Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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February 04, 2022
WHEREAS, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in our nation, accounting for 869,000 deaths each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Michigan is ranked ninth in the nation for number of deaths per year from heart disease and stroke; and,
WHEREAS, though cardiovascular diseases affect Americans of all genders, races, and ethnicities, Black and brown Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and people who live in rural communities are disproportionately affected; and,
WHEREAS, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, killing 299,578 women in 2017-or accounting for approximately 1 in every 5 female deaths; and,
WHEREAS, cardiovascular diseases - including heart disease and stroke - are also a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, which are highest among women of color; and,
WHEREAS, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, and getting quality sleep each night can all reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and help people live longer, healthier lives; and,
WHEREAS, during American Heart Month, we raise awareness of the risks of heart disease and stroke, remember those we have lost, and educate the public on steps we can all take to save countless lives; and,
WHEREAS, February 4 is National Wear Red Day, but we encourage all Michiganders to wear red all month long to bring awareness to cardiovascular disease, particularly in women; and,
WHEREAS, the state of Michigan is committed to protecting and expanding access to quality, affordable health care, addressing the unequal burden of cardiovascular disease in high-risk communities and communities of color, and supporting residents in their efforts to achieve heart health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 2022 as Michigan Heart Month, and we honor the lives we have lost to cardiovascular disease and raise awareness of the actions we can all take to prevent it.