HJ0086 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0086 LRB095 15981 KBJ 41993 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Diseases of the heart are the nation's leading cause of death, and strokes are the third leading cause of death; and

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) claim the lives of over 460,000 American females (about one death per minute) each year; and

WHEREAS, Each year, 53% of all cardiovascular disease deaths occur in females, as compared to 47% in men, and about 32,500 more females than males die from a stroke; and

WHEREAS, In 2008 the estimated direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases and strokes in the US is estimated at $448.5 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 providers; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke we proclaim February 1, 2008 as National Wear Red Day throughout the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, We urge all citizens to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by commemorating this day by wearing the color red; by increasing awareness and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease, we can save thousands of lives each year.