Whereas, The promotion and protection of the health and safety of our children is of paramount concern and importance in today’s society and Michigan’s families expect and deserve to raise their children and grandchildren in healthy communities; and,

Whereas, Research shows that an increase in fruit and vegetable intake is essential for improved health status, yet less than 5 percent of preschoolers and less than 20 percent of Michigan high school students eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables daily and many children are showing early signs of cardiovascular risk factors such as physical inactivity, excess weight, and high blood cholesterol; and,

Whereas, Policy and environmental changes have the potential to make a positive impact on eating habits and physical activity for entire communities; and,

Whereas, Accidental injury is the number one killer of Michigan’s children, and by taking simple precautions, almost 90 percent of these accidental injuries can be avoided; and,

Whereas, Our communities can play a significant role in decreasing tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure, and other illnesses by increasing smoke-free environments where youth and adults play and work, and reducing exposure to air pollution, radon, lead, and mercury; and,

Whereas, Michigan’s public health system incorporates and relies on a broad array of partners to be successful, including:  Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Association for Local Public Health, Michigan Public Health Institute, Michigan Public Health Association, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and many community partners; and,

Whereas, We are celebrating the 28^th Anniversary of Michigan’s landmark Public Health Code, Public Act 368 of 1978, and I have made public health and the promotion of healthy lifestyles a priority by appointing the first state Surgeon General in the nation; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of April 3, 2006, as Public Health Week in Michigan.