Assembly Resolution No. 1081 BY: M. of A. Tannousis MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2024, as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing serious diseases by proclaiming official months to increase awareness of such concerns, which affect thousands of New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2024, as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Parkinson's Disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement; and WHEREAS, In the United States, 50,000-60,000 new cases of Parkinson's Disease are diagnosed each year, adding to the one million people who currently have Parkinson's Disease; and WHEREAS, Great strides have been made in the battle against Parkinson's Disease; Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month is committed to fighting this horrific disease by finding better ways to prevent, detect, and provide treatment; and WHEREAS, Parkinson's Disease is a substantial health problem in the State of New York and throughout the United States; it strikes disproportionately more men, but also women, with the average age of onset being around 60 years old; and WHEREAS, The symptoms of Parkinson's Disease can vary from person to person; early signs may be subtle and can go unnoticed; symptoms typically begin on one side of the body and usually remain worse on that side even after symptoms begin to affect both sides; and WHEREAS, People suffering with Parkinson's Disease can exhibit many signs and symptoms including tremors, rigidity, slowing of motions, postural instability, depression, emotional changes, difficulty with swallowing and chewing, speech changes, sleep problems, pain and dementia; and WHEREAS, While there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, many different types of medications and surgical options are available for its treatment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2024, as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.