[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12617]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH WEEK AND DR. KENNETH GOLDBERG

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2004

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my duty to clearly state the 
necessity of men's health awareness. This week is National Men's Health 
Week, and it comes at an important time as we pause to honor our 
Fathers. As a practicing physician for over 20 years and Chairman of 
the House Policy's Health Subcommittee, I wholeheartedly understand the 
importance of regular health screenings.
  In May of last year, I introduced H.R. 2151, the Medicare 
Osteoporosis Measurement Act to address the issue of male osteoporosis. 
Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone condition that can make bones 
fragile and can gradually erode quality of life for our seniors. But 
contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis is a serious health problem 
for men, as well as women. Two million American men suffer under this 
debilitating illness, and 12 million more are at risk for developing 
the disease.
  It is crucial that men everywhere seek out regular health check-ups. 
Routine medical examinations are key to detecting--and preventing--
serious men's health concerns like high cholesterol and blood pressure, 
prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. In addition, 
men should strive to equip themselves with the knowledge and 
information necessary for personal health awareness. They need to know 
about important illnesses facing men and at what age specific 
screenings are needed.
  Dr. Kenneth Goldberg, of the Male Health Center, has been a leader in 
the field of men's health for 30 years. He is a member of the advisory 
committee for National Men's Health Week, Men's Health Network and 
Men's Health Magazine and author of the book How Men Can Live as Long 
as Women. The Male Health Center is located in Lewisville, Texas--my 
26th Congressional District. Opening its doors in 1989, it is a premier 
facility in its field as the first center in the United States 
specializing in men's health issues. The Male Health Center treats 
hundreds of patients from all over the country and meets the crucial 
need of men's health specialists.
  The fight for better men's health is a partnership. It's a 
partnership between men and their physicians. For this reason, I honor 
Dr. Goldberg, his staff and National Men's Health Week.

                          ____________________