[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 22, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4640-H4643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SUPPORTING NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH WEEK

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 288) supporting 
National Men's Health Week.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 288

       Whereas despite the advances in medical technology and 
     research, men continue to live an average of more than 5 
     years less than women and African-American men have the 
     lowest life expectancy;

[[Page H4641]]

       Whereas 9 of the 10 leading causes of death, as defined by 
     the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affect men at 
     a higher percentage than women;
       Whereas between the ages of 45 and 54, men are 1\1/2\ times 
     more likely than women to die of heart attacks;
       Whereas men die of heart disease at 1\1/2\ times the rate 
     of women;
       Whereas men die of cancer at almost 1\1/2\ times the rate 
     of women;
       Whereas testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers 
     in men between the ages of 15 and 34, and when detected 
     early, has a 96 percent survival rate;
       Whereas the number of cases of colon cancer among men was 
     almost 49,470 in 2010, and almost half of such men died from 
     the disease;
       Whereas the likelihood that a man will develop prostate 
     cancer is 1 in 6;
       Whereas the number of men developing prostate cancer in 
     2010 will reach more than 217,730 and an estimated 32,050 of 
     them will die from the disease;
       Whereas African-American men in the United States have the 
     highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world;
       Whereas significant numbers of male-related health 
     problems, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, 
     infertility, and colon cancer, could be detected and treated 
     if men's awareness of such problems was more pervasive;
       Whereas more than half of the elderly widows now living in 
     poverty were not poor before the death of their husbands, and 
     by age 100 women outnumber men 4 to 1;
       Whereas educating both the public and health care providers 
     about the importance of early detection of male health 
     problems will result in reducing rates of mortality for these 
     diseases;
       Whereas appropriate use of tests such as Prostate Specific 
     Antigen (PSA) exams and blood pressure and cholesterol 
     screens, in conjunction with clinical examination and self-
     testing for problems such as testicular cancer, can result in 
     the detection of many of these problems in their early stages 
     and increases in the survival rates to nearly 100 percent;
       Whereas women are twice as likely as men to visit the 
     doctor for annual examinations and preventive services;
       Whereas men are less likely than women to visit their 
     health center or physician for regular screening examinations 
     of male-related problems for a variety of reasons, including 
     fear, lack of health insurance, lack of information, and cost 
     factors;
       Whereas National Men's Health Week was established by 
     Congress and first celebrated in 1994 and urges men and their 
     families to engage in appropriate health behaviors, and the 
     resulting increased awareness has improved health-related 
     education and helped prevent illness;
       Whereas the Governors of all 50 States issue proclamations 
     annually declaring Men's Health Week in their States;
       Whereas since 1994, National Men's Health Week has been 
     celebrated each June by dozens of States, cities, localities, 
     public health departments, health care entities, churches, 
     and community organizations throughout the Nation that 
     promote health awareness events focused on men and family;
       Whereas the National Men's Health Week Web site has been 
     established at www.menshealthweek.org and features Governors' 
     proclamations and National Men's Health Week events;
       Whereas men who are educated about the value that 
     preventive health can play in prolonging their lifespan and 
     their role as productive family members will be more likely 
     to participate in health screenings;
       Whereas men and their families are encouraged to increase 
     their awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, 
     regular exercise, and medical checkups; and
       Whereas June 14 through June 20, 2010, is National Men's 
     Health Week, which has the purpose of heightening the 
     awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging 
     early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) supports the annual National Men's Health Week; and
       (2) requests that the President of the United States issue 
     a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States 
     and interested groups to observe National Men's Health Week 
     with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).


                             General Leave

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I 
present House Concurrent Resolution 288 for consideration. This 
resolution expresses our support for the goals and ideals of the annual 
National Men's Health Week, the observance of which is designed to 
heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early 
detection and treatment of disease among men.
  H. Con. Res. 288 was introduced by my friend and colleague, the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), on June 14, 2010. It was 
reported out of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform by 
unanimous consent on June 17, 2010. H. Con. Res. 288 enjoys bipartisan 
support from over 50 cosponsors.

                              {time}  1415

  Mr. Speaker, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, 9 of the 10 leading causes of death in America among men, 
including heart disease and cancer, affect men at a significantly 
higher percentage than women. In addition, the CDC has reported that 
women are 100 percent more likely than men to seek annual medical 
examinations and preventative health care. Moreover, health statistics 
also indicate that despite advances in medical care, men continue to 
live an average of approximately 6 fewer years than women, with African 
American men having the lowest life expectancy.
  Nonetheless, many male-related health problems, including prostate 
cancer, testicular cancer, and colon cancer are treatable upon early 
detection. Specifically, the use of prostate cancer-specific antigen 
exams, blood pressure screenings, and other exams, when coupled with 
clinical examination and self-testing for testicular cancer, can lead 
to early detection and increase survival rates to nearly 100 percent.
  Accordingly, we must do more to encourage healthy behavior and 
disease prevention within America's male population. A more 
concentrated focus upon male-related health conditions such as 
prostate, colon, and testicular cancer, along with a genuine commitment 
to addressing heart health, will go a long way toward ensuring that men 
have access to critical health information.
  In addition, it is important to remember that prevention and 
treatment of men's health conditions are critical not only to men, but 
also to the health and well-being of the American family. Having just 
recently celebrated Father's Day, I believe that it is important for 
this legislative body to recognize men's health from a family 
perspective.
  Furthermore, while an effort to encourage prevention and wellness 
among the male population can help meet our primary goal of improving 
health outcomes, in the aggregate, utilization of these preventive 
services can lower health costs that currently are spiraling out of 
control.
  Mr. Speaker, since 1994, National Men's Health Week has served as a 
catalyst for increased attention towards men's health issues. So I 
strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Concurrent 
Resolution 288, recognizing the tremendous importance of these efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 288, 
supporting National Men's Health Week. In 1994, Congress established 
National Men's Health Awareness Week to be celebrated the week leading 
up to Father's Day. This week brings national attention to the critical 
health issues facing men and highlights the preventative measures that 
are necessary and available.
  Every day men are reminded about the benefits of living a healthy 
life. Whether it's through exercise, a balanced diet, or regular visits 
to the doctor, these simple steps can lead to long, vibrant lives. 
Sadly, many men still neglect the basic preventative measures and often 
fail to realize the ripple effect their declining health can have on 
those around them.
  Men have a shorter lifespan than women. On average, men live 5 years 
less than women. Men are also 1\1/2\ times more likely to die from 
heart attacks, heart disease, and cancer than

[[Page H4642]]

women. The reality is that men all too often neglect to seek out the 
medical initiatives they need. Early detection is vital and, in many 
cases, increases the chances for survival.
  Men's Health Awareness Week helps bring this information to light and 
highlights the proactive steps that men can take to improve their 
chances for a long, healthy life. The benefits of a more proactive 
approach to men's health extends not only to the individual, but to 
their family, friends, taxpayers, and employers.
  I urge my colleagues not only to support this resolution but honor 
its message. Men's Health Awareness Week helps broaden our 
understanding of serious health risks and the simple steps we can all 
take to help mitigate their effects.
  I ask my fellow Members to join me in support of this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it's now my pleasure to yield 
such time as he may consume to the author of this resolution, the very 
distinguished gentleman from Maryland, Representative Elijah Cummings.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. I want to thank the gentleman for yielding. My 
appreciation also goes out to Chairman Towns for moving this resolution 
recognizing National Men's Health Week through the Oversight and 
Government Reform Committee.
  This past Sunday, many of us celebrated Father's Day, which also 
marked the end of National Men's Health Week that is celebrated from 
June 14 through June 20. The need for this legislation could not be 
more evident. Despite advances in medical technology and research, men 
continue to live an average of more than 5 years less than women, and 
African American men have the lowest life expectancy of all groups.
  Further, 9 out of the 10 leading causes of death, as defined by the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affect men at a higher 
percentage rate than women. Men simply are not getting the care they 
need. Women are twice as likely as men to visit the doctor for annual 
examinations and preventive services.
  By the way, the research shows that most men who are the 
beneficiaries of early diagnosis and treatment with regard to many, 
many diseases have been urged to go to the doctor by a woman in their 
life, a significant other, a sister, a wife. But women are quite often 
the ones who also make the decisions for the family and sometimes drag 
us men to the doctor's office kicking and screaming.
  Men are also less likely than women to visit their health center or 
physician for regular screening examinations or gender-related problems 
for a variety of reasons, including fear, lack of health insurance, 
lack of information, and cost factors. Quite often, men believe in this 
macho concept that they can get over anything, that it's just a small 
thing. Although their heart is aching, they say, well, I will get over 
it and everything will be all right. And the next thing you know, he 
lands in the hospital or, sadly, lands in the cemetery.
  The disparity in men's health has led to increased risks of death 
from heart disease and cancer. But these problems do not only affect 
men. More than half of the elderly widows now living in poverty were 
not poor before the death of their husbands. And by age 100, women 
outnumber men four to one.
  We simply must get more men the early care and education they need to 
lead long and healthy lives. That is why I am advocating for the 
recognition of June 14 through 20 as National Men's Health Week. We 
need to educate both the public and health care providers about the 
importance of early detection of male health problems that will result 
in reducing rates of mortality for common diseases.

