[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 972 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     February 14, 2008.
Whereas diseases of the heart are the Nation's leading cause of death and stroke 
        is the third leading cause of death in both men and women;
Whereas nearly 2,400 American men, women, and children die of cardiovascular 
        disease each day, an average of one death every 37 seconds;
Whereas many people do not recognize that heart disease, stroke, and other 
        cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 killer of American women, 
        claiming the lives of almost 460,000 American women each year or about 
        one per minute;
Whereas we as a Nation have made great progress in reducing the death rates for 
        coronary heart disease, but this progress has been much more modest in 
        women and minorities, resulting in cardiovascular disease disparities;
Whereas many minority women, including African-American, Hispanic, Native-
        American and some subgroups of Asian-American women, have a greater 
        prevalence of risk factors or are at a higher risk of death from heart 
        disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases, but they are less 
        likely to know of this risk;
Whereas cardiovascular diseases cost the Nation more than any other cause of 
        death, with direct and indirect costs estimated to reach $448.5 billion 
        in the United States in 2008;
Whereas the research is clear that there are tools available to prevent heart 
        disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases and to improve 
        survival rates from cardiovascular disease;
Whereas Congress, by Joint Resolution approved on December 30, 1963, requested 
        that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as 
        ``American Heart Month'';
Whereas the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes 
        of Health, the American Heart Association, and many other organizations 
        celebrate ``National Wear Red Day'' during February by ``going red'' to 
        increase awareness about heart disease as the leading killer of women; 
        and
Whereas every year since 1964 the President has issued a proclamation 
        designating the month of February as ``American Heart Month'': Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of ``American Heart Month'' and 
        ``National Wear Red Day'';
            (2) commends the efforts of States, territories and possessions of 
        the United States, localities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and 
        other entities, and the people of the United States who support 
        ``American Heart Month'' and ``National Wear Red Day'';
            (3) recognizes and reaffirms our commitment to fighting heart 
        disease and stroke by promoting awareness about its causes, risks, and 
        prevention, supporting research, and expanding access to medical 
        treatment; and
            (4) encourages each and every American to learn about their own 
        personal risk for heart disease.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.