For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 1, 2005
American Heart Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
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
twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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