[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 5, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E133-E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. PINK GOES RED DAY 
                            FOR HEART HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2019

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize my sorority, 
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for the extraordinary work it does all 
throughout the nation.
  On January 15, 1908, nine college students on the campus of Howard 
University in Washington, D.C. founded Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
  As a member of the Xi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority, Incorporated, I take great pride in my sorority's tradition 
of service and the many programs that it has established to serve our 
communities.
  One of the founders, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, dreamed of creating a 
support network for like-minded women coming together for mutual 
uplift, and coalescing their talents and strengths for the benefit of 
others.
  What began as a small band of sisters in 1908, transformed over the 
ensuing 111 years into a globally-impactful organization of nearly 
300,000 college-trained members, bound by the bonds of sisterhood and 
empowered by a commitment to servant-leadership that is both domestic 
and international in scope.
  As Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has grown, it has maintained its focus 
in two key arenas: the lifelong personal and professional development 
of each of its members; and galvanizing its membership into an 
organization of formidable power and influence, consistently at the 
forefront of effective advocacy and social change that results in 
equality and equity for all citizens of the world.
  In order to maintain its commitment to servant-leadership, Alpha 
Kappa Alpha Sorority hosts an international conference every two years.
  On July 6-July 12, 2018, my fellow Sorors from all around the world 
came to my hometown in Houston to launch ``New Dimensions of Service by 
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership and Service.''
  At this conference Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority decided on new targets 
of focus for the next two years, which include: HBCU for Life: A Call 
to Action; Women's Healthcare and Wellness; Building Your Economic 
Legacy; The Arts! and Global Impact.
  February 2019 is Women's Healthcare and Wellness month.
  To kick off Women's Healthcare and Wellness month, Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority has joined with the American Heart Association in the fight 
against heart disease in order to improve the health of all women.
  On February 1, Alpha Kappa Alpha women all over the world took off 
their pink and wore red for the day to raise awareness of this deadly 
disease for their ``Pink Goes Red Impact Day.''
  Alpha Kappa Alpha chapters are bringing awareness to the devastating 
effects of heart disease in communities around this country.
  My chapter, Xi Alpha Omega hosted a Zumba and Line Dancing Class at 
our Houston Texans YMCA to promote a fun and healthy way to stay heart 
healthy.
  As we observe Pink Goes Red Impact Day and Heart Health month on the 
international level, here are some unsettling truths about heart 
disease and high blood pressure and undeniable truths about prevention 
that can help to stem the tide of this dreadful disease.
  Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 50,000 African-American women 
annually.
  Forty-nine percent of African-American women 20 years of age and 
older have heart disease.
  Only one in five African-American women believes she is personally at 
risk.
  Only 52 percent of African-American women are aware of the signs and 
symptoms of a heart attack.
  Only 36 percent of African-American women know that heart disease is 
their greatest health risk.
  These unsettling truths are the reason that Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority has made Heart Health and Wellness Month one of its most 
important initiatives.
  Although there is nothing that will 100 percent guarantee a life 
without high blood pressure and heart disease, there are several things 
women can do every day to take steps towards a healthier life.
  Be honest about their health. There are several things that can be 
done to reduce the risk of heart disease: exercise regularly; eat 
healthy; know your family medical history; and monitor and treat pre-
existing health conditions.
  Moderate salt and sodium intake and read the label and be 
knowledgeable about what is contained in the food consumed.
  Commit to improving eating habits by developing a healthy diet and 
healthy cooking skills,

[[Page E134]]

eating more fruits and vegetable and staying hydrated.
  Get moving. Live an active lifestyle and eliminate sedentary 
practices from daily routine.
  Schedule regular check-ups with their physician to monitor their 
health.
  During the Women's Healthcare and Wellness month, I encourage all 
women to join me in walking, running, exercising, and educating 
ourselves and our communities on heart health.

                          ____________________