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MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
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WEAR RED DAY
2008
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, according to the American Heart Association, diseases of the heart are the nation's leading
cause of death, and stroke is the third leading cause of death; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2008
Update, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) claim the lives of almost 460,000 American females (about one death per
minute) each year; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2008
Update, each year, 53% of all cardiovascular disease deaths occur in females, as compared to 47% in men. and
about 32,500 more females than males die from a stroke; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2008
Update, in 2008. the direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases in the U.S., including stroke, is estimated to
be $448.5 billion; and
WHEREAS, more women die of heart disease, stroke, and all other cardiovascular diseases than the next
five leading causes of death combined, including all cancers, according to the Web-based Injury Statistics Query
and Reporting System Leading Cause of Death Reports; and
WHEREAS, only 21% of women consider cardiovascular disease their greatest health risk according to a
January 2007 article in the Journal of Women s Health, and
WHEREAS, February is designated as American Heart Month: and
WHEREAS. Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national call to increase awareness
about heart disease — the leading cause of death for women — and to inspire women to take charge of their heart
health; and
WHEREAS, all women should leam their own personal risk for heart disease, using tools such as the
American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Heart Check Up and by talking to their healthcare provider;
NOW. THEREFORE. I, MICHAEL F. EASLEY, Governor of the State of North Carolina do hereby
proclaim February I, 2008. "WEAR RED DAY” in North Carolina and urge all citizens to show their support for
women and the fight against heart disease by commemorating this day by the w earing of the color red. By
increasing awareness and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease, we can save
thousands
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North
day of January in the year of our Lord tw o thousand and eight, and of
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.