09 LC 94 0259

Senate Resolution 142

By: Senators Seay of the 34th, Butler of the 55th, Unterman of the 45th, Tate of the 38th, Buckner of the 44th and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing February 6, 2009, as "National Wear Red Day" at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, diseases of the heart are the nation's leading cause of death and stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States; and

WHEREAS, each year, cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of almost 460,000 American females, about one death per minute; and

WHEREAS, each year, 53 percent of all cardiovascular disease deaths occur in females, as compared to 47 percent in men, and 61 percent of all stroke death victims are females; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, the direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases in the United States, including stroke, was estimated to be $448.5 billion; and

WHEREAS, more women die of heart disease, stroke, and all other cardiovascular diseases than the next five leading causes of death combined, including all cancers, yet only 21 percent of women consider cardiovascular disease their greatest health risk; and

WHEREAS, February is designated as American Heart Month, and "Go Red For Women" is the American Heart Association's national call to increase awareness about the leading cause of death for women, heart disease, and to inspire women to take charge of their heart health; and

WHEREAS, all women should learn their own personal risk for heart disease, using tools such as the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Heart CheckUp and by talking to their health care provider; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke, Friday, February 6, 2009, is recognized as "National Wear Red Day" at the state capitol.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize, Friday, February 6, 2009, as "National Wear Red Day" at the state capitol and urge all citizens to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by commemorating this day by the wearing of the color red, increasing awareness, and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the American Heart Association.