[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 055 (Monday, April 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS

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                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2003

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to reintroduce this 
resolution that expresses the sense of Congress regarding the awareness 
of and treatment for kidney disease. This resolution serves as the 
vehicle--to inform the American people about kidney disease--its 
potential causes, preventions, and medical advances. In addition, it 
promotes federally funded research focused on kidney disease.
  The incidences of kidney disease are rising. What is even worse is 
that kidney disease works as ``the silent killer,'' in that most people 
with kidney damage are unaware that their kidneys are beginning to 
fall. African-Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and 
Pacific Islanders are more at risk for the kidney disease.
  End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a condition that causes permanent 
kidney failure. Over the last decade, the number of patients with ESRD 
has doubled to reach approximately 400,000 Americans, and has directly 
caused 50,000 deaths annually. This disease has affected at least 13 
million people who have lost 50 percent of their kidney function 
without even knowing. And still, another 20 million more Americans are 
unknowingly at an increased risk of developing kidney disease.
  Diabetes and hypertension are the number one and number two causes of 
kidney disease respectively. And although dialysis is a life-saving 
process that helps patients perform many normal activities, there is no 
cure for kidney disease.
  Knowledge is power and we should all arm ourselves with the power to 
fight kidney disease as best we can. The first step in the solution is 
to mount a comprehensive educational effort so that we all can become 
familiar with kidney disease. This resolution starts that important 
process.
  I ask all of my colleagues to support this kidney disease awareness 
resolution by becoming a cosponsor.

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