[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 11038-11039]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 SUPPORTING NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH WEEK

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 138) supporting 
National Men's Health Week, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 138

       Whereas despite the advances in medical technology and 
     research, men continue to live an average of almost 6 years 
     less than women and African-American men have the lowest life 
     expectancy;
       Whereas all 10 of the 10 leading causes of death, as 
     defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
     affect men at a higher percentage than women;
       Whereas between ages 45-54, men are 3 times more likely 
     than women to die of heart attacks;
       Whereas men die of heart disease at almost twice the rate 
     of women;
       Whereas men die of cancer at almost one and a half times 
     the rate of women;
       Whereas testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers 
     in men aged 15-34, and when detected early, has a 95 percent 
     survival rate;
       Whereas the number of cases of colon cancer among men will 
     reach over 55,000 in 2007, and almost half will die from the 
     disease;
       Whereas the likelihood that a man will develop prostate 
     cancer is 1 in 6;
       Whereas the number of men contracting prostate cancer will 
     reach over 218,890 in 2007, and almost 27,050 will die from 
     the disease;
       Whereas African-American men in the United States have the 
     highest incidence in the world of prostate cancer;
       Whereas significant numbers of male-related health 
     problems, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, 
     infertility, and colon cancer, could be detected and treated 
     if men's awareness of these problems was more pervasive;
       Whereas more than one-half the elderly widows now living in 
     poverty were not poor before the death of their husbands, and 
     by age 100 women outnumber men 8 to 1;
       Whereas educating both the public and health care providers 
     about the importance of early detection of male health 
     problems will result in reducing rates of mortality for these 
     diseases;
       Whereas appropriate use of tests such as Prostate Specific 
     Antigen (PSA) exams, blood pressure screens, and cholesterol 
     screens, in conjunction with clinical examination and self-
     testing for problems such as testicular cancer, can result in 
     the detection of many of these problems in their early stages 
     and increases in the survival rates to nearly 100 percent;
       Whereas women are 100 percent more likely to visit the 
     doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than 
     men;
       Whereas men are less likely than women to visit their 
     health center or physician for regular screening examinations 
     of male-related problems for a variety of reasons, including 
     fear, lack of health insurance, lack of information, and cost 
     factors;
       Whereas National Men's Health Week was established by 
     Congress and first celebrated in 1994 and urged men and their 
     families to engage in appropriate health behaviors, and the 
     resulting increased awareness has improved health-related 
     education and helped prevent illness;
       Whereas the Governors of over 45 States issue proclamations 
     annually declaring Men's Health Week in their States;
       Whereas since 1994, National Men's Health Week has been 
     celebrated each June by dozens of States, cities, localities, 
     public health departments, health care entities, churches, 
     and community organizations throughout the Nation, that 
     promote health awareness events focused on men and family;
       Whereas the National Men's Health Week website has been 
     established at www.menshealthweek.org and features Governors' 
     proclamations and National Men's Health Week events;
       Whereas men who are educated about the value that 
     preventive health can play in prolonging their lifespan and 
     their role as productive family members will be more likely 
     to participate in health screenings;
       Whereas men and their families are encouraged to increase 
     their awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, 
     regular exercise, and medical checkups; and
       Whereas June 9 through 15, 2008, is National Men's Health 
     Week, which has the purpose of heightening the awareness of 
     preventable health problems and encouraging early detection 
     and treatment of disease among men and boys: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That--
       (1) the Congress supports the annual National Men's Health 
     Week; and
       (2) requests that the President of the United States issue 
     a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States 
     and interested groups to observe National Men's Health Week 
     with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.

