[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 208 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 208


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 17, 2003

Received and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
                                Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
                 Supporting National Men's Health Week.

Whereas, despite the advances in medical technology and research, men continue 
        to live an average of six years less than women, and African-American 
        men have the lowest life expectancy;
Whereas all ten of the ten leading causes of death, as defined by the Centers 
        for Disease Control and Prevention, affect men more than women;
Whereas between ages 45-54, men are three times more likely than women to die of 
        heart attacks;
Whereas men die of heart disease at almost twice the rate of women;
Whereas men die of cancer at almost one and a half times the rate of women;
Whereas testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men aged 15-34, 
        and when detected early, has an 87 percent survival rate;
Whereas the number of cases of colon cancer among men will reach over 72,000 in 
        2003, and over one-third will die from the disease;
Whereas the likelihood that a man will develop prostate cancer is 1 in 6;
Whereas the number of men contracting prostate cancer will reach over 220,000 in 
        2003, and almost 29,000 will die from the disease;
Whereas African-American men in the United States have the highest incidence in 
        the world of prostate cancer;
Whereas significant numbers of male-related health problems, such as prostate 
        cancer, testicular cancer, infertility, and colon cancer, could be 
        detected and treated if men's awareness of these problems was more 
        pervasive;
Whereas more than one-half the elderly widows now living in poverty were not 
        poor before the death of their husbands, and by age 100 women outnumber 
        men 8 to 1;
Whereas educating both the public and health care providers about the importance 
        of early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates 
        of mortality for these diseases;
Whereas appropriate use of tests such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) exams, 
        blood pressure screens, and cholesterol screens, in conjunction with 
        clinical examination and self-testing for problems such as testicular 
        cancer, can result in the detection of many of these problems in their 
        early stages and increases in the survival rates to nearly 100 percent;
Whereas women are 100 percent more likely to visit the doctor for annual 
        examinations and preventive services than men;
Whereas many men are reluctant to visit their health center or physician for 
        regular screening examinations of male related problems for a variety of 
        reasons including fear, lack of health insurance, lack of information, 
        and cost factors;
Whereas National Men's Health Week was established by Congress in and first 
        celebrated in 1994 and urged men and their families to engage in 
        appropriate health behaviors, and the resulting increased awareness has 
        improved health-related education and helped prevent illness;
Whereas the Governors of over 45 States issue proclamations declaring Men's 
        Health Week in their States;
Whereas, since 1994, National Men's Health Week has been celebrated each June by 
        dozens of corporations, public health departments, health care entities, 
        churches, and community organizations, as well as many States, cities, 
        and localities throughout the Nation, that promote health awareness 
        events focused on men and family;
Whereas the National Men's Health Week web site has been established at 
        www.menshealthweek.org and features Governors' proclamations and 
        National Men's Health Week events;
Whereas men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play in 
        prolonging their lifespans and their role as productive family members 
        will be more likely to participate in health screenings;
Whereas men and their families are encouraged to increase their awareness of the 
        importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and medical check-
        ups; and
Whereas June 9 through 15, 2003, is National Men's Health Week, which has the 
        purpose of heightening the awareness of preventable health problems and 
        encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That--
            (1) the Congress supports National Men's Health Week; and
            (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        calling upon the people of the United States and interested 
        groups to observe National Men's Health Week with appropriate 
        ceremonies and activities.

            Passed the House of Representatives July 16, 2003.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.