Declare Heart Disease Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 361 BY: Senator BIAGGI MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2019, as Heart 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 to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2019, as Heart Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Heart Disease Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, February, American Heart Month, is the month for lovers and all things heart related which reminds all New Yorkers to take care of their heart; and WHEREAS, This annual celebration began in 1963 to encourage Americans to join the battle against heart disease; and WHEREAS, A presidential proclamation pays tribute each year to researchers, physicians, public health professionals and volunteers for their tireless efforts in preventing, treating and researching heart disease; and WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading global cause of death for men and women in the United States with more than 17.9 million deaths each year; one in four deaths are caused by heart disease every year; and WHEREAS, Heart disease is the number one killer of women, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined; and WHEREAS, Nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes such as by making healthy choices and managing their health conditions; and WHEREAS, Nearly one in three adults in the United States has high blood cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke; and WHEREAS, Hospitals and health systems around the country celebrate American Hearth Month by helping to raise awareness in their communities about heart disease; staff wear red and volunteers knit or crochet pint-sized red hats for newborns; in addition, they hold free screenings and heart health awareness events; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 2019, as Heart 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.