SR0008 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0008 LRB100 05834 MST 15859 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Many Illinois citizens are experiencing high rates of illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer; these conditions are often linked to excessive sugar consumption; and

WHEREAS, It is predicted that by the year 2020, diabetes will increase in Illinois by an estimated 25%; and

WHEREAS, Sugary drinks are a main source of empty, dangerous calories; a diet high in sugar contributes to weight gain, which increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes; and

WHEREAS, The American Heart Association promotes going sugarless for one day a week in order to promote a healthier lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, Sugarless does not mean sugar-free; it means no sugary drinks such as soda and artificial fruit juice, and a reduction in the consumption of sugary desserts and snacks; and

WHEREAS, The American Heart Association created "Sugarless Wednesdays" in order to inform and educate communities on healthy alternatives, the health risks associated with excessive consumption of sugary drinks, and the benefits of one sugarless day per week; and

WHEREAS, The American Heart Association asks Illinois to join them by participating in "Sugarless Wednesdays", and to take the pledge to "Do My Best to Go Sugarless"; and

WHEREAS, The American Heart Association urges people to tell friends, family, and loved ones about "Sugarless Wednesdays" and the benefits that going sugarless one day a week can have; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate each Wednesday in the month of February of 2017 as a "Sugarless Wednesday" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the American Heart Association in appreciation of its work to promote a healthier Illinois.