Whereas, Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Michigan and takes the lives of 71 people per day; and,

Whereas, Heart disease is a significant cause of illness, hospitalization, and disability, and places an enormous economic strain on society, costing more than $8 billion annually in Michigan; and,

Whereas, Certain population groups experience a disproportionate burden of the disease, such as African Americans, who have significantly higher death rates for heart disease than other racial groups; and,

Whereas, A large number of deaths from heart disease could be avoided through changes in lifestyle and behavior, such as controlling high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight; and,

Whereas, Many health, social service, and educational organizations throughout the state are implementing community-based cardiovascular disease prevention, outreach, education, and screening programs to create a heart healthy Michigan; and,

Whereas, The American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have declared the month of February 2006, as “Heart Month” to urge Americans to join the battle against heart disease, with a special focus this year on heart disease in women; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 2006, as Heart Month in Michigan.  I encourage all citizens to learn the risks for heart disease and take steps toward better health.