RESOLUTION NO. RS2016-99

A resolution recognizing February 5, 2016 as National Wear Red Day.

WHEREAS, Heart disease is the Number 1 killer of women both nationally and within the state of Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, cardiovascular diseases cause one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 43 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases; and

WHEREAS, ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease, yet only one in five American women believe that heart disease is her greatest health threat; and

WHEREAS, since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease; and

WHEREAS, women comprise only 24 percent of participants in all heart-related studies; and

WHEREAS, of African American women ages 20 and older, 46.9 percent have cardiovascular disease, only 43% of African American women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than Caucasian women, only 33% of Hispanic women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk; and

WHEREAS, heart disease and stroke account for 30% of all female deaths in Tennessee, killing nearly 24 Tennessean women each day; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee has the 7th highest death rate from cardiovascular disease in the country; and

WHEREAS, women involved with the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® movement live healthier lives, nearly ninety percent have made at least one healthy behavior change; and

WHEREAS, Go Red For Women is asking all Americas to Go Red by wearing red and speaking red; and

o Get Your Numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.
o Own Your Lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise and eat healthy.
o Raise Your Voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.
o Educate Your Family: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your kids the importance of staying active.
o Don’t be silent: Tell every woman you know that heart disease is their No. 1 killer. Raise your voice at GoRedForWomen.org.

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes National Wear Red Day and encourage all citizens of Nashville to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by commemorating February 5, 2016 by the wearing of the color red.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing February 5, 2016 as National Wear Red Day.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to the American Heart Association.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Erica Gilmore