SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 229

	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 Senate of the State of Texas, 
79th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, express its support for the 
American Stroke Association's "Power to End Stroke" campaign.
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 12, 2006.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate