[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING A NATIONAL DYSPHAGIA AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2008

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Con. Res. 195, which would designate June 2008 as National Dysphagia 
Awareness Month.
  Dysphagia is a condition that affects nearly 15 million Americans. 
According to the NIH, people with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing 
and may also experience pain while swallowing.
  Some people may be completely unable to swallow or may have trouble 
swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. Eating then becomes a challenge. 
Often, dysphagia makes it difficult to take in enough calories and 
fluids to nourish the body.
  The CDC estimates that 1,000 people in the United States annually are 
diagnosed with dysphagia and 60,000 Americans die from complications 
from this condition every year.
  However, many people have never heard of dysphagia and unfortunately 
most cases of dysphagia go unreported.
  Designating June 2008 as National Dysphagia Awareness Month will help 
raise awareness and understanding of dysphagia.
  I want to thank Mr. Wamp for sponsoring this legislation and urge my 
colleagues to support this resolution.

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