TITLE: Recognizing February 2025 as American Heart Month in Texas.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 2025 as American Heart Month in Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, February is American Heart Month, and on February 20, 2025, the American Heart Association is hosting the Texas Advocacy Day rally at the State Capitol in Austin to raise awareness of heart disease and urge all Texans to learn more about cardiac emergency response; and WHEREAS, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the world; the chance of developing heart disease increases with age, and nearly half of Americans have at least one of the several key risk factors, which include obesity, physical inactivity, unrelieved stress, high blood pressure, an unhealthy diet, high cholesterol, a history of smoking, and diabetes; and WHEREAS, Individuals of every background can significantly reduce these risks by making positive lifestyle changes, such as taking part in regular aerobic exercise, quitting smoking, and adopting a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet; routine medical checkups are also an important part of managing the conditions that can lead to heart disease; and WHEREAS, Each year in the U.S., more than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, with approximately 70 percent of these occurrences happening at home; cardiopulmonary resuscitation, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of survival, yet only about 46 percent of individuals who have gone into cardiac arrest were administered CPR while waiting for emergency responders; and WHEREAS, CPR education and the accessibility of automated external defibrillators are crucial components of helping during cardiac emergencies; by 2030, the American Heart Association hopes to have doubled the survival rate from cardiac arrest by teaching bystanders how to become lifesavers; and WHEREAS, American Heart Month represents a valuable opportunity for all Americans to take an active role in their personal well-being and to make a meaningful contribution to their own health, the health of their loved ones, and the health and prosperity of our nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 2025 as American Heart Month in Texas and encourage the public to learn more about heart health and how to respond in a cardiac emergency. Lalani Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 148 was adopted by the House on February 20, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House