CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA
P R O C L A M A T I O N
Declaring May 2022 as Stroke Awareness Month
WHEREAS, in 1989, President George H. W. Bush signed the first National Stroke Awareness Month proclamation to promote public awareness and reduce the incidence of stroke in the United States , mentioning the work done by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Stroke Association, and the National Heart Association; and
WHEREAS, a stroke is caused by blocked blood flow to the brain and can affect a person’s speech, movement, memory, and more and is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 800,000 strokes occurring every year; and
WHEREAS, strokes disproportionately impact people over 65, people with a family history of strokes, African Americans, women, and people who previously had a stroke, and limited English proficiency may hamper efforts to prevent stroke in Latino communities; and
WHEREAS, certain factors increase chances of having a stroke, such as smoking, drinking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and bad eating h abits, and additional factors that may be linked to higher stroke risks include COVID-19, geographic locations , socioeconomic factors, alcohol and drug abuse, and sleep habits; and
WHEREAS, up to 80% of strokes may be prevente d by living a healthy lifestyle and taking advantage of preventive se rvices such as cardiovascular disease sc reening, c ardiovascular behavioral therapy, a lcohol m isuse screenings and counseling, d iabetes screenin gs and self - management training, nutrition therapy services and obesity behavioral therapy, and counseling to prevent tobacco use and tobacco-caused disease; and
WHEREAS, it is important to know the signs of a stroke, such as weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty breathing, vision loss, dizziness, and a brief loss of consciousness, and by learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. warning signs, you might just save a life from stroke ( Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty, Time to Call 911).
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Richmond City Council do es hereby declare May 2022 as Stroke Awareness Month in the City of Richmond and encourage s community members to join in stroke awareness and prevention programs and activities.
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Mayor Tom Butt
City of Richmond, California
May 3, 2022