09-R038

2009 -- H 5341

Enacted 02/05/09

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 6, 2009 TO BE "GO RED FOR WOMEN" DAY IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Giannini, Lima, E Coderre, Williams, and Ajello

Date Introduced: February 05, 2009

     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 disease claims the lives of nearly 455,000 American women

each year, approximately one death per minute; and

     WHEREAS, Each year, 53% of all deaths due to cardiovascular disease and 61% of

stroke deaths occur in women; and

     WHEREAS, In 2008, the direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases in the United

States, including stroke, is estimated to be $475.3 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; and

     WHEREAS, Only 21% of women consider cardiovascular disease their greatest health

risk; and

     WHEREAS, February is designated as American Heart Month; and

     WHEREAS, Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national call to

increase awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death for women—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 healthcare provider; and

     WHEREAS, Making the right choices relating to proper nutrition, physical activity,

doctor visits, and other lifestyle methods is essential to living a heart healthy life; now, therefore

be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations, in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease

and stroke, hereby proclaims February 6, 2009 to be “Go Red For Women” Day, and urges all

citizens to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by commemorating

this day with the wearing of the color red. By increasing awareness and empowering women to

reduce their risk for cardiovascular diseases, we can save thousands of lives each year; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the National Office of the American Heart

Association and to the Founders Affiliate of the American Heart Association.

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LC00675

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