Explanation
Title
Wear Red for Women Day
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 seven causes of death combined, and nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer including breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, the cost of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in the United States is estimated at $352 billion; and
WHEREAS, one in five females in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease; and
WHEREAS, 63% 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 launching a new campaign, Go Red For Women, to encourage women to pay attention to their hearts and help them live longer, stronger lives by reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I Patsy A. Thomas, in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke, do hereby proclaim February 4, 2005 to be
"Wear Red for Women Day"
in Columbus and urge 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.