With Laura Bush looking on, President
Bush signs the
American Heart Month proclamation, today in the Oval Office |
President George W. Bush signed today a
proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.
The proclamation encourages awareness of factors leading
to heart disease such as smoking, high cholesterol, lack
of exercise, obesity and diabetes.
THE PROCLAMATION:
The miracles of modern medicine offer hope
to those affected by heart disease, yet there are also simple
measures that Americans can take to help prevent the disease.
During American Heart Month, I encourage all Americans to
take action to help reduce their risk and increase awareness
of heart disease.
The steps to a healthy heart include preventing
and controlling factors that can lead to heart disease smoking,
high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity,
obesity, and diabetes. By avoiding tobacco, limiting consumption
of alcohol, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet,
and maintaining a healthy weight, Americans can substantially
reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
I also urge citizens to get routine preventative
screenings and consult with their doctors. Through these
commonsense steps, we can save many of the lives we might
otherwise lose each year to heart disease.
Although heart disease is often associated
with men, it is the leading cause of death for American
women: Nearly 500,000 American women die from cardiovascular
disease each year. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
part of the National Institutes of Health at the Department
of Health and Human Services and other national organizations
have launched a national campaign called "The Heart
Truth" to educate women about heart disease and to
encourage them to make their health a priority. The symbol
of "The Heart Truth" campaign is the red dress,
which reminds women to talk with their doctors about heart
disease and to make healthy choices. In addition, the American
Heart Association has launched the "Go Red For Women"
campaign to reach out to more women across our country.
By continuing to raise public awareness about this deadly
disease, we can help all our citizens lead healthier lives.
In recognition of the importance of the
ongoing fight against heart disease, the Congress, by Joint
Resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat.
843; 36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President issue
an annual proclamation designating February as "American
Heart Month."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President
of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February
2005 as American Heart Month, and I invite all Americans
to participate in National Wear Red Day by wearing a red
dress, shirt, or tie on February 4, 2005. I also invite
the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction
of the United States, and the American people to join me
in our continuing commitment to fighting heart disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand this first day of February, in the year of our Lord
two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twentyninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
