TITLE: Designating April 2011 as Parkinson's Awareness Month.

SUMMARY: Designating April 2011 as Parkinson's Awareness Month.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological movement disorder of the central nervous system that has an immense impact on the lives of numerous individuals all around the world; and WHEREAS, Symptoms of Parkinson's include tremors, difficulty with balance and speaking, slowness, rigidity of the limbs and trunk, and cognitive and memory problems; more than one million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease, and it is the second most common neurodegenerative condition in the United States; and WHEREAS, The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, and though new medicines and therapies may enhance life for sufferers for a period of time, there is presently no cure; and WHEREAS, Increased education and research are needed to find more effective treatments with fewer side effects and also to reach the ultimate goal of ending this debilitating disease; and WHEREAS, Providing assistance to individuals and families as they cope with the disorder is another priority; a multidisciplinary approach that includes local wellness, support, and caregiver groups in addition to medical treatment can play an essential role in improving the quality of life for Parkinson's sufferers; and WHEREAS, All of these initiatives are being advanced thanks to the dedicated staff and supporters of several organizations and agencies, including the Parkinson's Action Network, the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, the National Parkinson Foundation, the American Parkinson Disease Association, and the National Institutes of Health; and WHEREAS, While these groups have realized notable progress, more work remains to be done; in order to bring greater attention to this urgent health issue, April is being recognized as Parkinson's Awareness Month all around the world; and WHEREAS, The lives of many Texans have been adversely affected by Parkinson's disease, and it is indeed appropriate that this observance be commemorated in our state in order to continue the battle against this devastating disorder; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate April 2011 as Parkinson's Awareness Month. Craddick President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 137 was adopted by the House on April 21, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 137 was adopted by the Senate on April 26, 2011, by a viva-voce vote. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor