1Recognizing October 29, 2013, as "Psoriasis Day" in Pennsylvania
2on behalf of the many individuals who suffer from psoriasis
3and psoriatic arthritis.

4WHEREAS, Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disease that
5appears on the skin as red, itchy and scaly patches, affecting
6nearly 320,000 Pennsylvanians, 7.5 million Americans and 125
7million persons worldwide; and

8WHEREAS, Numerous studies have concluded that psoriasis is
9linked to many other serious medical conditions, such as
10psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer and
11lymphoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity
12and metabolic syndrome, diabetes, depression, sexual dysfunction
13and sleep apnea; and

14WHEREAS, An observational study conducted by the American
15Medical Association found that patients with psoriasis have an
16increased risk of peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular

1disease and ischemic heart disease; and

2WHEREAS, The Department of Dermatology at the University of
3Pennsylvania declared that the risk of death for cardiovascular
4disease increases by 57% for individuals living with psoriasis;
5and

6WHEREAS, The International Federation of Psoriasis
7Associations (IFPA) is a nonprofit organization of psoriasis
8support organizations around the world whose focus is to
9advocate for improved medical care and increased research
10programs as well as educate the public about this disease; and

11WHEREAS, The IFPA has celebrated "World Psoriasis Day"
12annually since 2004 to rally support for psoriasis sufferers and
13to discuss significant issues affecting the world's psoriasis
14community; and

15WHEREAS, The goal of the IFPA in establishing "World
16Psoriasis Day" is to raise awareness, improve access to
17treatment, increase understanding and build unity amongst the
18general public and people afflicted with psoriasis; and

19WHEREAS, The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is the
20leading organization in the nation advocating on behalf of those
21suffering from psoriasis as well as raising funds for research
22programs focused on finding a cure for this condition; and

23WHEREAS, The NPF also represents the United States in the
24IFPA; and

25WHEREAS, October 29, 2013, marks the 10th anniversary of
26"World Psoriasis Day," so designated by the IFPA in order to
27increase public awareness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis;
28therefore be it

29RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize October
3029, 2013, as "Psoriasis Day" in support of the efforts of the

1advocacy groups in Pennsylvania, across the nation and around
2the globe that are dedicated to raising public awareness about
3this serious condition.