[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 18 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E128-E129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS AMERICAN HEART MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 3, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize February as 
American Heart Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness 
about heart disease and spreading knowledge in order to save lives. 
Heart disease is the gravest health risk for women in the United States 
and will take the lives of 420,000 women this year. During this month, 
I encourage all women to strive to be more proactive about our health 
and well-being.
  Mr. Speaker, heart disease is a harsh reality in our nation and is 
the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Because 
information is the most powerful tool against fighting heart disease, 
let us advance women's heart health through advocacy and education. It 
is a fact that the chance of developing heart disease can be 
dramatically reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors 
that put people at greater risk. Many, but not all, cases of heart 
diseases can be prevented. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best 
weapons women have to fight heart disease. Women should be aware of 
risk factors that can lead to heart disease, including high blood 
pressure, high cholesterol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, 
tobacco use, and family history. By working together, we can help women 
live stronger and longer lives.
  While heart disease affects women of every race and circumstance, 
African American women have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease 
than Caucasian women and are less aware of their cardiovascular risk 
factors. I urge all women in the United States to be more proactive 
about their heart health. It is never too early to take action to 
improve our heart health, and the Obama Administration is committed to 
helping Americans fight chronic illness such as cardiovascular disease.
  Under the Affordable Care Act, all new individual and group health 
plans must now provide recommended preventative care and services 
without a copayment, coinsurance or deductible. These potentially 
lifesaving screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol tests as well 
as counseling on losing weight and eating well.
  In addition, the Affordable Care Act has administered over $100 
million in funding for up to 75 Community Transformation Grants, which 
are aimed at helping communities implement projects proven to reduce 
chronic diseases, such as heart disease. These grants will help improve 
health, reduce health disparities, and lower health care costs.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize February as 
American Heart Month. This month let us rededicate ourselves to helping 
our sisters, mothers, daughters, friends and communities become more 
aware of the risks and symptoms of heart disease. February 3, 2012 is 
National Wear Red Day and I urge my friends, family and colleagues to 
wear red in support for the more than 42 million women are living with 
or are at risk for heart disease. Together, we can overcome this 
disease.

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