2023 House Resolution 25

Whereas, Self-care is the lifelong daily habit of healthy choices for overall wellness, including good hygiene practices, healthy diet, regular exercise, and personal healthcare for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of infections, injuries, and illness, as well as knowing when to seek assistance from healthcare professionals; and

Whereas, Self-care is a cornerstone of helping to reduce the overall cost of healthcare in Michigan and the country; and

Whereas, Self-care includes making responsible use of over-the-counter and prescription medications, dietary supplements, and medical devices; and

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

Whereas, According to an Information Resources, Inc. study, every dollar spent on over-the-counter medicines saves the healthcare system more than $7, resulting in more than $146 billion in annual savings; and

Whereas, Over-the-counter medical devices like bandages, menstrual products, face masks, and at-home pregnancy and covid test kits used for the purposes of prevention, testing, and treatment are well-accepted cost saving elements of the healthcare system; and

Whereas, Consumption of vitamin and mineral supplements can fill critical nutrient gaps, particularly for lower income families that may experience food insecurities in Michigan; and

Whereas, Michigan benefits when its citizens practice appropriate self-care, do not make unnecessary visits to healthcare professionals reducing the burden on the healthcare system, and are empowered by higher self-esteem, improved health, and overall wellness; and

Whereas, The availability of self-care can help improve personal and public health, save personal and public treasury, and strengthen the sustainability of the broader healthcare system; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare February 2023 as Self-Care Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We encourage consumers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and regulators to communicate the benefits of this practice.