[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 58 (Thursday, May 5, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H2982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH

  (Ms. BERKLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and 
Prevention Month. Osteoporosis and low bone density affect 44 million 
Americans over the age of 50, many of whom were unaware of the fact 
that they have osteoporosis and, therefore, were unable to take steps 
to prevent it.
  Like many Americans, I had no idea I was at risk for developing 
osteoporosis. I thought I simply had bad posture, and it never occurred 
to me to be screened for osteoporosis. Yet when I was running for 
Congress in 1998, I was diagnosed with this disease. Fortunately, 
within 10 months of the diagnose with proper treatment I was able to 
stop my bone density loss and my bones actually began to strengthen 
again.
  Because of my personal experience with osteoporosis, I am committed 
to ensuring that my fellow Americans are aware of the importance of 
early detection and prevention. Men and women can reduce their chances 
of developing this disease. I encourage everyone to see your doctor, 
get screened for osteoporosis. It is a very silent, but very deadly, 
disease.

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