[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS AMERICAN HEART MONTH

  (Ms. CARSON of Indiana asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today we recognize February as 
American Heart Month. I salute the American Heart Association and other 
noteworthy organizations' ongoing efforts to eliminate heart disease, 
which affects millions of Americans every year.
  Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women and men. 
These diseases currently claim the lives of more than half a million 
females every year.
  The American Heart Association estimates that one in two women will 
eventually die of heart disease or stroke. African American women face 
a four times higher risk of dying before the age of 60.
  Although cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among 
American women, studies show that women still do not recognize their 
risk, are unaware that their symptoms are different from men's, are 
less likely to seek treatment when faced with these symptoms, and are 
less likely than men to be referred for diagnostic testing and 
treatment by their physicians.
  What does this say about our Federal health care system? It has not 
done enough to address women's healthcare needs.
  I applaud the work that the Congress has done. It successfully passed 
legislation dealing with cardiovascular disease and stroke, but I would 
urge the 107th Congress to do more in the fight for heart disease 
research and funding and to ensure adequate health care access for all 
of our citizens.

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