[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2016

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, over the last 100 years, the life expectancy 
of men has declined in comparison with that of women, and women now 
live on average five years longer than men.
  There is a silent crisis of men's health in America, and it's 
important that we bring it to light to reverse the trend.
  This week, National Men's Health Week, we aim to save lives by 
raising awareness of male health challenges and empowering men and boys 
to make smart health decisions to tackle them.
  Despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to 
die at higher rates of nine of the ten leading causes of death. And men 
are half as likely as women to seek preventive care, one of the 
simplest ways to stave off chronic illness.
  Many health problems that affect men, from heart disease to colon 
cancer, can be prevented with earlier detection. That is why we need to 
use National Men's Health Week as an opportunity to encourage men and 
boys to adopt preventive behaviors, seek timely medical care, and make 
their health a priority.
  As Co-Chair of the Congressional Men's Health Caucus, I am proud to 
celebrate this week and encourage men and boys to be proactive about 
their health, so they can live longer, healthier, and more productive 
lives. So they can be there for their families.
  And I am proud to join the millions of Americans who are marking this 
month by calling on men to be active, to be engaged, and to take 
control of their health through smart decisions and proactive 
behaviors.
  Mr. Speaker, our country has made important strides in improving the 
health and well-being of men and boys--including significant declines 
in cardiovascular disease mortality--and we can continue to make 
progress as long as we stay focused.
  So, let's keep moving forward, drawing attention to ways that we and 
our loved ones can live longer, healthier lives.

                          ____________________