Whereas, the governor of the state of Wisconsin and the National Wellness Institute have joined forces to promote the importance of wellness; and

Whereas, Wisconsin is recognized as the birthplace of the Wellness Concept and the Mecca of Wellness, and has disseminated that concept across the country and around the world; and

Whereas, the federal Department of Health and Human Services sees the vision of “Healthy People in Healthy Communities" as an achievable goal across the country; and

Whereas, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, tobacco use and abuse, mental health disorders, personal injury and violence, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases continue to escalate health insurance costs; and can all be affected by individuals making healthy lifestyle choices; and

Whereas, medical experts agree that by focusing attention on preventing rather than treating chronic disease it is possible to extend years of healthy life as well as decrease population health disparities; and

Whereas, the state of Wisconsin, through education and assisting people to make positive health choices will economically benefit from activities that decrease dependence on health care facilities and services; and

Whereas, the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care, the Department of Health Services, the Wisconsin Public Health Council, the Wisconsin Women's Council and other Wisconsin agencies and task forces are committed to improving the quality of the lives of the citizens of Wisconsin; and

Whereas, a Wellness Day will encourage school systems, corporations, communities, and individuals to begin a program of wellness; now, therefore, be it