Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 126 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to aid women through the process of menopause to ensure their health and well-being. This measure supports the United States Food and Drug Administration's campaign to provide women with the latest, most helpful educational information on menopausal hormonal therapy to help them make the best decisions for themselves.

The American Menopause Foundation, Inc., and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals supported this concurrent resolution.

Your Committee finds that with more than 156,000 women in Hawaii over 50 years of age, many are experiencing the effects of menopause. If not properly treated by a trained physician or nurse practitioner, the health risks of pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women can result in an increased number of women afflicted by osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, in addition to living with other symptoms that affect quality of life, such as rapid heart beat and depression. Therefore, it is important that women have the information and treatment they need to maintain a strong and healthy lifestyle.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 126 and recommends its adoption.