J. Thurmond: “I am pleased to introduce today a joint resolution designating the week of September 18-24, 1994 as ``Iron Overload…”

“I am pleased to introduce today a joint resolution designating the week of September 18-24, 1994 as ``Iron Overload Diseases Awareness Week.'' Hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder which causes individuals to absorb too much iron from their diet. Because the body has no way to eliminate iron except by bleeding, over time the accumulated iron assaults body tissue and major organs. Hemochromatosis is often overlooked by doctors because its symptoms--fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, aching joints--are often attributed to other diseases. More than 1.5 million Americans are affected by this disease, which can cause a variety of problems, including diabetes, cancer, arthritis, cirrhosis of the liver and heart disease. There is a treatment for this disease, but early diagnosis cannot be made unless there is proper screening. The four necessary tests are: serum iron, TIBC (total iron binding capacity), percent saturation and serum ferritin. Only these tests will give an accurate picture of a patient's iron status. Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this joint resolution which brings attention to this common but underdiagnosed condition.”