[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8656]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



       RECOGNIZING MAY 2000 AS NATIONAL ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2000

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I bring to the attention of my 
colleagues an illness that affects millions of Americans. I am speaking 
of Arthritis. Today I recognize May 2000 as ``National Arthritis 
Awareness Month.'' You may be surprised to learn that arthritis affects 
children and adults and is not limited to senior citizens.
  Arthritis affects the lives of 43 million Americans or one out of 
every six of us, including 285,000 children. This number will grow to 
over 60 million individuals by 2020. Unfortunately, this crippling 
disease remains the leading cause of disability in the United States 
and it costs our economy $65 billion annually.
  What many of us do not know is that Arthritis also is more common 
among women--for whom it is the leading chronic condition and cause of 
activity limitation.
  Despite these compelling facts, for generations, our nation has 
labored under the many myths surrounding Arthritis. It is still widely 
believed that arthritis is an inevitable part of the aging process. It 
is also widely believed that there are few effective treatment options 
for Arthritis apart from taking a few aspirin. Finally, yet another 
falsehood is that individuals with arthritis should refrain from 
physical activity.
  Despite these misunderstandings and myths, however, we can do 
something to combat Arthritis in America.
  Thanks to the work of voluntary organizations like the Arthritis 
Foundation, we are spreading the message that there is help and hope 
for Americans living with this painful and debilitating disease. In the 
past year, we have reached several milestones in our battle against 
Arthritis. Whether it involves the new and exciting treatment options 
arising from our investments in research or our first steps in 
implementing the National Arthritis Action Plan, we have been provided 
new tools to aid us in our fight against the disease.
  In early 1998, the Arthritis Foundation joined forces with the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop the National 
Arthritis Action Plan--an innovative public health strategy that will 
forcefully confront the burden of Arthritis. Among our goals are 
improving the scientific information base on arthritis, increasing 
awareness that arthritis is a national health problem, and encouraging 
more individuals with arthritis to seek early intervention and 
treatment to reduce pain and disability.
  As we take stock of these accomplishments, it is important to 
remember the challenges we still face in improving the quality of life 
for Americans living with arthritis and, ultimately, finding a cure. 
Thus, as we mark National Arthritis Month, I call on the American 
public to apply our vast talents, energy, and unbending resolve to 
continue to find the means and measures to combat arthritis. Through 
this combined effort, we will find a cure.

                          ____________________