House Resolution 35

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE EFFECTS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN WOMEN AND DESIGNATE FEBRUARY 2020 AS AMERICAN HEART MONTH IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, many women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, and the "Go Red for Women" movement is the American Heart Association's solution to bring much needed awareness to cardiovascular disease in women; and

WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease kills one woman almost every 80 seconds in the United States, and while new research shows a rise in heart attacks in younger women, heart disease and stroke can affect women at any age; and

WHEREAS, heart disease is largely avoidable, with 80% of cardiac events in women being preventable if women make the right lifestyle choices for their hearts, such as making necessary changes in diet and exercise; and

WHEREAS, all women are encouraged to move more, eat smart and manage blood pressure to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, and the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" movement motivates women to learn their family history and to meet with a healthcare provider to determine their risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke; and

WHEREAS, "Go Red for Women" empowers women to get healthy through the "Watch Me Go Red" campaign, which is designed to engage women to show others what they do to experience good health and well-being, while inspiring others to do the same; and

WHEREAS, it is most appropriate for the State of Mississippi to designate a month to show support for women and the fight against heart disease, and by increasing awareness, speaking out about heart disease and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular diseases, we can save thousands of lives each year:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke in women, we do hereby designate February 2020 as American Heart Month in Mississippi, and encourage all citizens to join in bringing awareness to the effects of cardiovascular disease in women.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to the Mississippi Chapter of the American Heart Association, forwarded to the State Board of Health for appropriate distribution to the citizens of our state, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.