LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim June 2009 as Healthy Eating Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The food choices you make every day affect your health, how you
feel today, tomorrow, and in the future; eating right isn't just a diet,
it is the key to a healthy lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, A healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise and eating prop-
erly, will help curb the devastating effects of obesity and diabetes in
residents of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Poor nutrition and inadequate physical activity combined are
the second most preventable cause of death in the United States; over-
weight children are twice as likely to have hypertension and elevated
cholesterol and are at a greater risk for diabetes; and
WHEREAS, In the last 10 years, obesity rates have increased by more
than 60% among adults nationwide; studies show that obesity is linked to
a significant increase in chronic conditions, such as: type-2 diabetes;
hypertension; heart disease; stroke; breast cancer; colon cancer; gall-
bladder disease; and arthritis; and
WHEREAS, Research has found that nearly 55% of New York State Medicaid
recipients exceed healthy weight, making the public sector responsible
for financing nearly half of overweight and obesity related medical
spending; the Cancer Society estimates that direct medical costs from
obesity in the State of New York are close to $4.7 billion each year;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to the myriad of physical fitness related reasons
to eat healthy, there are numerous financial considerations; fruit and
vegetable products provide over $1.33 billion to farmers in New York
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim June 2009 as Healthy
Eating Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.