New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State recognize that women have unique health concerns which deserve special attention and therefore support observances that raise public awareness about serious medical concerns such as heart disease, the leading cause of death among women aged 35 and older; and

Whereas, annually, 53% of all deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) occur among females, compared to 47% occurring among males, with CVD claiming the lives of approximately 460,000 American females (about one death per minute) and stroke causing 32,500 deaths in women - a disproportionately larger number than in men; and

Whereas, there are factors that directly influence women's health, with lifestyle, diet and exercise habits cumulatively affecting their risk for developing heart disease; while smoking is the number one controllable risk factor, lack of physical fitness and poor nutrition can have dangerously harmful effects on a woman's cardiovascular system and overall health; and

Whereas, the economic implications of heart and cardiovascular disease on our society are likewise staggering and, in 2008, the direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases in the U.S., including stroke, is estimated to be $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, yet only 21% of women consider CVD as their greatest health risk; and

Whereas, February is designated as American Heart Month and the "Go Red For Women" campaign is the American Heart Association's national call to increase awareness about heart disease as the leading cause of death among women, and to inspire women everywhere to take charge of their heart health; and

Whereas, all New Yorkers are encouraged to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by wearing the color red as a symbol that traditionally represents the heart and also expresses love; in joining forces to advance the goals of this observance, we can speak with one strong voice to raise awareness of heart and cardiovascular diseases and empower women to adopt a "heart healthy" lifestyle, have regular check-ups that include cardiovascular disease testing, and to take responsibility in reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease, all of which will certainly add years to their lives;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim February 1, 2008 as Wear Red for Women's Heart Health Day in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this eighteenth day of January in the year two thousand eight.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor