On the recordApril 13, 2015
I thank the gentlelady from Illinois. That is so true. And as you stood there and stated those issues, that is something that we have known for quite some time, how oral care impacts so many other parts of your health--and as you mentioned, could really show you the onset of diabetes. I mention diabetes, Madam Speaker, because I have been out for several weeks now with a foot infection. And it got pretty severe and had to be operated on. But what has complicated the circumstance with my foot is me being a diabetic, a very noncompliant diabetic, a diabetic who did not take it seriously, did not take the medicines that I should have for years. This circumstance with my foot made it all so very clear what needed to be done. The circumstance frightened me into doing everything that I am supposed to now, so you are looking at a compliant diabetic. But it is crucial, and the diabetes is what has complicated the healing of my foot. Now, I am a very fortunate person in this country. I am living an American Dream that I did not realize would happen to me because of another issue of my father losing his bout with colorectal cancer. He was the Member prior to me, and I took his place. But we were fortunate. We have always had good health care. We are talking about the disparities and the inequities in this Nation for people who are not in the positions that Representative Kelly, myself, and other well-to-do Americans are who have health care that keeps them alive.…
