State of Connecticut
By Her Excellency M. Jodi Rell, Governor: an
Official Statement

Whereas, heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States and more than 80 million Americans are currently living with some form of cardiovascular disease; and

Whereas, cardiovascular disease causes one out of every two deaths in America; a devastating and staggeringly high number; and

Whereas, CHARLIE’s Ride (Connecticut Heart Association Remembers Loved-ones Impacted Everywhere) is being held in honor of Charlie Lewandoski, who lost his 20-year battle with heart disease last year, and to raise money to fund research through the American Heart Association and promote awareness about prevention; and

Whereas, many factors that contribute to the development of heart disease include smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history – many of which are preventable through a change in lifestyle, regular exercise, and a healthy diet; and

Whereas, increased awareness about the causes of heart disease will lead to improved overall health for both adults and children; now

Therefore, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, in honor and recognition of CHARLIE’s Ride, do hereby officially proclaim August 15, 2010, as

HEART DISEASE AWARENESS DAY

in the State of Connecticut and urge all Connecticut residents to learn more about heart disease and what they can do to prevent it in their own lives and families.