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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Restless Legs Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom |
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disease, is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by |
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uncomfortable and even painful sensations in the legs and an almost |
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irresistible urge to move them; and |
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WHEREAS, An estimated 10 million adults in the U.S. suffer |
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from Restless Legs Syndrome, which can afflict persons of any age, |
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race, or sex; as symptoms may seem abstract and difficult to |
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describe to others, many sufferers delay or forgo seeking medical |
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attention, with more than half waiting 10 years or longer to obtain |
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a diagnosis; and |
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WHEREAS, Restless Legs Syndrome can profoundly impact a |
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patient's overall quality of life, as sensations are often |
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aggravated by inactivity and rest; this may result in a loss of |
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sleep that can severely impair concentration and work productivity, |
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and patients may have pronounced difficulty with sedentary |
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activities like watching television or riding in a vehicle for an |
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extended period of time; and |
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WHEREAS, While there is no known cure for Restless Legs |
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Syndrome, milder forms of the condition can be eased through |
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certain lifestyle changes, such as increased exercise and improved |
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sleep hygiene, and prescription medications can help manage |
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symptoms in more extreme cases; and |
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WHEREAS, Various advocacy organizations across the nation |
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and around the world are marking September 23, 2013, with |
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activities to help raise awareness of this incapacitating and |
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too-often undiagnosed disease; although research, education, and |
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breakthroughs in treatment have helped to provide much-needed |
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relief for its sufferers, more must be done to ensure that patients |
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receive adequate support in dealing with their condition, and this |
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observance is a valuable effort toward that goal; now, therefore, |
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be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby designate September 23, 2013, as Restless Legs |
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Syndrome--Willis-Ekbom Disease Awareness Day in Texas and |
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encourage all residents to learn more about this disorder. |