HJ135: World Parkinson's Day; designating as April 11, 2022, and each succeeding year thereafter.


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 135
Designating April 11, in 2022 and in each succeeding year, as World Parkinson's Day in Virginia.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 8, 2022
Agreed to by the Senate, March 1, 2022

 

WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease, a degenerative nervous system disorder that progressively impairs movement and physical functions, affects an estimated 10 million people worldwide and an estimated one million people in the United States, with approximately 60,000 Americans diagnosed with the disease each year; and

WHEREAS, the risk of developing Parkinson's disease increases with age, and it is estimated that as many as one percent of adults over 60 are affected by the disease; a small percentage of people with Parkinson's disease may develop it earlier in life; and

WHEREAS, slowness of movement, tremor, and rigidity of the body are among the primary symptoms observed in patients with Parkinson's disease; other symptoms may include difficulty speaking, loss of smell, sleep problems, cognitive difficulties, loss of balance, and depression, among others; and

WHEREAS, the causes of Parkinson's disease are unknown, but it is believed to be linked to environmental factors and in some cases genetic factors; traumatic brain injury and exposure to toxins have been identified as potential risk factors for Parkinson's disease; and

WHEREAS, there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease, but medications and physical and occupational therapy may ease symptoms, and research has shown that exercise may slow the decline in quality of life for some patients; and

WHEREAS, raising awareness will help to create support for further research into Parkinson's disease, which will increase the medical community's understanding of the causes of Parkinson's disease, help doctors to diagnose the disease, help to develop treatments that will ease symptoms and increase quality of life for people with the disease, and potentially lead to a cure for Parkinson's disease; and

WHEREAS, as Virginians recognize Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in April, as designated in 2008 by Senate Joint Resolution 49, they should also join the worldwide community in recognizing World Parkinson's Day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate April 11, in 2022 and in each succeeding year, as World Parkinson's Day in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the Virginia chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association so that members of the organization may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly's website.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 135

Offered January 20, 2022
Designating April 11, in 2022 and in each succeeding year, as World Parkinson's Day in Virginia.
Patron-- Sullivan

Committee Referral Pending

WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease, a degenerative nervous system disorder that progressively impairs movement and physical functions, affects an estimated 10 million people worldwide and an estimated one million people in the United States, with approximately 60,000 Americans diagnosed with the disease each year; and

WHEREAS, the risk of developing Parkinson's disease increases with age, and it is estimated that as many as one percent of adults over 60 are affected by the disease; a small percentage of people with Parkinson's disease may develop it earlier in life; and

WHEREAS, slowness of movement, tremor, and rigidity of the body are among the primary symptoms observed in patients with Parkinson's disease; other symptoms may include difficulty speaking, loss of smell, sleep problems, cognitive difficulties, loss of balance, and depression, among others; and

WHEREAS, the causes of Parkinson's disease are unknown, but it is believed to be linked to environmental factors and in some cases genetic factors; traumatic brain injury and exposure to toxins have been identified as potential risk factors for Parkinson's disease; and

WHEREAS, there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease, but medications and physical and occupational therapy may ease symptoms, and research has shown that exercise may slow the decline in quality of life for some patients; and

WHEREAS, raising awareness will help to create support for further research into Parkinson's disease, which will increase the medical community's understanding of the causes of Parkinson's disease, help doctors to diagnose the disease, help to develop treatments that will ease symptoms and increase quality of life for people with the disease, and potentially lead to a cure for Parkinson's disease; and

WHEREAS, as Virginians recognize Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in April, as designated in 2008 by Senate Joint Resolution 49, they should also join the worldwide community in recognizing World Parkinson's Day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate April 11, in 2022 and in each succeeding year, as World Parkinson's Day in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the Virginia chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association so that members of the organization may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly's website.