Washington, D.C.— The morning of June 14, 2017 began in a light hearted manner as members of Congress, accompanied by staff, friends, and family practiced for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Unfortunately, the practice soon took a turn for the worst. It is irrefutable that all police officers are heroes, but the series of events which occurred that morning reaffirmed this fact once more. United States Capitol Police Officers David Bailey and Crystal Griner as well as Alexandria Police Officers Kevin Jobe, Nicole Battaglia, and Alex Jensen acted with the utmost integrity, risking their lives in the line of duty.

Today, Officers Bailey, Griner, Jobe, Battaglia, and Jensen received the Medal of Valor from President Trump. I was fortunate to be invited to the ceremony by the President to honor the actions of these officers. 

“It is the least we can do to award the Medal of Valor to these American heroes. In the heat of the moment, their insurmountable bravery serves as a true example of patriotism. I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude for their courageous actions that fateful morning. I would also like to thank the staff at MedStar Washington Hospital Center for their expertise and compassion in caring for the victims of this horrific event. Finally, I would like to offer my continued prayers for Representative Scalise and others who are still fighting to recover from their injuries.”

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Op-Ed Column

By: Mrs. Brenda Fleischmann

June is Men's Health Month

In June, we celebrate Father’s Day and Men’s Health Month. We can honor the men in our lives not only on Father’s Day but also throughout this entire year by sharing with them critical information on wellness, disease prevention and early detection.

            One of the top health issues facing men is cancer. Men have a one in two chance of developing cancer in their lifetimes compared to one in three for women. In the state of Tennessee alone, about 236 per every 100,000 males die annually from cancer. But some of the most common cancers in men, including lung, prostate, colorectal and liver cancers, are often preventable or detectable early, when treatment may be more successful.

            Lung: The good news is that the death rate from lung cancer has dropped 43 percent in men since 1990 thanks in part to reduced smoking rates. But lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Smoking is linked to 90 percent of lung cancer cases, but exposure to air pollution or secondhand smoke, or a family history of the disease can also increase risk. Low-dose CT screening of smokers with 30-year pack histories (for example, two packs of cigarettes per day for 15 years) can help find lung cancer earlier.

            Prostate: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, behind only skin cancer. African-American men are particularly at-risk for prostate cancer, with a death rate more than double that of any other racial or ethnic group. While age, race and family history are risk factors of prostate cancer that cannot be changed, men can take charge of their health and reduce prostate cancer risk by maintaining a healthy weight, never smoking (or quitting) and exercising regularly. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing may help detect prostate cancer early, but men should discuss the potential benefits and harms of screening with their health care professional.

            Colorectal: More than 70,000 men will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2017. Risk factors include age, a history of smoking, being overweight or obese, excessive alcohol consumption, eating a lot of red or processed meats and a personal or family history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease). Screening can help find colorectal cancer earlier, when treatment is more successful, or with some methods, prevent it by finding and removing pre-cancerous growths.

            Liver: Liver cancer is three times more common in men than women, with an estimated 29,000 men expected to be diagnosed and nearly 20,000 expected to die of the disease in the U.S. this year. Risk factors include obesity, drinking alcohol in excess, using tobacco or having the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. Limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and practicing safe sex can reduce risk. A hepatitis B vaccine is available for those who are at risk, and there is testing and treatment available for hepatitis C.

             Share this information with the men in your life and encourage them to schedule appointments with their health care professionals and discuss what cancer screenings are best for them. To learn more about cancer prevention and wellness, visit www.preventcancer.org.

Brenda Fleischmann is a member of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program and the spouse of U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann. Statistics provided by the American Cancer Society.

Washington, D.C.— Representative Fleischmann was at the baseball practice when the attack occurred. He was not hit by any gunfire and his thoughts and prayers are with the victims.

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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Listen up, Dad! Your teen daughter isn’t the only one at risk for skin cancer. An estimated 87,110 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma this year, with 1,840 cases expected in Tennessee alone. But did you know that more than half of those cases will be men? Males age 50 and older are at increased risk of skin cancer, and by age 65 skin cancer rates in men are double that of women. This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, educate yourself and your loved ones about skin cancer prevention.

Even though you may not be sunbathing by the pool or beach, you probably do spend a significant amount of time outdoors—attending sporting events, caring for the yard or home, or perhaps doing your job—and it’s a pretty safe bet that you’re not always using sunscreen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that only 14 percent of men applied sunscreen when outside for more than an hour. While many women receive some daily skin protection from moisturizers and makeup that contain SPF, most men do not. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, older men are the least likely to perform regular self-exams or visit a dermatologist.

It is never too late to change your habits and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Avoid the sun when its rays are most dangerous, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If that’s not possible, apply an ounce (a palm-full) of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and UVA and UVB protection 20 minutes before going outside, then reapply every two hours. Wear sunglasses that absorb UV radiation, clothing made of tightly-woven material and a hat. Remember, even on cloudy or cool days, you need to protect your skin.

You should also have a health care professional examine your skin annually, and see your doctor if you have any moles that follow the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color not uniform, Diameter greater than 6 mm or Evolving size, shape or color).

Everyone is at risk of skin cancer regardless of age, race or gender, but it is often preventable. Make sure you and your loved ones are properly protected before you head outside this summer and throughout the year. To learn more about skin cancer prevention, risk factors and symptoms, visit preventcancer.org/skincancer.

Brenda Fleischmann is a member of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program and the spouse of U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann. Statistics provided by the American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Dermatology.

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The following statement can be attributed to Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN):

“For far too long Obamacare has hurt American families by not keeping its promises of lowering costs, while increasing patient choice.  That is why I voted in favor of the American Healthcare Act.  This bill will reduce premiums, stabilize the market, and ensure patient choice.  While there is more work ahead to rebuild our broken healthcare system, passing this legislation was a critical first step. I look forward to collaborating with my Senate colleagues to give the American people the healthcare they deserve,” said Fleischmann. 

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