[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PROMOTING HEART HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, heart disease is the leading cause of death 
for all Americans--more than 70 million Americans, one in four, suffers 
from heart disease, stroke or another cardiovascular disease. For 
women, heart disease is responsible for more deaths than the next seven 
causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. And 
shockingly, only 8 percent of women think that heart disease is a major 
personal concern.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to help get the message out, to call 
attention to heart health and to encourage men and women to learn about 
the signs and causes of cardiovascular disease. This past Friday, the 
American Heart Association sponsored ``Go Red for Women'' day to raise 
awareness and help women take back control of their personal health. 
Women in particular must educate themselves to know the risk factors 
they can control: diabetes, blood pressure, tobacco use, cholesterol, 
exercise and obesity. One in ten American women aged 45 to 64 and one 
in four American women aged 64 or older has some form of heart disease. 
Those numbers are way too high.
  As the family gatekeeper, women do more than just improve their own 
health--they can put children and families on the path to a lifetime of 
good heart health. Childhood obesity and diabetes are pandemic in the 
U.S.--it's a trend we must stop by making sure our families are eating 
healthy and getting physical activity. These simple but important steps 
will mean a great deal to the future health of our families and our 
nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I know you will join me in encouraging all Americans to 
contact the American Heart Association to find out the information that 
can save their lives.

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