RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 6, 2025
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RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing February as American Heart Month
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WHEREAS, in the early 1960’s, more than half of all deaths in the United States were caused by cardiovascular disease. Sensing the need to bring public awareness to this dire situation, on December 30, 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued Proclamation 3566 designating February 1964 as American Heart Month; and
WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease is the umbrella term used to describe all diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, strokes, congenital heart defects, peripheral artery disease, and heart attacks. Roughly 1.5 million people in the United States have a heart attack or stroke each year. In 2021, approximately 695,000 people in the United States died from cardiovascular disease: one person every thirty-three seconds; and
WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, accounting for roughly 33% of deaths in women annually - more than all types of cancer combined. Starting in 2004, the first Friday in February has been designated as Go Red for Women Day (National Wear Red Day). Wearing the color red is intended to raise awareness regarding heart disease and strokes; and
WHEREAS, over 44% of women in the United States (approximately 60 million) have some form of cardiovascular disease. In 2021, cardiovascular disease was the cause of death for 310,661 women (one in every five). Additionally, it is estimated that one in five women will have a stroke. On an annual basis, that’s 55,000 more women than men. Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects minority women, causing more than 50,000 deaths in Black women annually. Likewise, Hispanic women tend to develop heart disease ten years earlier than non-Hispanic women; and
WHEREAS, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet are some of the main conditions and behaviors that increase the probability of developing cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease can often be prevented by making healthy diet choices, engaging in at least 2.5 hours of physical activity each week, working to reduce levels of stress, and improving both the quality and quantity of sleep; and
WHEREAS, research suggests that people are more successful at achieving personal health goals when they join with others, thereby creating an encouraging and supportive environment. Thus, a major theme of American Heart Month is for people to create or join groups where making healthy lifestyle decisions is fostered; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize the month of February as American Heart Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: February 6, 2025