Res 0213-2018

By Council Member Eugene 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, According to the National Stroke Association, approximately 795,000 strokes occur annually, averaging one every forty seconds; and Whereas, Stroke kills 133,000 people each year and is the leading cause of adult disability, according to the American Stroke Association (ASA); 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, 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, 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; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares the fourth week in May as Stroke Awareness Week in the City of New York. CP/EB LS 1395/Res 254/2014 LS 716 11/08/2018