HR24 Summary

• Designates April 2019 as Self-Care Awareness Month in Alabama to encourage citizens to pay attention to their health.

• Defines self-care as a lifelong daily habit encompassing good hygiene practices, healthy diet, regular exercise, symptom monitoring, and knowing when to seek professional medical assistance.

• Notes that over-the-counter medications save the health care system approximately $7.00 per dollar spent, resulting in $102 billion in annual savings.

• Recognizes that self-care reduces unnecessary health care visits, saving consumers and government money while allowing medical professionals more time with patients requiring specialized care.

• Urges consumers, health care practitioners, policymakers, and regulators to communicate the benefits of self-care.