Florida Formally Designates March 2004 as "Endometriosis Awareness Month"
HR 9023 is Second Such Recognition by State
(PRWEB) March 20, 2004
The Endometriosis Research Center is extremely pleased to announce the passage of HR 9023, a House Resolution formally recognizing the need for awareness concerning the disease, Endometriosis.
Co-sponsored by Representatives Stacy Ritter (D-Broward) and Rene Garcia (R-Dade), HR 9023 formally "recognizes the worthy efforts of the Endometriosis Research Center and declares March 2004 as Endometriosis Awareness Month." HR 9023 is the second such Resolution passed by the Florida House of Representatives, following HR 9007 in 2003. Florida joins Michigan, Pennsylvania and California as states that continue to support Endometriosis awareness through the passage of formal legislation. Additionally, the ERC previously announced the passage of H. Con. Res 291, the first-ever National Endometriosis Awareness Resolution, unanimously passed by the 107th Congress of the United States.
Endometriosis is a painful reproductive disease afflicting over 7 million women and teens in the United States alone, with an estimated 80 million more worldwide. The disease is a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and gynecologic surgery, and accounts for nearly half of all hysterectomies performed in the United States annually. Often minimized as simply "killer cramps," recent studies have shown an elevated risk of certain cancers in women with Endometriosis, as well as malignant changes in the disease itself. With Endometriosis, tissue like that which lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found implanted in other areas of the body. These implants still respond to hormonal commands each month and break down and bleed. However, unlike the lining of the uterus, which is normally shed during menstruation, these implants have no way of leaving the body. The result is internal bleeding, inflammation of the surrounding areas and formation of painful scar tissue. Depending on the location of the growths, interference with - and even obstruction of - the bowel, bladder, intestines or surrounding organs can occur. Though less common, Endometriosis can also be found on areas like the lungs and sciatic nerve.
Endometriosis can only be diagnosed through surgery like the laparoscopy, though emerging research holds promise for future non-invasive diagnostic techniques. Symptoms include painful pelvic cramping with or without menses, pain associated with sexual activity, backache, urinary tract symptoms, bowel symptoms, recurrent pregnancy loss, and infertility. Endometriosis can affect females of all ages, including adolescents and post-menopausal women. Treatments include medical, surgical and alternative therapies, but there is no definitive cure. The disease is often misdiagnosed, particularly in younger women and teens, and remains widely misunderstood by many in the medical and lay communities.
The ERC has traditionally celebrated March as Endometriosis Awareness Month since the organization was founded by Executive Director Michelle E. Marvel in early 1997. By sponsoring several educational, legislative and fundraising events throughout the entire month of March, the organization hopes that such awareness activities and legislation like HR 9023 will help educate the public about Endometriosis and encourage additional research, more effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
The ERC is an established 501(c)3 non profit organization which was founded to address the growing International need for Endometriosis research, education, awareness and support. To learn more about the disease, the ERC's legislative awareness efforts, Endometriosis Awareness Month and much more, please contact the Endometriosis Research Center at 800/239-7280 or via the web at endocenter. org.
Related Links:
Http://www. endocenter. org (http://www. endocenter. org)
Http://www. myfloridahouse. gov (http://www. myfloridahouse. gov)
Endometriosis Research Center
A 501(c)3 tax-exempt, tax-deductible organization
Internet: http://www. endocenter. org (http://www. endocenter. org)
International Headquarters: 630 Ibis Drive | Delray Beach, FL 33444 | USA
Phone: (561) 274-7442 | Toll Free (800) 239-7280 | Fax: (561) 274-0931
