[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1261-E1262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SUPPORTING NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H. 
Con. Res. 120 ``Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women's 
Health.'' I would also like to extend my gratitude to my distinguished 
colleague from New York, Representative Maurice D. Hinchey, for 
introducing this important legislation. I thank my legislative 
director, Arthur D. Sidney.
  National Women's Health Week is a weeklong health observance 
coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office 
on Women's Health (OWH). National Women's Health Week empowers women to 
make their health a top priority. With the theme ``It's Your Time,'' 
the nationwide initiative encourages women to take simple steps for a 
longer, healthier, and happier life. During National Women's Health 
Week, communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and 
other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take 
to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of 
certain diseases. Important steps include: getting at least 2\1/2\ 
hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous 
physical activity, or a combination of both each week; eating a 
nutritious diet; visiting a health care professional for regular 
checkups and preventive screenings; avoiding risky behaviors, like 
smoking and not wearing a seatbelt; and paying attention to mental 
health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
  Research has established the existence of persistent racial and 
socioeconomic disparities in women's health in the United States. We 
know that coronary disease is the leading cause of death for both men 
and women. But, nearly twice as many women in the U.S. die of heart 
disease and stroke every year as die from all types of cancer. Yet, 
multiple studies have shown that women are less likely than men to be 
referred for invasive cardiac procedures.
  While the life expectancy of women in the United States has risen, as 
a group, African American women have a shorter life expectancy and 
experience earlier onset of such chronic conditions as diabetes and 
hypertension. If we look at the death rates for diseases of the heart, 
African American women are clearly at risk with 147 deaths per 100,000. 
When we look at cervical cancer, we see that the incidence rate of 
invasive cervical cancer is higher among Asian-American women. Yet, we 
cannot explain the causes of these higher rates.
  Disparities are perhaps most alarming when we look at HIV/AIDS. 
Twenty-two percent of Americans currently living with HIV are women, 
and 77 percent of those are African American or Hispanic. Many people 
are shocked to know that AIDS is the second leading cause of death 
among African American women age 25 to 44.
  There are nearly 40 million women in America who are members of 
racial and ethnic minority groups. These women suffer 
disproportionately from premature death, disease, and disabilities. 
Many also face tremendous barriers to optimal health. This is a growing 
challenge in our nation.
  The challenge is even greater when we consider the aging population. 
By the year 2050, nearly 1 in 4 adult women will be 65 years old or 
older, and an astonishing 1 in 17 will be 85 years old or older. We 
must ensure that our Federal agencies are in the forefront, working to 
find solutions to the challenges our nation faces in caring for the 
health of our women.
  It is important to celebrate National Women's Health Week to remind 
women that taking care of themselves is essential to living

[[Page E1262]]

longer, healthier, and happier lives. Women are often the caregivers 
for their spouses, children, and parents and forget to focus on their 
own health. But research shows that when women take care of themselves, 
the health of their family improves. During National Women's Health 
Week it is important to educate our wives, mothers, grandmothers, 
daughters, sisters, aunts, and girlfriends about the steps they can 
take to improve their health and prevent disease. After all, when women 
take even the simplest steps to improve their health, the results can 
be significant and everyone can benefit.
  H. Con. Res. 120 is an important way to support the women of this 
nation, and I am proud to stand today in support of this important 
legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation as well.

                          ____________________