[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NATIONAL ESSENTIAL TREMOR AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN YODER

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, today, I express my support and recognize 
March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month. Essential Tremor, 
commonly known as ET, is a progressive neurological condition that 
impacts the lives of up to 10 million Americans. Every day those 
afflicted with this disorder face a rhythmic trembling of the hands, 
head, voice, legs or trunk. Daily activities that many of us take for 
granted, such as eating, drinking and writing, may become unbearable or 
even impossible.
  Unfortunately, there is no medical test to easily diagnose this 
condition and it is often confused with Parkinson's disease and 
dystonia. In addition, due to stereotypes, embarrassment and a general 
lack of awareness, many people with ET never seek medical care or 
treatment. This can lead to more medical issues such as depression or 
isolation.
  For these reasons, I appreciate the efforts of my predecessor, Rep. 
Dennis Moore, who recognized the importance of early awareness of this 
condition and in 2010 introduced legislation to declare the month of 
March as National Essential Tremor Awareness month.
  Today, on the second anniversary of the passage of this legislation, 
I am happy to do my part to help increase awareness of this 
debilitating condition. I am honored to represent the home of the 
International Essential Tremor Foundation in Lenexa, Kansas. The IETF 
has served as an invaluable resource for thousands of its members since 
1988, providing global educational information, services and support.
  Most of all, the IETF provides hope. Staff, board members and 
volunteers work tirelessly to empower those with ET in Kansas and 
across the nation to regain control of their lives by providing 
educational opportunities, treatment options and coping skills 
necessary to minimize the impact of ET and improve the quality of life 
for those who suffer. I commend them for their outstanding efforts and 
look forward to working together to raise awareness and eventually, 
find a cure.

                          ____________________