Florida Formally Designates March 2004 as "Endometriosis Awareness Month"
HR 9023 is Second Such Recognition by State
(PRWEB) March 20 2004--The Endometriosis Research Center is extremely pleased
to announce the passage of HR 9023, a House Resolution formally recognizing the
need for awareness concerning the disease, Endometriosis.
Co-sponsored by
Representatives Stacy Ritter (D-Broward) and Rene Garcia (R-Dade), HR 9023
formally "recognizes the worthy efforts of the Endometriosis Research Center and
declares March 2004 as Endometriosis Awareness Month." HR 9023 is the second
such Resolution passed by the Florida House of Representatives, following HR
9007 in 2003. Florida joins Michigan, Pennsylvania and California as states that
continue to support Endometriosis awareness through the passage of formal
legislation. Additionally, the ERC previously announced the passage of H. Con.
Res 291, the first-ever National Endometriosis Awareness Resolution, unanimously
passed by the 107th Congress of the United States.
Endometriosis is a
painful reproductive disease afflicting over 7 million women and teens in the
United States alone, with an estimated 80 million more worldwide. The disease is
a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic
surgery, and accounts for nearly half of all hysterectomies performed in the
United States annually. Often minimized as simply "killer cramps," recent
studies have shown an elevated risk of certain cancers in women with
Endometriosis, as well as malignant changes in the disease itself. With
Endometriosis, tissue like that which lines the uterus (the endometrium) is
found implanted in other areas of the body. These implants still respond to
hormonal commands each month and break down and bleed. However, unlike the
lining of the uterus, which is normally shed during menstruation, these implants
have no way of leaving the body. The result is internal bleeding, inflammation
of the surrounding areas and formation of painful scar tissue. Depending on the
location of the growths, interference with - and even obstruction of - the
bowel, bladder, intestines or surrounding organs can occur. Though less common,
Endometriosis can also be found on areas like the lungs and sciatic
nerve.
Endometriosis can only be diagnosed through surgery like the
laparoscopy, though emerging research holds promise for future non-invasive
diagnostic techniques. Symptoms include painful pelvic cramping with or without
menses, pain associated with sexual activity, backache, urinary tract symptoms,
bowel symptoms, recurrent pregnancy loss, and infertility. Endometriosis can
affect females of all ages, including adolescents and post-menopausal women.
Treatments include medical, surgical and alternative therapies, but there is no
definitive cure. The disease is often misdiagnosed, particularly in younger
women and teens, and remains widely misunderstood by many in the medical and lay
communities.
The ERC has traditionally celebrated March as Endometriosis
Awareness Month since the organization was founded by Executive Director
Michelle E. Marvel in early 1997. By sponsoring several educational, legislative
and fundraising events throughout the entire month of March, the organization
hopes that such awareness activities and legislation like HR 9023 will help
educate the public about Endometriosis and encourage additional research, more
effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
The ERC is an established
501(c)3 non profit organization which was founded to address the growing
International need for Endometriosis research, education, awareness and support.
To learn more about the disease, the ERC's legislative awareness efforts,
Endometriosis Awareness Month and much more, please contact the Endometriosis
Research Center at 800/239-7280 or via the web at endocenter.org.
Related
Links:
http://www.endocenter.org
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov
Endometriosis Research
Center
a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, tax-deductible organization
Internet: http://www.endocenter.org
International Headquarters: 630
Ibis Drive | Delray Beach, FL 33444 | USA
Phone: (561) 274-7442 | Toll Free
(800) 239-7280 | Fax: (561) 274-0931
# # #
Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/3/prweb112397.htm