[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1856-E1857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ARTHRITIS PREVENTION, CONTROL, AND CURE ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Arthritis 
Prevention, Control, and Cure Act. It is estimated that approximately 
46 million Americans suffer from arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. 
Of those, 19 million suffer enough to limit their activities. According 
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by the year 
2030, 25 percent of the population in the United States will have 
physician-diagnosed arthritis. Those projections are likely to be low 
since they do now account for an expected increase attributable to 
rising obesity rates.
  Arthritis affects the daily lives of its victims in powerful ways. 
The pain is often chronic and relief can be rare. The inability to 
kneel or even walk more than a few hundred yards requires profound 
changes in almost every aspect of lifestyle. Those stricken might risk 
losing their job, and their ability to provide for loved ones. It is a 
devastating disease with no known cure.
  The Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act, would establish the 
National Arthritis Action Program. This program will help in the 
research and identification of ailments, possible treatments, and 
preventative methods of Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. It will 
also allow the CDC to access more grant money, permitting them to 
further their research. Those already suffering from arthritis will be 
assisted with control and prevention programs along with opportunities 
for patients

[[Page E1857]]

to learn self-management. It would also provide education of the public 
and education and training for physicians.
  I am proud to support this bill as an important first step toward a 
day when we can prevent, treat, and cure Arthritis.

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