Supporting The Goals And Ideals Of National Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Week
SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE AWARENESS WEEK -- (House of Representatives - September 19, 2006)
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Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I support House Resolution 982, sponsored by my colleague Congresswoman Capps from California.
Madam Speaker, peripheral arterial disease is a serious ailment that affects millions of Americans. This resolution will help to draw attention to this problem by recognizing September 18 through 22 as Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Week, and it is my hope that this recognition, along with educational efforts on the part of the research and medical communities, will help make this a problem we can overcome.
There are more than 8 million people in the U.S., one in 20 adults, that have peripheral arterial disease. This is a vascular disease that results in the narrowing of arteries and decreased blood flow to the limbs. It could lead to leg pain disability and even amputation. And, sadly, the disease often goes unrecognized because the symptoms include common symptoms of old age, such as fatigue, heaviness, pain and cramping in the leg muscles when walking.
In addition, Madam Speaker, this disease increases the risk of heart attack and stroke in people, making it six times more likely they will die within 10 years when compared with those who do not have peripheral arterial disease. Those at most risk for peripheral arterial disease are people over the age of 50, those who smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, or have a history of heart disease or stroke. In addition, African Americans have a greater risk of getting peripheral arterial disease.
Because of the serious consequences of this disease that affects both women and men and can strike adults of any age, it is important for Congress to support public awareness activities on peripheral arterial disease. Recognizing September 18-22 of this year as National Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Week will help bring this deadly disease out of the shadows. And, Madam Speaker, as a part of this week of recognition, we need to encourage outreach activities to educate people about peripheral arterial disease. The public must understand that it is a serious public health issue; and given our awareness of these high-risk populations, education and early intervention could greatly benefit and decrease the incidents of peripheral arterial disease and improve the quality of life.
Once again, I would indicate our support of this resolution.
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