HR0056 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0056 LRB095 05130 KXB 25201 r

HOUSE 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 32,800 more females than males die from a stroke; and

WHEREAS, In 2007 the estimated direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases and strokes in the US is estimated at $431.8 billion; and

WHEREAS, More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five leading causes of death combined, including all cancers; and

WHEREAS, Only 13% 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, that in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke we proclaim February 2007 and each February hereafter to be "Go Red for Women Month" in 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 and stroke and to increase their awareness and empower women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke so that thousands of lives can be saved each year.