The IETF Recognizes March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month
Lenexa, KS (PRWEB) February 25, 2014 -- The International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) proudly recognizes the fourth anniversary of House Resolution (H.RES.) 1264, officially designating the month of March as “National Essential Tremor Awareness Month.” Essential tremor, a neurological movement disorder commonly referred to as “ET”, affects nearly 10 million people in the United States and millions more worldwide. The condition is often characterized by rhythmic, involuntary and uncontrollable shaking of the hands and arms during movement, but it sometimes can also affect the head, voice, legs and trunk. ET is very frequently misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease although eight times more common.
While not life threatening, ET is a serious and progressive condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life – socially, professionally and emotionally. People with ET often have difficulty with everyday activities such as getting dressed, eating, drinking, speaking or writing.
Despite the large number of people directly affected by ET, there is still very little awareness of the disorder. The IETF funds research to build a better understanding of ET and its implications. The Foundation works to create awareness so more people, including healthcare professionals, understand the condition and the challenges ET presents patients. Because ET can be treated, it is important for people to seek help early if they exhibit symptoms.
“March is an important time for all those affected by ET,” said Catherine Rice, executive director of the International Essential Tremor Foundation. “We truly believe that where there is awareness, there is hope. The designation of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month provides our organization with another platform to educate the public about the condition, as well as raise much needed funds to find a cure.”
Former Rep. Dennis Moore, the original Resolution’s chief sponsor, first learned of ET when a close personal friend was diagnosed with the condition. “I’ve seen firsthand the everyday struggles that an ET patient must conquer: the difficulty buttoning one’s shirt, the challenge of lifting a glass of water to your mouth or even signing your name,” said Moore. “I thought to myself, if one of my close friends weren’t affected by ET, I wouldn’t even know about this very serious condition and the challenges it presents to patients and their caregivers. That’s a problem that I hope the passage of this bill will change.”
More information about National Essential Tremor Awareness Month is available on the IETF website, http://www.essentialtremor.org/et-awareness-month/.
About The International Essential Tremor Foundation:
Headquartered in Lenexa, KS, and founded in 1988, the International Essential Tremor Foundation is the leading organization in the world dedicated to those affected by essential tremor. The mission of the IETF is to fund research that will find the cause of essential tremor and lead to better treatments and a cure, increase awareness about ET, and provide educational materials, tools and support to healthcare providers, the public, and those directly affected by ET.
The IETF has distributed more than $685,000 in research grants, to fund 27 promising studies, in the search for the cause of ET. The Foundation has hosted numerous community awareness events across the U.S. to provide those affected with the basic knowledge necessary to become their own advocate when seeking treatment. And, the IETF also provides assistance to a vast network of support groups around the world. To learn more about essential tremor and the IETF mission, visit the IETF website at http://www.essentialtremor.org.
Contact:
Catherine Rice
crice(at)essentialtremor(dot)org
913.341.3880
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Catherine Rice, Int'l Essential Tremor Foundation, http://www.essentialtremor.org, +1 (888) 387-3667, [email protected]
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