LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2015, as Asthma Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2015, as Asthma Awareness
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Asthma Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs; it causes the
airways to swell and get narrow and leads to wheezing, shortness of
breath, chest tightness, and coughing; more than 1.1 million adults have
asthma in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Asthma occurs at any age but is more common in children than
adults; nationally, nearly one in 13 school-age children have asthma,
and that rate is rising more rapidly in preschool-aged children and
those living in urban inner cities than in any other group; and
WHEREAS, Although there is no cure for asthma, asthma attacks can be
prevented and controlled with proper care; and
WHEREAS, New York is actively working with health care providers,
community coalitions, schools, families and many others to fight asthma
so people with asthma can live a full and active life; and
WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Communi-
ties in Action Asthma Initiative supports local programs working to help
people in their communities bring asthma under control; and
WHEREAS, An important part of this Initiative is raising awareness
that asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening chronic disease
that can be controlled; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2015, as Asthma
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.