For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 25,
2002 National Bone and Joint Decade Proclamation National Bone
and Joint Decade, 2002-2011 By the President of the United
States of America 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. In the United States, musculoskeletal disorders
are a leading cause of physical dis