Res. No. 150
Resolution declaring the fourth Wednesday in May as "Stroke Awareness Day" in the City of New York.
By Council Members Eugene, Barron, Dickens, Dromm, Fidler, James, Koslowitz, Nelson, Reyna, Rodriguez, Rose, Vann and Halloran
Whereas, The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) defines stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, as an event that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells; and
Whereas, NINDS indicates that brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or there is sudden bleeding into or around the brain; and
Whereas, Stroke is the third leading cause of death nationwide, killing 160,000 people each year, and the leading cause of adult disability; and
Whereas, Approximately 780,000 strokes occur annually of which 500,000 could be prevented; and
Whereas, Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death; and
Whereas, Recognizing stroke symptoms and acting fast to get medical attention can save a life and limit any potential disabilities; and
Whereas, Almost every minute in the United States, a person experiences a stroke; and
Whereas, About 33 percent of people who have had a stroke and survived will have another stroke within five years; and
Whereas, The risk of having a stroke increases with age and 72 percent of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65, and
Whereas, Persons over age 55, males, African-Americans, persons with diabetes, and those with a family history of stroke are at a greater risk of having a stroke; and
Whereas, Few Americans know the symptoms of a stroke, however learning to recognize such symptoms and knowing what to do when they occur could save lives; and
Whereas, Prevention includes learning about lifestyle and medical risk factors that may contribute to stroke such as smoking, being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and carotid artery disease; and
Whereas, The month of May is National Stroke Awareness Month; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares the fourth Wednesday in May as "Stroke Awareness Day" in the City of New York.
LS# 720
Res. No. 1959-2009
S.O.
4/7/10
4:16pm