As part of National Essential Tremor Awareness Month, the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) is delighted to announce that Dannel Malloy, governor of Connecticut, will officially proclaim the state’s support of National Essential Tremor Awareness Month; joining others nationwide in recognizing the need to learn more and seek greater understanding of a condition that affects millions of Americans. Local IETF support group leader Helen Moser from Stratford was instrumental in securing this proclamation.
Essential tremor, a neurological movement disorder commonly referred to as ET, affects an estimated 10 million people in the US alone. 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 often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease.
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. And despite the large number of people directly affected by ET there is still very little awareness of the disorder.
“March is an important time for all those affected by ET,” IETF Executive Director Catherine Rice said. “We believe that increased awareness will bring about better treatment options and a cure for this life-altering condition. 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.”
The IETF provides support and education, advocates for greater awareness, and provides funding for critical research into the causes of and a cure for essential tremor. March 2015 marks the fifth anniversary of House Resolution (H.RES.) 1264, sponsored by former Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District - Kansas), officially designating the month of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month.