Tony Thurmond: “this week in the United States we are commemorating Men's Health Week. The National Men's Health Week Act was passed by…”

“this week in the United States we are commemorating Men's Health Week. The National Men's Health Week Act was passed by Congress and signed into law in 1994. Since then Men's Health Week has been celebrated each year as the week leading up to and including Father's Day. I was proud to be a cosponsor of that Act. Today, I rise to introduce the Men's Health Act of 2002, to establish an Office of Men's Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to promote men's health in America. In this Nation, there is an ongoing, increasing, and predominantly silent crisis in the health and well-being of men. Due to a lack of awareness, poor health education, and culturally-induced behavior patterns, the state of men's health and well-being is deteriorating steadily. Heart disease, stroke, and various cancers, including prostate and testicular cancer, continue to be major areas of concern. We must address these issues with diligent educational efforts, prevention and treatment as we seek to enhance the quality and duration of men's lives. Improved distribution of information concerning the health challenges men face and the utilization of the appropriate preventive measures are imperative to addressing this need. As a lifelong advocate of regular medical exams, daily exercise, and a balanced diet, I feel strongly that an Office of Men's Health should be established to help improve the overall health of America's male population.”