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 Proc. 7533 Title 3--The President In the United States, musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of phys- ical 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 crip- pling bone and joint diseases and deformities, impeding normal develop- ment 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 un- treated, could result in significant pain and suffering that would affect em- ployment, well-being, and healthcare costs. National Bone and Joint Decade, 2002-2011, envisions a series of inter- national initiatives among physicians, health professionals, patients, and communities, working together to raise awareness about musculoskeletal disorders and promoting research and development into therapies, prevent- ative measures, and cures for these disorders. Advances in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research of musculoskeletal conditions will great- ly 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 vol- untary agencies support other initiatives. This work involves scientists ex- amining the possible genetic causes of bone and joint diseases and studying how hormones, growth factors, and drugs regulate the skeleton. Other re- searchers 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 re- search efforts can help relieve pain and suffering and give countless chil- dren 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 re- search 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 Na- tional 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 Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH 60

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