WHEREAS, breast-feeding benefits society as a whole by strengthening the bonds shared by mother and infants, and is also an important part of preventative health care, providing mothers with short and long-term benefits, including decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer; andWHEREAS, compelling scientific evidence indicates that human milk is unique in that it provides infants with optimum growth and development, protection against specific infections and allergies, and positive long-term effects on their health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, the incidence and duration of breast-feeding among women in California are lower than the National Year 2000 Health Objectives, especially among economically disadvantaged women; and
WHEREAS, public health organizations throughout the Golden State are working to educate communities concerning the advantages of breast-feeding, and to create a supportive public environment in order that this important practice may be reestablished as a cultural norm;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PETE WILSON, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim August 1997 as Breast-Feeding Awareness Month in California, and I encourage all Californians to support Breast-Feeding as the preferred infant feeding method and a priority in our communities.
IN WITNESS THEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 10th day of June 1997.
Pete Wilson
Governor of CaliforniaATTEST:
Bill Jones
Secretary of State
August is also "World Breastfeeding Week." Other commemorations observed throughout the month include:
- National Catfish Month
- National Water Quality Month
- National Romance Awareness Month
- National Bargain Hunting Week
- National Smile Week
- Psychic Week
- Simplify Your Life Week
- Mosquito Awareness Weekend [!]
- American Family Day
- Friendship Day
- Sisters' Day
- Coast Guard Day
- Book Lovers' Day
- National Relaxation Day
- Lavender Liberty Day
- Bad Poetry Day
- National Mustard Day
