Whereas, Nearly 39 percent of all female deaths in America occur from CVD, which includes coronary heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases; and,

Whereas, The death rate due to CVD is substantially higher in black women than in white women; and,

Whereas, Thirty-eight percent of women compared with 25 percent of men will die within one year after suffering a severe heart attack; and,

Whereas, A stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability with an estimated 15 to 30 percent of stroke survivors becoming permanently disabled; and,

Whereas, Diagnosis of heart disease presents a greater challenge in women than in men; and,

Whereas, Low blood levels of good cholesterol, high density lipoprotein or HDL, appear to be a stronger predictor of heart disease death in women than in men 65 years of age and older; and,

Whereas, High blood levels of triglycerides drastically increase the risk factor for CVD in women as well as the elderly; and,

Whereas, Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of CVD;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2009, as Wear Red for Women Day in Michigan, and I urge all citizens to wear red in recognition of family, friends and neighbors who have suffered from heart disease.