[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH

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                         HON. DAVID B. McKINLEY

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2018

  Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Arthritis 
Awareness Month. Every May, we call attention to the hardships 
associated with arthritis, a chronic disease that results in the 
inflammation or swelling of one or more joints of the body. Arthritis 
is the number one cause of disability in the United States, and carries 
a total economic burden of more than $300 billion in medical expenses 
and lost productivity.
  During this month of recognition, it's critical we remember the more 
than 54 million Americans, and 300,000 children, living with arthritis. 
There are over 100 different forms in which this disease manifests, the 
most common being: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, 
and psoriatic arthritis.
  While arthritis limits their daily activities, people with arthritis 
are fighters, and take action to conquer this disease. As co-chair of 
the Congressional Arthritis Caucus, along with my colleague 
Representative Eshoo, we work together to address some of the most 
pressing issues facing the arthritis community today, like the high 
out-of-pocket costs for medication.
  Increased awareness can lead to early detection and treatment, and it 
fosters an environment that supports people with the disease in our 
communities. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing National 
Arthritis Awareness Month.

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