Highlights from this week's Tulsa City Council meeting - Nov. 7

Councilor Henderson greeted participants from the Jack and Jill of America Tulsa Chapter at Thursday's City Council meeting. We were so pleased to meet these bright, young people!

"Jack and Jill is a nationwide organization with over 230 chapters in 35 states and the District of Columbia, representing over 30,000 family members. The core of the Jack and Jill of America philosophy is that every child - if given the proper guidance and opportunity - can be developed into a leader."

Learn more about Jack and Jill of America on their website: jackandjillinc.org

In addition to learning about city government and leadership, they also got the chance to meet the City Council's Pets of the Month from Jean Letcher, Manager of City of Tulsa Animal Welfare.

The City Council features adoptable pets at the first regular Council meeting of each month to raise awareness of the City's animals available for adoption.

This month's pets are Leeroy and Sissy, both Chihuahua mixes. Leeroy, brown and white, is five-years-old. And Sissy, cream and white, is one-and-a-half-years-old.

If you're interested in adopting these sweet dogs, or any of the wonderful animals at City of Tulsa Animal Welfare, call 918-596-8000.

Representatives from the American Heart Association were also present to receive a proclamation from Councilor Bynum and the City Council about "National Eating Healthy Day" in Tulsa. The proclamation reads:

"WHEREAS:  Cardiovascular diseases are the nation's leading cause of death, accounting for one out of three deaths nationwide; and

WHEREAS:  More than 40 percent of the United States adult population is projected to have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2030, with direct and indirect costs exceeding $1 trillion annually; and

WHEREAS:  The research is clear that there are preventive strategies, such as eating nutritious, healthy foods and eating only enough to meet energy needs, that can increase survival rates from cardiovascular diseases; and

WHEREAS:  Making the right choices relating to proper nutrition, physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle choices are essential to living a heart healthy life; and

WHEREAS:  The American Heart Association's 2020 impact goal seeks to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent; and

WHEREAS:  The American Heart Association created National Eating Healthy Day to help companies keep their employees healthy, which will help both their company and our country improve cardiovascular health.

NOW, THEREFORE, we, The Tulsa City Council, do hereby declare the day of November 6th, 2013 to be

"National Eating Healthy Day"

in Tulsa, OK, and urge all citizens and employers to recognize the importance of improved nutrition and healthy eating both at home and in the workplace.  By doing so we can prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce healthcare costs due to cardiovascular disease.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, we hereby set our hands on this Sixth day of November, Two Thousand and Thirteen."