                              {time}  1415


                             General Leave

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the 
consideration of H. Con. Res. 138, as amended, which expresses 
Congress's support of Men's Health Week, which is designed to raise 
awareness of men's health issues and the importance of preventative 
health care in order to improve the lifespan of American men.
  H. Con. Res. 138, which was introduced by the gentleman from 
Maryland, Representative Elijah Cummings, on May 1, 2007, was amended 
and reported from the Oversight Committee on May 15, 2008, before being 
passed by voice vote. The measure has the support and sponsorship of 59 
Members of Congress, and expresses support for increased medical 
awareness that will improve the health and well-being of American men.
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all of 
the 10 leading causes of death among Americans, such as cancer and 
heart disease, affect our Nation's men at a higher rate than our women. 
On average, the male life expectancy in America is 6 years lower than 
the life expectancy of their female counterparts. A leading cause of 
this disparity is that men are 100 percent less likely to visit a 
doctor for screening and preventative medical checkups. This reluctance 
is tragic, as many life-threatening conditions are mitigated when found 
through early detection.
  Congress recognized the need to encourage preventative medicine by 
increasing health awareness in American men when it established 
National Men's Health Week in 1994. Now, 14 years later, this 
commemorative week has helped to raise awareness and lower illness 
among American men.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of this measure, as 
it will continue to encourage the men of our country to take a more 
active and preventative role in safeguarding their health, and, 
therefore, the health of America.

[[Page 11039]]

  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of this resolution promoting National Men's 
Health Week. Across this Nation, men are reminded daily about the 
benefits of living a healthy life. Whether through exercise, a balanced 
diet, or regular visits to the doctor, these simple steps can lead to 
longer, more vibrant lives. Sadly, many men still neglect the basic 
preventative measures and often fail to realize the ripple effect their 
declining health can have on those around them.
  It is no secret that men have a shorter lifespan than women. Of the 
10 leading causes of death in this country, men lead women in all 10. 
Yes, some of this can be attributed to lifestyle differences. Men are 
prone to engage in heavier drinking, smoking, and risky behaviors. But 
the sad reality is that men all too often neglect to seek out the 
medical help they need. Studies have shown that men are significantly 
less likely to visit the doctor than women are.
  Congress and the President established National Men's Health 
Awareness Week in May 1994. They chose the week leading up to Father's 
Day, when our focus on the male figures in our life is greatest, to 
bring national attention to the critical health issues facing men and 
to highlight the preventative measures that are necessary and 
available.
  Early detection is vital, and in many cases, increases chances for 
survival. Men's Health Awareness Week helps bring this information to 
light and highlights the proactive steps that men can take to improve 
their chances for a long, healthy life. The benefits of a more 
proactive approach to men's health extends not only to the individual, 
but to their families, friends, society, and the Nation.
  Better long-term health means fewer medical expenses for families, 
taxpayers, and employers. When women outlive their spouses, often by 
more than half a decade, they face the financial, emotional, and 
physical burden of living out their remaining years in solitude. This 
can ultimately place undue stress on a family or taxpayers.
  Men's Health Awareness Week helps broaden our understanding of the 
serious health risks facing men and the simple steps we can all take to 
help mitigate their effects. So I urge my colleagues not only to 
support this resolution, but to honor its message. If you're a man, go 
to the doctor. If you're a woman, encourage your husband, brother, son, 
and friends to do so. Take a walk, go for a jog, or eat a piece of 
fruit. After all, we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor 
away.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my 
distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).
  Mr. SALI. I thank the gentlewoman.
  Today, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 138, supporting National 
Men's Health Week. Not only should we be recognizing this important 
health issue this week, but Congress should also be addressing other 
issues critical to the American people, especially rising fuel prices.
  As Americans across this country pay an average of $3.98 per gallon, 
these prices hit families, and particularly school children. Just 
yesterday, the Calhoun Times reported in Georgia that, and I quote, 
``High gas prices hit high school sports. With gas prices soaring to 
record heights, the cost of taking teams on the road has become a 
looming storm on the horizon of high school athletics that has led some 
to worry what the future may have in store. All across the country, 
people are dealing with the pinch of high gas prices. With high school 
teams' main mode of transportation still the average school bus, which 
runs on diesel, costs are even higher.''
  This is unacceptable, Mr. Speaker. We need to act now to lower gas 
prices.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we observe and promote Men's 
Health Week, I am pleased to note that both the Illinois Department of 
Public Health and the City of Chicago's Department of Public Health, 
under able leadership of their commissioners, place great emphasis on 
men's health, and have two activities coming up this week; Saturday at 
Malcolm X College, and next week, the day before Father's Day, at 
Malcolm X Community College, where the focus is men's health.
  I urge passage of this measure.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 138, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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