THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY D. COSTA, PARKER, BAKER, BARBIN, BRENNAN, CALTAGIRONE, COHEN, DiGIROLAMO, DONATUCCI, GEIST, GEORGE, GINGRICH, HACKETT, HENNESSEY, KILLION, KORTZ, KOTIK, MATZIE, MILLARD, MOUL, M. O'BRIEN, RAVENSTAHL, ROCK, SANTONI, STABACK, VEREB, VULAKOVICH, YOUNGBLOOD, GOODMAN, MANN AND DeLUCA, OCTOBER 26, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, OCTOBER 26, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing October 29, 2011, as "Psoriasis Day" in Pennsylvania

on behalf of the many individuals who suffer from psoriasis

and psoriatic arthritis.

WHEREAS, Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disease that

appears on the skin as red, itchy and scaly patches, affecting

nearly 320,000 Pennsylvanians, 7.5 million Americans and 125

million persons worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Numerous studies have concluded that psoriasis is

linked to many other serious medical conditions, such as

psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer and

lymphoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity

and metabolic syndrome, diabetes, depression, sexual dysfunction

and sleep apnea; and

WHEREAS, An observational study conducted by the American

Medical Association found that patients with psoriasis have an

increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular

disease and ischemic heart disease; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Dermatology at the University of

Pennsylvania declared that the risk of death for cardiovascular

disease increases by 57% for individuals living with psoriasis;

and

WHEREAS, The International Federation of Psoriasis

Associations (IFPA) is a nonprofit organization of psoriasis

support organizations around the world whose focus is to

advocate for improved medical care and increased research

programs as well as educate the public about this disease; and

WHEREAS, The IFPA has celebrated "World Psoriasis Day"

annually since 2004 to rally support for psoriasis sufferers and

to discuss significant issues affecting the world's psoriasis

community; and

WHEREAS, The goal of the IFPA in establishing "World

Psoriasis Day" is to raise awareness, improve access to

treatment, increase understanding and build unity amongst the

general public and people afflicted with psoriasis; and

WHEREAS, The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is the

leading organization in the nation advocating on behalf of those

suffering from psoriasis as well as raising funds for research

programs focused on finding a cure for this condition; and

WHEREAS, The NPF also represents the United States in the

IFPA; and

WHEREAS, October 29, 2011, marks the 8th anniversary of

"World Psoriasis Day," so designated by the IFPA in order to

increase public awareness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize October

29, 2011, as "Psoriasis Day" in support of the efforts of the

advocacy groups in Pennsylvania, across the nation and around

the globe that are dedicated to raising public awareness about

this serious condition.