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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING MAY AS NATIONAL FAMILY WELLNESS MONTH
WHEREAS, May is National Family Wellness Month, a time dedicated to promoting the well-being of families and encouraging families to make lifestyle changes that enhance emotional, mental, and physical health; and
WHEREAS, the health of the family has been of concern since the beginning of time; and
WHEREAS, in the 1700’s, epidemic diseases such as plague, cholera, and smallpox were a significant risk to families throughout history, especially the youth; and
WHEREAS, social status influences a family's eating habits. While lower-class families struggled to obtain sufficient and nutritious meals, affluent families enjoyed easy access to them; and
WHEREAS, National Family Wellness Month was established in 1983 by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to encourage family health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, in 1985, rising public awareness contributed to National Family Wellness Month achieving national recognition; and
WHEREAS, during the 1990’s, schools throughout the county started to introduce activities centered on wellness curriculum; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, National Family Wellness Month became more significant as families globally encountered unprecedented challenges to their mental and physical health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, ways to enhance families' mental wellness include fostering a supportive atmosphere. This means establishing a positive and nurturing home where family members feel safe, loved, and supported; and
WHEREAS, reducing stress and anxiety can help manage stress and improve emotional well-being; and
WHEREAS, encouraging healthy habits consists of choosing more nutritious foods, participating in family physical activities, and setting up healthy sleep routines; and
WHEREAS, encouraging open and honest communication, active listening, and spending quality time together can strengthen family bonds; and
WHEREAS, family wellness promotes lifelong healthy habits, enhances mental and emotional well-being, strengthens relationships through a shared purpose, and teaches children the importance of self-care and balanced living; and
WHEREAS, the goal is to educate and support families in making positive changes that benefit everyone's overall health and happiness; and
WHEREAS, this month promotes activities that enhance the whole family's physical, emotional, and social well-being.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes May as National Family Wellness Month.
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