* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmembers Holton and Curran
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
American Heart Month - February 2012
FOR the purpose of recognizing February as American Heart Month, and urging all of Baltimore to recommit to healthier habits for healthier hearts in 2012.
body
Recitals
Nationally, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, heart disease causes 1 out o3 deaths in America and is responsible for 17% of overall health spending. Medical costs and lost productivity linked to heart disease cost $444 billion every year.
Closer to home, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Baltimore, a major cause of disability, and one of the key factors in the 20 year life expectancy gap between different neighborhoods in our City. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has set ambitious goals for improving heart health through Healthy Baltimore 2015, the city's health policy agenda, which calls for reducing the rate of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease by 10 percent and the percent of adults on high blood pressure medication by a similar amount.
Although it is one of the most devastating diseases afflicting both Baltimore and the United States as a whole, heart disease is also one of the most preventable. There are simple steps that each of us can take to dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease. Some of the most important measures that can be taken include exercising regularly, making healthy food choices, scheduling regular blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, cutting salt intake, and avoiding tobacco.
These are steps that everyone should take year-round to preserve their own and their families health. During the month of February, American Heart Month, we all should take the time to reflect on how we can better incorporate these heart healthy habits into our daily routines.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Council recognizes February as American Heart Month, and urges all of Baltimore to recommit to healthier habits for healthier hearts in 2012.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Health Commissioner, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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