[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H4387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           MEN'S HEALTH WEEK

  (Ms. KELLY of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate national Men's 
Health Week, I urge all Americans to take action to reduce health risks 
and prevent disease. It can be as simple as exercising, eating right, 
or setting up an appointment for a checkup.
  I also rise as the CBC Health Braintrust chair to bring awareness to 
the critical state of Black men's health and the need to expand 
educational opportunities and treatment options to reduce incidence of 
disease in communities of color.
  Black men suffer disproportionately from many chronic and infectious 
diseases, many of which are preventible. Today, almost 40 percent of 
Black men are obese, which contributes to stroke, heart disease, and 
diabetes. In 2015, Black men were found to be twice as likely to die 
from prostate cancer as White men and have a higher incidence and death 
rate from colorectal cancer. Your skin color and ZIP Code shouldn't 
determine your health outcomes.
  Together, through legislation and community engagement, we can reduce 
health inequities and provide a healthier and more prosperous life for 
all Americans.

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