LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim the first week in May of 2016 as Health and Wellness Week in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Health and Wellness is the feeling of health, happiness or
well-being in regard to one's physical health, energy level, mental
state, emotions, and ability to regulate one's lifestyle as pertaining
to individuals in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Health and Wellness professionals help New York residents
develop the techniques, habits, skills, and training to minimize stress,
improve cardiovascular health, increase strength and flexibility, regu-
late emotions, learn relaxation and mindfulness practices, and build
positive community ties; and
WHEREAS, Implemented in school settings, the regular practice of move-
ment, breathing, relaxation-based exercises, mindfulness practices, and
nutrition education have been known to lower incidences of bullying and
violence, improve attendance, reduce sick days, and create more atten-
tive learners; and
WHEREAS, Stress and trauma, lack of sleep, economic disparity and poor
nutrition severely disrupt learning in school communities; health and
wellness programs are a catalyst for learning, increasing students'
social, emotional and physical self-regulation, focus, attention, and
engagement in school classes, activities and communities; therefore,
supporting necessary changes in public policy will make health and well-
ness an essential component of public education; and
WHEREAS, In the American corporate environment, these same practices
have led to a rise in productivity, creativity and work output, as well
as leading to a happier and more content workforce; and
WHEREAS, Clinical and medical professionals focus on treating sick or
injured individuals while health and wellness professionals focus on
prevention and improvement of both the mind and body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body regards health and wellness programs in
New York State as sustainable and crucial components to public health
and education policy; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this Legislative Body promotes and advocates for
the funding and awareness of health and wellness programs as public
health and public education policy for the social and economic well-be-
ing of all New York residents including underserved and low-income
communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body affirms the importance of caring, heal-
ing, and improving the minds and bodies of individuals throughout this
great Empire State, making New York a healthier and happier place to
work and reside which leads to safer cities, productive environments and
greater opportunity for all New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this Legislative Body supports health and well-
ness programs created to help prevent and reduce the risk of preventable
illness and diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, diges-
tive health, stress, PTSD, trauma and anxiety disorders; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this Legislative Body supports preventing mental
and physical stress and trauma in all New York communities by creating
the public, private, and social sector partnerships and initiatives to
work with health and wellness professionals and organizations which
implement the education programs, policy recommendations, public
services, and research; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body acknowledges the fact that health and
wellness programs have state-wide replicability and scalability with

vast cost-savings to the residents throughout the State of New York;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim the first week in May
of 2016 as Health and Wellness Week 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.