WHEREAS, more than nine million Americans suffer with gout, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, caused by uric acid build-up in the joints; and
WHEREAS, men may develop gout in middle age, women are more likely to develop gout after menopause, and younger people rarely develop the disease; and
WHEREAS, gout causes sudden, excruciating attacks and impacts a patient’s daily quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Black Americans are two to three times more likely to develop gout than White Americans, yet Black Americans are less likely to be prescribed urate-lowering medications or receive ongoing routine provider care; and
WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders are also at an increased risk of gout, with 39 percent of the Hmong population showing signs of gout prior to age 30; and
WHERAS, certain factors may increase one's chances of developing gout, including having high urate levels, a family history of gout, increasing age, drinking alcohol, eating foods rich in animal-sourced purines that break down into urate, and drinking beverages that have high-fructose corn syrup, such as soda; and
WHEREAS, a lack of awareness and misinformation may hinder treatment, but heightened public awareness can reduce the unfair stigma people with gout experience and empower patients to seek quality care and timely treatment;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2023, as “GOUT AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.