Proclaiming February 2014 as "American Heart Month" and proclaiming February 7, 2014 as "Wear Red Day in the City of Philadelphia."

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the nation's leading cause of death for both men and women, claiming approximately one million lives annually; and

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women over the age of 25; and

WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of roughly one in four women each year; and

WHEREAS, Only 54 percent of women are aware that heart disease is their Number One health threat; and

WHEREAS, Sixty-four percent of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms of this disease; and

WHEREAS, Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American and Caucasian women in the United States; and

WHEREAS, 42 percent of women who have heart attacks die within one year, compared to 24% percent of men; and

WHEREAS, Coronary heart disease costs the United States approximately $108.9 billion in the costs of health care services and medication; and

WHEREAS, The Go Red for Women campaign is the American Heart Association's national call to increase awareness of heart disease, the leading cause of death for women and to inspire women to take charge of their health; and

WHEREAS, The Go Red For Women campaign has evolved into a national movement empowering women to love and save their hearts through education, as well as, lifestyle choices and actions designed to lower their risk factors for cardiovascular disease; and

WHEREAS, Numerous Philadelphia landmarks will be going red in February in support of the Go Red For Women movement and American Heart Month; and

WHEREAS, The American Heart Association continues to educate and inform women about the importance of taking care of their hearts and reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease through actively working with faith-based institutions, health care providers, researchers, scientists and public officials; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby proclaim February 7, 2014 as Wear Red Day in the City of Philadelphia and urge all citizens to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by wearing the color red on this day. By increasing awareness and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease, we can save thousands of lives each year.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That we call upon all women to recognize the importance of the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease and urge all women to become aware of the risk factors for this devastating disease, while taking steps to reduce their personal risk factors.

FURTHER, RESOLVED, That the month of February is hereby proclaimed to be “American Heart Month” in the City of Philadelphia.

FINALLY RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the American Heart Association further evidencing the sincere sentiments and high esteem of this legislative body.

End