SR-150, As Adopted by Senate, March 1, 2016

            Senator Schuitmaker offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 150.

            A resolution recognizing February 2016 as Self-Care Month.

            Whereas, Self-care is a lifelong daily habit of healthy lifestyle choices, good hygiene practices, prevention of infection and illness, avoiding unhealthy choices, monitoring for signs and symptoms of changes in health, knowing when to consult a health care practitioner, and being aware of when it is appropriate to self-treat conditions; and

            Whereas, The United States Food and Drug Administration deems over-the-counter medicines safe and effective for the self-care treatment of minor acute and chronic health conditions and symptoms, such as pain, the common cold, allergies, and other conditions that impact large segments of the population; and

            Whereas, Over-the-counter medicines are either developed as new nonprescription medicines or switched from existing prescription medicines; and

            Whereas, Over-the-counter nonprescription medicines are self-care products that consumers purchase in pharmacies, supermarkets, retail stores, and online; and

            Whereas, Every dollar spent on over-the-counter medicines saves the United States health care system $6 to $7 each year, totaling $102 billion in annual savings; and

            Whereas, Nonprescription medicines help to ease the burden on health care practitioners, eliminating unnecessary medical examinations that could be avoided with appropriate self-care; and

            Whereas, Michigan benefits when its citizens practice appropriate self-care; do not unnecessarily visit health care practitioners; and  are empowered  by higher self-esteem, improved health, and reduced use of health care services; and

            Whereas, Michigan encourages its citizens to take advantage of the potential for self-care to improve personal and public health, save personal and public treasury, and strengthen the sustainability of the Michigan health care system; and

            Whereas, Achieving the potential of self-care is a shared opportunity for consumers, health care practitioners, policymakers, and regulators; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we recognize the importance of improving awareness of self-care and the value it represents to the citizens of Michigan; acknowledge that over-the-counter medicines can greatly improve and reduce costs to the public health system; and encourage consumers, health care practitioners, policymakers, and regulators to communicate the benefits of self-care; and be it further

            Resolved, That we recognize February 2016 as Self-Care Month in Michigan.