Declare Eczema Awareness Month

Assembly Resolution No. 939 BY: M. of A. Rules (Byrne) MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2020, as Eczema Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2020, as Eczema Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Eczema Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough, and sometimes blisters may occur; some people outgrow the condition, while others will continue to have it throughout adulthood; and WHEREAS, Different stages and types of eczema affect 31.6% of people in the United States; most people develop atopic dermatitis before the age of 5 years; half of those who develop the condition in childhood continue to have symptoms as an adult; and WHEREAS, The word eczema is also used specifically to talk about atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema; atopic refers to a collection of diseases involving the immune system, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and hay fever; dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin; and WHEREAS, People with this condition will often experience periods of time where their symptoms flare up or worsen, followed by periods of time where their symptoms will improve or clear up; eczema can be triggered by environmental factors like smoke and pollen, and certain foods such as nuts and dairy; and WHEREAS, Since eczema is not curable, treatment focuses on healing damaged skin and alleviating symptoms; unfortunately, 86% of patients report they are not satisfied with their eczema treatment; and WHEREAS, Eczema can have a serious impact on patient's quality of life and overall health, both physically and mentally; 1 in 5 children face bullying because of their condition, 1/3 of people have been diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression, and 30% of children have sleep disruption 5 or more nights per week; and WHEREAS, Patients and caregivers lost $128 million in wages in 2016 due to eczema, and 2/3 of people say it impacts their job and household chores; and WHEREAS, Eczema can increase patients' risk of developing allergic disorders, as well as other health conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disease; patients may also have an increased risk for multiple types of infection; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, supports the increase in public awareness regarding eczema and its many symptoms; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2020, as Eczema 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.