Whereas, Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is systolic blood pressure
(top number) of 140 or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure (bottom number)
of 90 or higher, which remains high over time; and,
Whereas, Hypertension is a major cause of coronary heart disease and stroke
and contributes significantly to kidney disease, especially in older Americans;
and,
Whereas, The thousands of national, state and local organizations that work
for hypertension control can be proud of the promising results of reducing stroke
deaths by 60 percent and coronary heart disease by 53 percent; and,
Whereas, An estimated 50 million Americans have hypertension and two-thirds
of those who are afflicted are aware of their condition; however only about
one in four persons with high blood pressure are controlling their condition;
and,
Whereas, People with uncontrolled hypertension risk premature illness or death,
where people who effectively control the condition can lead normal, healthy
lives; and,
Whereas, Lifestyle changes of salt reduction, eating more fruits and vegetables,
weight reduction, alcohol reduction, and increased physical activity can not
only help control hypertension but also prevent blood pressure from rising and
may prevent the disease all together; and now therefore be it,
Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State
of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May, 2003, as Hypertension Awareness Month in
Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to join with me in using this month to
educate all the residents of Michigan about prevention, detection, treatment
and control of hypertension; and especially to use this month to have your blood
pressure checked and make a commitment to continue to do so for the health of
all the people of Michigan.
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