A HOUSE RESOLUTION recognizing the third wednesday of may as hypertension/high blood pressure awareness day, as recommended by the Justus‑Warren Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force.
Whereas, the health of our citizens is the foundation for a caring and productive society, and our future rests with our ability to adequately treat, and ultimately to prevent, a variety of illnesses including high blood pressure; and
Whereas, heart disease and stroke are the second and fourth leading causes of death in North Carolina, and high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major and modifiable risk factor for heart disease and stroke and is a major contributor to adult disability; and
Whereas, in 2011, 32.4% of North Carolina adults reported a health professional telling them that they had high blood pressure; and
Whereas, current awareness and treatment for high blood pressure is not adequate; and
Whereas, about seven out of every 10 people having their first heart attack have high blood pressure and about eight out of every 10 people having their first stroke have high blood pressure; and
Whereas, adequate medical treatments and proven preventive health strategies, such as healthy lifestyles that include a low‑salt diet with more fruits and vegetables, are beneficial; and
Whereas, high blood pressure patients who are treated earlier have a longer life expectancy; and
Whereas, education can help with early diagnosis, prevention, and better treatment; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recognizes that the prevention and management of high blood pressure will require the collective effort of health care providers, other community members and organizations, and patients and families; and
Whereas, the Justus‑Warren Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, the Consortium on Southeastern Hypertension Control, and the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence are organizations that have agreed to support the Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Awareness Day scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2014. And these partners, along with other North Carolina organizations, seek ways to improve health for the citizens of North Carolina by improving prevention and treatment of high blood pressure through support of education, advocacy, and awareness; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives joins the Justus‑Warren Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force and other organizations mentioned in this resolution in recognizing the third Wednesday in May to be Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Awareness Day and urges all the citizens of the State of North Carolina to recognize the seriousness of this disease and the meritorious work of the public health and health care provider community in the prevention and treatment of this disease.
SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.