H.R. No. 509



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Every 45 seconds, on average, someone in the United 
States suffers from a stroke; in fact, each year about 700,000 
Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke; and
	WHEREAS, These figures are especially alarming considering 
that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United 
States, ranking behind only diseases of the heart and cancer; in 
2003, stroke accounted for one of every 15 deaths in the United 
States, and in 2002, Texas ranked 13th among the states with the 
highest age-adjusted stroke death rates, with a rate of 
approximately 62.5 deaths per 100,000 in population; and
	WHEREAS, Even for those who survive an initial stroke, the 
aftermath poses serious risk of recurrence, and recovery is 
difficult; 22 percent of men and 25 percent of women who have an 
initial stroke die within a year, and stroke is the leading cause of 
serious, long-term disability in the United States; and
	WHEREAS, Regrettably, certain ethnic groups are more likely 
to suffer from stroke than others; African Americans generally have 
almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with white 
Americans, and African Americans between the ages of 35 and 54 have 
four times the relative risk for stroke; and
	WHEREAS, Despite the prevalence and serious consequences of 
stroke, the majority of Americans are not aware of their risk 
factors for a stroke, nor are they aware of the signs and symptoms 
of an impending stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness of the 
face, arm, or leg; sudden trouble speaking or seeing in one or both 
eyes; sudden dizziness or loss of balance and coordination; and 
sudden severe headache; and
	WHEREAS, In an effort to address these issues, in November 
2005, the American Stroke Association launched its "Power to End 
Stroke" campaign aimed at educating the African American community 
on how to reduce the chances of having a stroke, recognizing the 
symptoms of stroke, and responding to the warning signs that a 
person is suffering or has suffered from a stroke; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, express its support for the 
American Stroke Association's "Power to End Stroke" campaign.

                                                                        Thompson

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 509 was adopted by the House on May 9, 
2006, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House