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2002 SESSION
WHEREAS, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, and more than one in four Virginians suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease; and
WHEREAS, according to the Surgeon General of the United States and the American Heart Association, physical inactivity is a clear risk factor for the development of heart disease; and
WHEREAS, the American Heart Association recommends that Americans follow the "ABCs for Good Health": Aim for fitness, Build a healthy base, and Choose sensibly; and
WHEREAS, heart disease is the number one killer of Virginians and is a major cause of disability; and
WHEREAS, nationwide, the numbers are equally disturbing--each year, about 1.1 million Americans suffer a heart attack, with about 460,000 of those heart attacks resulting in death; and
WHEREAS, the majority of Americans are unaware of their risk factors for a heart attack, nor are they aware of its warning signs; and
WHEREAS, the warning signs of a heart attack include pain or discomfort in the center of the chest; discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; shortness of breath; and other signs that include a cold sweat, nausea, and light-headedness; and
WHEREAS, thanks to advances in life-saving research for the treatment of heart attack, such as clot-busting drugs and other artery-opening therapies like angioplasty and with increased access of lay persons to automated external defibrillators, devices that can provide a life-saving electric shock to stop cardiac arrest, these numbers are now changing; and
WHEREAS, these noteworthy achievements have advanced the fight against disability and death caused by cardiovascular disease; and
WHEREAS, another threat is sudden cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating effectively--such cardiac arrests account for about half of all heart attack deaths, and most of these deaths occur outside of hospitals; and
WHEREAS, Lisa Melton of Pearisburg, Miss Apple Blossom Festival 2001, has proposed a Healthy Heart Day in Virginia during Heart Awareness Month in February; and
WHEREAS, Lisa Melton's proposal, as a reminder to Virginians of the importance of physical activity and a sensible diet, is a positive step in the ongoing battle against heart disease in the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby designate February 14, in 2002 and in each succeeding year, as Healthy Heart Day in Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the General Assembly commend Lisa Melton for her public-spirited campaign on behalf of healthier Virginians; and, be it
RESOLVED FINALLY, That the General Assembly urge Virginians to observe Healthy Heart Day by re-evaluating lifestyle choices; choosing to accumulate 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity a day, three or four times a week; and choosing to follow the Food Guide Pyramid and other, similar dietary guidelines.