PRINTER'S NO. 3398
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
854
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY SCHWEYER, NEILSON, READSHAW, TOOHIL, HENNESSEY,
SCHLOSSBERG, BIZZARRO, PICKETT, DiGIROLAMO, CALTAGIRONE,
RYAN, SCHLEGEL CULVER, MILLARD, LONGIETTI, DAVIS, R. BROWN,
BARBIN, MURT, McCLINTON, WARD, YOUNGBLOOD, J. McNEILL, DALEY,
MARSICO AND BRADFORD, APRIL 19, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 19, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing May 12, 2018, as "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly referred to
as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is a disorder
characterized by a substantial disability that affects daily
activities and profound fatigue that is not relieved by rest;
and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of ME/CFS include severe fatigue,
unrefreshing sleep, problems thinking and concentrating, muscle
and joint pain and worsened memory; and
WHEREAS, ME/CFS may get worse after any physical or mental
activity, due to a symptom known as postexertional malaise; and
WHEREAS, Although it is most common in women and people
between 40 and 60 years of age, ME/CFS affects people of all
ages, races and ethnicities; and
WHEREAS, Researchers estimate that anywhere between 836,000
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and 2.5 million Americans suffer from ME/CFS, but only an
estimated 10% have been correctly diagnosed; and
WHEREAS, ME/CFS is often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed due
to the fact that there is no test to confirm it; and
WHEREAS, The symptoms of ME/CFS appear similar to those of
many other illnesses; and
WHEREAS, ME/CFS may make it hard to maintain employment, go
to school and take part in family and social life; and
WHEREAS, ME/CFS costs the United States economy approximately
$17 to $24 billion annually in medical bills and lost incomes;
and
WHEREAS, The cause of ME/CFS is unknown; and
WHEREAS, There is no known cure, but certain ME/CFS symptoms
may be treated or managed; and
WHEREAS, May 12
has been recognized as "Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day" in
honor of Florence Nightingale, who was believed to have suffered
from this disorder; and
WHEREAS, "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Awareness Day" is observed around the world to bring awareness
to patients with the disorder as well as families, caregivers
and researchers who work with or have been impacted by this
disorder; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize May 12,
2018, as "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania and support efforts to find a
cure.
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