Title
To proclaim February 1, 2008 as Wear Red Day in Columbus, 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 the third leading cause of death; and
WHEREAS, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women; and
WHEREAS, heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of more than half a 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 strokes in the United States for 2008 is estimated at $448.5 billion; and
WHEREAS, one in three females in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease; and
WHEREAS, only 22 percent of women perceive that heart disease is the greatest health threat facing women today; 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 helps 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 this Council does recognize the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease, and does hereby proclaim Friday, February 1, 2008, as Wear Red Day in the City of Columbus.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That 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 against it. By working together to increase awareness of the risk factors of this devastating disease and taking actions to reduce them, we can save thousands of lives each year.