[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 135 (Thursday, October 7, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H9518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IMPORTANCE OF INCREASING AWARENESS OF THYROID DISEASE

  (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, the women of our country form the 
backbone of strong, healthy families. However, it is American women who 
are often subject to debilitating and sometimes life-threatening 
diseases which subsequently deteriorate the stability of American 
households.
  This week, I had the privilege of speaking to a remarkable woman who 
fights a valiant battle against a thyroid disorder known as Graves 
disease. This woman is none other than three-time Olympic track and 
field gold medalist Gail Devers. In spite of her illness, Gail will 
compete in the upcoming Olympics.
  Approximately one in eight women will develop a similar thyroid 
disorder during her lifetime, and more than half of American women over 
40 experience three or more common symptoms; yet, they fail to discuss 
them with their doctors.
  To help raise awareness, Gail has joined forces with the American 
Women's Medical Association to launch a public, nationwide education 
campaign designed to increase awareness of thyroid disease.
  Yesterday, the Congressional Prevention Coalition provided free 
thyroid screening, and I encourage all of our colleagues to embark on 
an educational campaign on the dangers of thyroid diseases.

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