Senate Resolution No. 2160

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 4-10, 2017, as Health and Wellness Week in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, Health and Wellness is the feeling of health, happiness or
well-being in regard to one's physical health, energy level, mental
state, emotions, and ability to regulate one's lifestyle as pertaining
to individuals in New York State; and

WHEREAS, Health and Wellness professionals help New York residents
develop the techniques, habits, skills, and training to minimize stress,
improve cardiovascular health, increase strength and flexibility,
regulate emotions, learn relaxation and mindfulness practices, and build
positive community ties; and

WHEREAS, Implemented in school settings, the regular practice of
movement, breathing, relaxation-based exercises, mindfulness practices,
and nutrition education have been known to lower incidences of bullying
and violence, improve attendance, reduce sick days, and create more
attentive learners; and

WHEREAS, Stress and trauma, lack of sleep, economic disparity and
poor nutrition severely disrupt learning in school communities; health
and wellness programs are a catalyst for learning, increasing students'
social, emotional and physical self-regulation, focus, attention, and
engagement in school classes, activities and communities; therefore,
supporting necessary changes in public policy will make health and
wellness an essential component of public education; and

WHEREAS, In the American corporate environment, these same practices
have led to a rise in productivity, creativity and work output, as well
as leading to a happier and more content workforce; and

WHEREAS, Clinical and medical professionals focus on treating sick
or injured individuals while health and wellness professionals focus on
prevention and improvement of both the mind and body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body regards health and wellness programs
in New York State as sustainable and crucial components to public health
and education policy; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this Legislative Body promotes and advocates
for the funding and awareness of health and wellness programs as public
health and public education policy for the social and economic
well-being of all New York residents including underserved and
low-income communities; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body affirms the importance of caring,
healing, and improving the minds and bodies of individuals throughout
this great Empire State, making New York a healthier and happier place
to work and reside which leads to safer cities, productive environments
and greater opportunity for all New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this Legislative Body supports health and
wellness programs created to help prevent and reduce the risk of
preventable illness and diseases, such as cardiovascular disease,
diabetes, digestive health, stress, PTSD, trauma and anxiety disorders;
and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this Legislative Body supports preventing
mental and physical stress and trauma in all New York communities by
creating the public, private, and social sector partnerships and
initiatives to work with health and wellness professionals and
organizations which implement the education programs, policy
recommendations, public services, and research; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body acknowledges the fact that health and
wellness programs have state-wide replicability and scalability with
vast cost-savings to the residents throughout the State of New York;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 4-10, 2017, as
Health and Wellness Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.