New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, New Yorkers value their health and that of their families, friends and fellow citizens, and we support observances such as Diabetes Awareness Month, which calls public attention to this critically serious disease that has reached unprecedented epidemic proportions and is estimated to be growing by five percent a year; and

Whereas, the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, diabetes has become of increasing concern to the medical community and to society as a whole, whereby more than one million New Yorkers are currently diagnosed with diabetes, while approximately 450,000 more have the disease, but are unaware of it; and

Whereas, based on national statistics, another five million New Yorkers are estimated to have a pre-diabetic condition, and while recent studies have shown that eating healthy and physical activity can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes - even in high risk individuals - the prevalence of diabetes calls for greater focus and support for research into its causes, most effective treatments and ultimate cure; and

Whereas, New York is a vigilant leader in the fight against diabetes and supports Diabetes Centers of Excellence, Community Coalitions for Diabetes Prevention, and Diabetes Prevention in Children Projects, the collective efforts of which are to increase diabetes risk factor awareness, promote lifestyle change to reduce diabetes risk, promote early detection of diabetes, and translate current diabetes science into effective and sustainable diabetes prevention and management initiatives; and

Whereas, New York State promotes the health and well-being of its citizens through public awareness and education about the prevention of all diseases, including diabetes, and we applaud the positive work that is being achieved across our State through partnerships with the American Diabetes Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the American Association of Diabetes Educators, as together we make progress in combating this disease; and

Whereas, it is fitting to support this observance which raises awareness of the life-threatening effects of diabetes and the need to educate those with the disease about its risks and dangers, and through the shared concern and cooperative efforts of the medical community, healthcare agencies, lawmakers, community-based organizations, parents and educators, we can help convey this critical message to our citizens and further address the complexities that affect individuals with this devastating disease as we work toward its cure and a healthier existence for all;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim November 2007 as Diabetes Awareness Month in the Empire State as all New Yorkers join in the observance of November 14, 2007 as World Diabetes Day.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-fourth day of October in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor