Explanation
Title
To proclaim February 2, 2007 as "Wear Red Day" in Columbus, Ohio and to raise awareness that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women.
Body
WHEREAS, diseases of the heart are the nation's leading cause of death and stroke is the third leading cause of death; and
WHEREAS, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women; and
WHEREAS, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular disease claim the lives of more than half million women each year - more than the next six causes of death combined, and nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer including breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in the United States for 2007 is estimated at $431.8 billion; and
WHEREAS, one in three females in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease; and
WHEREAS, 64% of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms of this disease; and
WHEREAS, February is designated as American Heart Month; and
WHEREAS, the American Heart Association is promoting the Go Red For Women movement which encourages women to pay attention to their hearts and help them live longer, stronger lives by reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That Columbus City Council recognizes the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke, and hereby proclaim Friday, February 2, 2007, to be "Wear Red Day" in the City of Columbus.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Council urges all citizens to wear red in recognition of family, friends, and neighbors who have suffered from heart disease and as a show of support to fight it. By increasing awareness of the risk factors for this devastating disease and taking actions to reduce them, we can save thousand of lives each year.