Res. No. 254
Resolution declaring the fourth Wednesday in May as "Stroke Awareness Day" in the City of New York.
By Council Members Eugene, Koo, Rose, Rodriguez and Rosenthal
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, Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death; and
Whereas, Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death nationwide, killing 137,000 people each year, and the leading cause of adult disability, according to the American Stroke Association (ASA); and
Whereas, Every forty seconds in the United States, a person experiences a stroke; and
Whereas, According to the National Stroke Association (NSA), approximately 795,000 strokes occur annually, averaging one every forty seconds; and
Whereas, Up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented; and
Whereas, Recognizing stroke symptoms and acting fast to get medical attention can save a life and limit any potential disabilities; and
Whereas, ASA states the chance of having a stroke approximately doubles for each decade of life after age 55; and
Whereas, Persons over age 55, females, 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.
CP
Res 150/2010
LS 1395/2014