HR 9003

1	House Resolution
2	A resolution recognizing September 2008 as "Hydrocephalus
3	Awareness Month" in Florida.
4
5	WHEREAS, hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition,
6	characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in
7	the ventricles of the brain, and
8	WHEREAS, there is no known cure for hydrocephalus, which
9	affects an estimated one million Americans, and
10	WHEREAS, approximately two in every 1,000 babies are born
11	with hydrocephalus, and
12	WHEREAS, over 375,000 older Americans have hydrocephalus,
13	which often goes undetected or is misdiagnosed as dementia,
14	Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease, and
15	WHEREAS, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, people
16	with hydrocephalus are able to live full and productive lives,
17	and
18	WHEREAS, the standard treatment for hydrocephalus was
19	developed in 1952 and carries multiple risks, including shunt
20	failure, infection, and over drainage, and
21	WHEREAS, there are fewer than 10 centers in the United
22	States specializing in the treatment of adults with normal
23	pressure hydrocephalus, and
24	WHEREAS, a September 2005 conference sponsored by seven
25	institutes of the National Institutes of Health, entitled
26	"Hydrocephalus: Myths, New Facts, Clear Directions," resulted in
27	efforts to initiate new, collaborative research and treatment
28	efforts, and
29	WHEREAS, the Hydrocephalus Association is one of the
30	nation's oldest and largest patient and research advocacy and
31	support networks for individuals suffering from hydrocephalus,
32	and
33	WHEREAS, further research into the epidemiology,
34	pathophysiology, disease burden, and improved treatment of
35	hydrocephalus can be conducted and supported, and
36	WHEREAS, public awareness and professional education
37	regarding hydrocephalus can increase through partnerships
38	between the State of Florida and patient-advocacy organizations,
39	such as the Hydrocephalus Association, NOW, THEREFORE,
40
41	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
42	Florida:
43
44	That September 2008 is recognized as "Hydrocephalus
45	Awareness Month" in Florida so that Floridians can become more
46	familiar with hydrocephalus and the individuals dedicated to
47	finding the cure for, and improving the treatment of,
48	hydrocephalus.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.