Proclamation
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 (CVD) claim the lives of more than 455,000 American females (about one death per minute) each year; and
WHEREAS, each year, 53 percent of all cardiovascular disease deaths occur in females, as compared to 47 percent in men, and about 32,400 more females than males die from stroke; and
WHEREAS, in 2009 the estimated direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in the U.S. is estimated at $475 billion; and
WHEREAS, more women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five leading causes of death combined, including all cancers; and
WHEREAS, one in 2.7 women die from cardiovascular disease and 64 percent of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptom; and
WHEREAS, February is designated as American Heart Month; and
WHEREAS, Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's national movement and call to increase awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death, for women, and to inspire women to love their hearts and 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 Check up and by talking to their healthcare provider; and
Now, therefore, I Thomas W. Barlow, Mayor of the Borough of Spotswood in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke, do herby proclaim Friday February 5, 2010 to be "NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY FOR WOMEN" in the Borough of Spotswood, and urge all citizens to "Go Red" for the day, and to call attention to the magnitude of cardiovascular disease in women, and as a show of support to fight it, as well as in recognition of family, friends, and neighbors who have suffered from cardiovascular disease. By increasing awareness of the risk factors for this devastating disease and taking actions to reduce them, we can save thousands of lives each year.
DATED: January 25, 2010
ATTEST: Thomas W. Barlow, Mayor
Patricia DeStefano RMC, Municipal Clerk