[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10886]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF JUNE AS NATIONAL SCOLIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH

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                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2015

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Scoliosis Awareness Month and to reaffirm our commitment to fighting a 
potentially debilitating medical condition that affects over 7 million 
Americans and 160,000 Bay State residents.
  Each June, National Scoliosis Awareness Month brings together the 
diverse members of the scoliosis community--from physicians, patients, 
and families to private businesses committed to raising awareness about 
this spinal condition. To date, the cause of scoliosis remains unknown 
but quick diagnosis and early detection allows physicians to monitor 
the condition and, if necessary, begin treatment before serious 
complications, including chronic back pain and impacted heart and lung 
function would begin.
  Approximately one out of every six children diagnosed with scoliosis 
requires continued treatment, and, in extreme cases, surgery. It is of 
paramount importance that early detection resources are available to 
local schools and physicians to ensure that children and their families 
are both screened and educated about the condition.
  Further, while up to three percent of the American population is 
estimated to have scoliosis, the number of family and friends who are 
impacted by this condition numbers many millions more. With early 
detection and proper treatment, patients can live a healthy and active 
life. National Scoliosis Awareness Month promotes public awareness for 
this condition--elevating the visibility of scoliosis and empowering 
individuals whose lives have been touched by this condition.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing June as National Scoliosis 
Awareness Month by thanking organizations such as the National 
Scoliosis Foundation and the Scoliosis Research Society, as well as 
their many supporters, for their tireless efforts in raising awareness 
of scoliosis and promoting critical research on this condition.

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