[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E926-E927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL STROKE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Stroke Awareness Month. As the daughter of a multiple stroke victim, I 
personally know how important it is for people across our nation and 
this world to be informed of the risk factors, warning signs and side 
effects of strokes.
  In 1989, my father Coach Andrew Sewell suffered a series of strokes 
that left him wheelchair bound and with limited speech. If not for 
access to quality healthcare, I know my father would not be alive today 
nor would he have made the significant strides and advancements in his 
recovery.
  With strokes being the fourth leading cause of death in the United 
States, as well as a leading cause of serious, long-term adult 
disability, it is critically important that Americans know the warning 
signs and the importance of early response.
  African Americans are disproportionately affected by this disease due 
to our higher risk for diabetes, high-blood pressure and obesity, which 
are key triggers to the disease. African Americans have almost twice 
the risk of stroke compared to Caucasians.
  This year alone, approximately 795,000 strokes will occur or one 
stroke every 40 seconds!
  These statistics can diminish if we diligently exercise proper 
cholesterol management, blood pressure control, maintain a balanced 
diet and eliminate smoking. We must remain committed to providing 
quality healthcare for everyone across this nation.
  There is no better time to stress the importance of Affordable Care 
Act and Healthcare Reform. The Affordable Care Act is the first step 
toward strengthening our health care system and is already helping 
improve the lives of so many people in my district, the State of 
Alabama and across this nation--including my dear father.
  Due to the multiple strokes that has left my father wheelchair bound, 
my mother recently had to purchase a new van with an accessible retro 
wheelchair lift to transport my father. Without affordable quality 
healthcare this would not have been possible.
  This law puts Americans back in charge of their health care and gives 
millions of American families better access to healthcare benefits and 
protections, which are so critical to the welfare of our nation.
  Public awareness and education is vital to prevention and 
rehabilitation. To the families affected, like mine, who cherish every 
day with a stroke victim, let us stand tall to prevent this 
debilitating disease from affecting more Americans.
  I applaud the efforts of organizations like the National Stroke 
Association and the caregivers of Stroke victims for bringing greater 
awareness, care and comfort to those affected.

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