03-go-red-4-womenWHEREAS, diseases of the heart are the nation’s leading cause of death and stroke is the third leading cause of death;
WHEREAS, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death among women; and,
WHEREAS, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of more than half a million women each year -- more than the next seven causes of death combined, and
nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer including breast cancer; and,
WHEREAS, the cost of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in the US is estimated at $352 billion; and,
WHEREAS, one in five females in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease; and,
WHEREAS, 63 percent of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms of this disease; and,
WHEREAS, February is designated as American Heart Month; and,
WHEREAS, the American Heart Association is launching a new campaign, Go Red For Women, to encourage women to pay attention to their hearts and help them live longer, stronger lives by
reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Mayor Karl Davidson , in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2004, to be
“Wear Red for Women Day”
in the City of Huntsville and urge all citizens to wear red in recognition of family, friends and neighbors who have suffered from heart disease, and as a show of support to fight it.
By increasing awareness of the risk factors for this devastating disease and taking actions to reduce them, we can save thousand of lives each year.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the City of Huntsville this _____ day of February 2004.
(Signature)