  Appropriate use of tests such as prostate-specific antigen exams, 
blood pressure screenings, and cholesterol screenings, in conjunction 
with clinical examination and self-testing for problems such as 
testicular cancer, can result in the detection of many of these 
problems in their early stages and increases in their survival rates to 
nearly 100 percent.
  The number of men developing prostate cancer in 2010 will reach more 
than 217,000, and an estimated 32,000 of them will, sadly, die from 
this disease. This week is designed to encourage men and their families 
to engage in appropriate health behaviors, and the resulting increased 
awareness has improved health-related education and helped prevent 
illness.
  National Men's Health Week was established by Congress in 1994. And 
on a more local note, just a few weeks ago I invited men to come in to 
Mercy Hospital in my district in downtown Baltimore to get prostate 
exams. I also invited women to come in to get mammograms. I just 
received a report today that of the 100 or so people that came in, 20 
percent of them, 20 percent of them were in a position where they 
needed care, and if they did not get the care, it probably would have 
led to very, very, very serious debilitating circumstances or even 
death. So that's a perfect example of why we need to emphasize men's 
health and, by the way, women's health.
  Men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play 
in prolonging their lifespan and their role as productive family 
members will be more likely to participate in preventive care. One of 
the things that a lot of people don't think about is the fact that 
there are many men, if they simply took the precautions, if they simply 
got the exams, they would be around for a lot more Father's Days. And a 
lot of folks don't realize that to have loved ones around for many, 
many years is so very, very significant, and, as the commercial says, 
it is simply priceless.
  Again, I want to thank Chairman Towns and Chairman Davis for their 
support, and I encourage my colleagues to join me and the 60 other 
cosponsors in supporting this resolution.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend, again, 
Representative Cummings for his introduction of this very important 
resolution. I also want to commend the community health centers in my 
congressional district, and especially the Near North Health 
Corporation, for their focus on men's health.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank 
Representative Cummings for introducing H. Con. Res. 288, a resolution 
supporting the goals and ideals of National Men's Health Week, and to 
urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.
  National Men's Health Week took place from June 14-20, ending with 
Father's Day, this past Sunday. The United States celebrated National 
Men's Health Week to encourage men to live healthy lives, in particular 
by undergoing precautionary health tests. National Men's Health Week is 
of vital importance as it helps heighten awareness of preventable 
health problems and also encourages early detection and treatment of 
disease and injury among not only men, but young boys as well. Early 
detection lessens the impact and cost of disease, improves, and often 
save lives. By encouraging preventive National Men's Health Week and 
treatment of men's health issues is essential because these issues not 
only affect men across the nation, but the women, children and all 
other families members involved in a man's life.
  The lessons of Men's Health Week have a personal significance for me. 
Nearly 20 years ago, I went in for a check-up due to constant fatigue 
and found out that I had Hepatitis C. Thanks, in part, to early 
detection, I was able to get proper treatment and fight back fiercely 
against the disease. I am able to stand here now, medication-free and 
healthy, because of early detection and treatment.
  Today, thanks to this Congress, everyone in the United States--
including men--have access to affordable health. The health reform law 
that I supported provides incentives to seek preventive care and makes 
that care affordable. I urge my male colleagues in Congress and men 
around the country to see their doctor for regular check-ups, to get 
screened and tested, and to do what they can to live healthier lives.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution which encourages 
men to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is well known 
that one of the most important factors in access to medical care is 
health insurance. Recent Center of Disease Control and Prevention data 
show that young men are 36 percent more likely to be uninsured than 
young women. Additionally, young adults without insurance are four 
times as likely as those with private insurance to have unmet medical 
needs.

[[Page H4643]]

  However, even when young men have insurance, they are less likely to 
seek medical care. Less than 60 percent of young men with Medicaid 
coverage had an annual doctor visit, compared to over 90 percent of 
young women. These behavior patterns can lead to missed opportunities 
for early intervention in a number of medical conditions and chronic 
illnesses, especially those that are exclusive to or disproportionally 
effect men.
  Beyond expanding health insurance coverage, therefore, it is 
necessary to improve men's uptake of healthcare services. The first 
step towards this goal is to increase awareness about men's health 
issues. I applaud the current resolution in support of National Men's 
Health Week, as well as the request that interested groups observe with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities. By educating men about the 
available predictive screening and preventive care, we can help our 
nation's fathers, husbands, brothers and sons to live longer, healthier 
lives.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 288.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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