LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim Friday, February 5, 2010, as Wear Red for Women Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor David A. Paterson to proclaim Friday, February 5, 2010, as Wear Red
for Women Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the American
Heart Association's Go Red For Women National Campaign; and
WHEREAS, Diseases of the heart are the Nation's leading cause of
death, and stroke is the third leading cause of death; and
WHEREAS, Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim the lives of over
460,000 American females (about one death per minute) each year; and
WHEREAS, Each year, of the females who die, 53% die from cardiovascu-
lar disease (CVD) as compared to 47% of men and approximately 32,500
more females than males die from stroke; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, the direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular
diseases and stroke in the United States is estimated at $448.5 billion;
and
WHEREAS, More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five
leading causes of death combined, including all cancers, yet only 21% of
women consider cardiovascular disease their greatest health risk; and
WHEREAS, February is designated as American Heart Month, and Friday,
February 5, 2010, is National Wear Red Day in recognition of the impor-
tance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke; and
WHEREAS, Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's national
call for women by women, to take charge of their health and live strong-
er, healthier lives; Go Red For Women combines style with substance, and
the red dress and the color red are the American Heart Association's
symbols for women and heart disease; and
WHEREAS, The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health
organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, continues
to take a leadership role in educating women about their risks for this
devastating disease; and
WHEREAS, In February 2004, the American Heart Association launched Go
Red For Women, driving home the message to women that heart disease is
their leading cause of death, a fact most women still do not know; the
Go Red For Women movement empowers women with the knowledge and tools
they need to take charge of their health and urges women to take action
now; and
WHEREAS, According to a recent American Heart Association survey,
nearly all women surveyed say they would feel comfortable talking to
their doctor about preventive and treatment options regarding their
health; yet, only a small percentage ask their doctors to talk to them
about heart disease when discussing their health; and
WHEREAS, Go Red For Women helps to provide women with tips and infor-
mation on healthy eating, exercise, and risk factor reduction, such as
smoking cessation, weight maintenance, blood pressure control and blood
cholesterol management; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to join the Ameri-
can Heart Association in encouraging women across New York State to Go
Red For Women so they have the best chance at fighting heart disease,
the No. 1 killer of women, and to make heart health a top priority so
they can live longer, stronger lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim Friday, February 5,
2010, as Wear Red for Women Day 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.