Senate Resolution No. 202 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2023, as Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2023, as Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects 10 million people, yet it is under diagnosed and under treated; many people believe pain in the legs or lower extremities is just another sign of aging, not realizing that it may be a warning sign for this serious disease; and WHEREAS, PAD happens when arteries in the legs become restricted or clogged with fatty deposits, reducing blood flow to the legs resulting in leg muscle pain when walking, disability, amputation, and a poor quality of life; and WHEREAS, Blocked arteries found in people with PAD can signify other arteries may also be blocked, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke; and WHEREAS, People over the age of 50, experiencing leg pain and have more than one of the following mentioned risk factors, talk to your doctor about PAD: smoke (current or former), high blood pressure, personal/family history of heart attack or stroke, diabetes or high cholesterol; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2023, as Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.