Resolution 140423

..Title Recognizing May 2014 as National High Blood Pressure Education Month. ..Body WHEREAS, National High Blood Pressure Education Month, recognized annually in May, is an important observance time for participating medical groups, health systems, partners, and sponsors to raise awareness, educate and engage patients across the United States about high blood pressure; and WHEREAS, Educating patients about high blood pressure and the need for control is essential to long-term health. In fact, high blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes complications; and WHEREAS, Nearly one out of three American adults has high blood pressure. Yet out of these 68 million people, only half have the condition under control; and WHEREAS¸ Extrapolating from the national estimate, over one-half million Philadelphians suffer from high blood pressure; and WHEREAS, Throughout National High Blood Pressure Education Month, the American Medical Group Foundation's Measure Up/Pressure Down program will launch patient materials; engage local, regional and national media; host events with our partner organizations; and participate on social media to continue to raise awareness about high blood pressure; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City Council of Philadelphia recognizes May 2014 as National High Blood Pressure Education Month. ..End