and healthcare costs.
          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.
          The National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of 
          Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and other 
          Federal agencies support many bone and joint studies. Industry 
          and private professional and voluntary agencies support other 
          initiatives. This work involves scientists examining the 
          possible genetic causes of bone and joint diseases and 
          studying how hormones, growth factors, and drugs regulate the 
          skeleton. Other researchers are studying bone density, 
          quality, and metabolism, and other ways to increase the 
          longevity of joint replacements for those whose daily 
          activities have become painful, difficult, or even impossible. 
          These research efforts can help relieve pain and suffering and 
          give countless children and adults the opportunity for a 
          better life.
          Thanks to the hard work of these dedicated researchers, 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. And I hope that all 
          Americans will learn more about musculoskeletal problems, 
          their long- and short-term effects, and the therapies and 
          treatments available to help them.
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United 
          States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by 
          the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby 
          proclaim the years 2002-2011, as National Bone and Joint 
          Decade. I call upon the people of the United States to observe 
          the decade with appropriate programs and activities; and I 
          call upon the medical community to pursue research in this 
          important area.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-
          first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, 
          and of the Independence of the United States of America the 
          two hundred and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH