TITLE: Recognizing May 2011 as Fibromyalgia Awareness Month.

SUMMARY: Recognizing May 2011 as Fibromyalgia Awareness Month.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, An estimated 10 million people in the United States and millions of people worldwide have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a disease for which there is no cure and the causes of which are not fully understood; and WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points; although diagnoses of fibromyalgia are becoming increasingly common, it can take multiple consultations and as long as five years to receive a diagnosis because medical professionals are often inadequately educated on the disease; and WHEREAS, Manifested through myriad symptoms that can come and go unpredictably and vary in severity, fibromyalgia is life-altering; people with fibromyalgia are never completely symptom free, compromising their ability to work and to engage in numerous activities, and this takes a toll emotionally, financially, and socially on those who suffer from the disease, as well as on their family and friends; and WHEREAS, Receiving an accurate diagnosis and information is the first step toward better managing the disease, and to this end, the National Fibromyalgia Association, Austin Fibro Friends, and other groups around the country are joining together to promote enhanced education, diagnosis, research, and treatment; and WHEREAS, Increasing public understanding of fibromyalgia is essential to helping lessen the human and financial cost of this disease, and participating in Fibromyalgia Awareness Month is one way to support this effort; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize May 2011 as Fibromyalgia Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to learn more about this chronic pain disorder. Strama Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 957 was adopted by the House on May 12, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House