[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 86 (Friday, June 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF JUNE AS NATIONAL SCOLIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH

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                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2012

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, with respect and admiration I, along with 
my colleague, Ms. Tsongas gather today to recognize June as National 
Scoliosis Awareness Month, and to reaffirm our commitment to fighting a 
potentially debilitating medical condition that afflicts over 7 million 
Americans.
  National Scoliosis Awareness Month brings together all members of the 
scoliosis community, including physicians, patients, families, and 
businesspeople to raise awareness and educate the public about this 
condition. Diagnosing scoliosis is a simple procedure that takes less 
than 30 seconds, and early detection allows physicians to monitor the 
condition and, if necessary, begin treatment before serious 
complications--including chronic back pain and impacted heart and lung 
function--even begin. Raising awareness is therefore crucial to the 
fight against scoliosis.
  Between two and three percent of the American population suffers from 
scoliosis, and the number of family and friends who are impacted by 
this condition numbers many millions more. While serious complications 
of scoliosis are largely preventable, affordable care and public 
awareness are necessary in order to maximize the effectiveness of 
treatment. National Scoliosis Awareness Month promotes a positive 
public awareness message that elevates the visibility of scoliosis and 
empowers those individuals whose lives have been touched by this 
condition. It is a time for us to recommit ourselves to reducing its 
impact in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, please join us in recognizing June as National Scoliosis 
Awareness Month, and in thanking organizations such as the National 
Scoliosis Foundation and the Scoliosis Research Society, as well as 
their many supporters, for making it all possible.

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