Proclamation
WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more than 420,000 American females each year; about one death per minute; and
WHEREAS, each year, 52% of all deaths due to cardiovascular disease and 60% of stroke deaths occur in females; and
WHEREAS, diseases of the heart are the nation's leading cause of death and stroke and is the fourth leading cause of death; and
WHEREAS, too many women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer; and
WHEREAS, in 2008 the direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases in the U.S., including stroke, was nearly $298 billion; and
WHEREAS, nearly as many women die of heart disease, stroke and all other cardiovascular diseases than the next four leading causes of death combined, including all cancers; and
WHEREAS, only 16% of women surveyed in 2009 identified cardiovascular disease as the greatest health problem facing them; 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 reduce risk; and
WHEREAS, all women should learn their own personal risk for heart disease, using tools such as the American Heart Association's My Life Check, Go Red For Women Heart Check Up, Go Red BetterU-and by talking to their healthcare provider; and
WHEREAS, taking action and making the right choices relating to proper nutrition, physical activity and other healthy lifestyle choices are essential to living a heart healthy life; and
WHEREAS, by choosing to MAKE IT YOUR MISSION! You can save lives.
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 3, 2012 to be "NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY FOR WOMEN" in the Borough of Spotswood, and urge all citizens to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease and stroke by commemorating this day by the wearing of the color red. By increasing awareness, speaking up about heart disease and stroke, and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease, we can save thousands of lives each year.
DATED: January 23, 2012
ATTEST: Thomas W. Barlow, Mayor
Patricia DeStefano RMC, Municipal Clerk