[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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