[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I come before this body today in honor of 
Arthritis Awareness Month. This month is set aside to increase the 
public's knowledge about arthritis, and the many related diseases which 
affect the joints, bones, muscles, skin, and other connective tissues.
  Arthritis and its related diseases are among the most common causes 
of chronic pain, disability, and disfigurement in Americans today. 
These diseases occur at all ages, impair the quality of life, and many 
require medical care and attention over long periods of time.
  Health experts estimate that by the year 2020, when the Baby Boom 
generation approaches the prime years for the onset of chronic 
illnesses, 60 million Americans will have arthritis, a 50 percent 
increase over today's estimate.
  Currently, the combined cost to society of medical care and lost 
wages for arthritis and related diseases is estimated to be at least 
$143 billion a year.
  Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability in America. It can limit 
everyday activities, such as dressing, climbing stairs, and getting in 
and out of bed, for approximately 7 million Americans. This figure is 
expected to increase to 12 million by the year 2020.
  Though these figures are astounding, they do not truly make an impact 
until arthritis touches your family. That is what has happened to me. 
In early 1990, my wife of 31 years, Joe Anne, was experiencing pain in 
her hands.
  After repeated visits to our family doctor, we discovered she has 
arthritis in her hands. My wife is a very active, determined, and 
energetic woman. For example, when she was pregnant with our daughter 
Ashley, Joe Anne delivered calves on her father's farm. For years she 
was a high school teacher in our hometown. Now she devotes her time and 
energy to the horses she has bred and trained for years.
  Though she has not allowed her arthritis to stop her activities, she 
is in constant pain and has difficulty doing some things that many of 
us take for granted.
  Joe Anne and I are fortunate enough to reside in the great State of 
North Carolina. Our State's many opportunities have attracted some of 
the best and brightest minds in the medical field. In fact, there is a 
research center in my home State that is one of the leaders in the 
fight against arthritis.
  The Thurston Arthritis Research Center at the University of North 
Carolina at Chapel Hill has joined the National Institute of Arthritis, 
the Centers for Disease Control, and the Arthritis Foundation to bring 
together a superior medical research team. They have dedicated their 
facilities to achieve their mission: to eradicate arthritis and ease 
the suffering of arthritis victims.
  The work these facilities have already done speaks to their skill and 
determination. Their recent breakthroughs are bringing us closer to 
preventing--and curing--some of the most crippling and costly diseases 
that affect our Nation.
  For example, researchers believe that treatments involving adequate 
calcium and nutrients, coupled with an exercise program, may provide 
the most practical approach to the prevention of osteoporosis.
  There is also an exciting new avenue of research which indicates that 
lupus may involve abnormalities in the body's ability to eliminate 
unnecessary, damaged, or potentially harmful cells. This process is 
known as programmed cell death. A better understanding of programmed 
cell death may lead to new treatments for arthritis.
  In addition, the studies currently being conducted which examine the 
causes of cartilage breakdown, and ways to stimulate growth of 
cartilage, will lead to new treatments in osteoarthritis.
  I support the ongoing search for a cure to arthritis. As we work on 
the fiscal year 1998 budget, I urge my colleagues in the House to 
consider the thousands of people, present and future, who suffer from 
arthritis and related disorders.
  The Thurston Arthritis Research Center and organizations like it are 
very close to a breakthrough in their research. Please join me in 
lending these researchers all the support you can. Your health, or the 
health of someone you love, could depend on it.

                          ____________________