[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          COPD AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2009

  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, today is World Chronic Obstructive 
Pulmonary Disease Awareness, COPD, Day. COPD is the fourth leading 
cause of death in the United States.
  COPD includes many conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, 
refractory asthma and bronchiectasis. It is preventable and treatable. 
However, it is also progressive and there are millions of Americans 
that do not detect COPD in the early stages.
  There are over 12 million Americans diagnosed with COPD and that 
number is growing. It is estimated that COPD will be the third leading 
cause of death worldwide by 2020. Despite all this, there is lack of 
awareness of COPD.
  That is why, as one of the founders of the COPD Caucus, I've worked 
to highlight the problem of COPD and am introducing today, a 
Resolution, with my friend and colleague, John Lewis of Georgia, 
designating COPD Awareness Month.

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