[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          AMERICAN HEART MONTH

                                 ______


                            HON. MIKE SYNAR

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 23, 1994

  Mr. SYNAR. Mr. Speaker, I am enclosing the proclamation signed by 
President William J. Clinton on February 3, 1994, which designates 
February as American Heart Month.

                             A Proclamation

       The heart is one of nature's most efficient and durable 
     machines. During an average lifetime, the heart contracts an 
     amazing 2.5 billion times. Although we now realize that it 
     functions as a life-giving pump, the human heart was thought 
     of by ancient man as the very soul of one's being. Certain 
     words, such as ``courage'' and ``cordial,'' are derived from 
     the Latin word for heart, symbolizing prominence and 
     significance.
       Heart disease was not recognized until about 1500 A.D., for 
     the heart was considered so delicate and sensitive that death 
     was believed to be inevitable if the heart were injured in 
     any way. Although most causes of heart disease observed early 
     in the 20th century are still present today, the treatment 
     and cures of the diseases are now dramatically altered.
       Today, heart disease is one health threat that Americans 
     can conquer. Extraordinary scientific advances, together with 
     increased public awareness, have forged one of this century's 
     greatest medical achievements, saving untold lives through 
     improved prevention and treatment. However, as long as 
     cardiovascular diseases and stroke threaten the lives of 
     Americans, we must continue in our diligent efforts to fight 
     these diseases.
       Today, many Americans are joining in this fight by taking 
     steps to reduce their changes of developing a cardiovascular 
     disease. They have learned to avoid the major risk factors by 
     controlling blood pressure and blood cholesterol, by avoiding 
     tobacco products, and by becoming more physically active.
       At the same time, scientists are developing better ways to 
     detect and treat cardiovascular diseases and stroke. 
     Revolutionary advances are reducing the physical suffering 
     exacted by heart disease and are making diagnosis and 
     treatment more successful.
       The Federal Government has contributed to these 
     achievements by supporting research and public education 
     through its National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The 
     American Heart Association, through its research and 
     education programs and its vital network of dedicated 
     volunteers, has played a crucial role in bringing about these 
     remarkable accomplishments.
       The results of the many scientific and public education 
     achievements are dramatic. From 1972 through 1990, the death 
     rate from heart disease dropped 39 percent and the death rate 
     from strokes fell 57.4 percent.
       However, these advances have not yet eradicated the 
     devastating consequences of heart disease, which remains the 
     leading cause of death in the United States today. American 
     men and women still suffer about 1.25 million heart attacks 
     each year. About 50 million Americans still have high blood 
     pressure--and uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major 
     cause of stroke. Virtually every American has grieved for a 
     relative or friend debilitated or killed by a cardiovascular 
     disease or stroke.
       In recognition of the need for all of us to become involved 
     in the ongoing fight against cardiovascular diseases, the 
     Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963 (77 
     Stat. 843; 38 U.S.C. 169b), has requested that the President 
     issue an annual proclamation designating February as 
     ``American Heart Month.''
       Now, therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the 
     United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of 
     February 1994 as American Heart Month. I 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 reaffirming our 
     commitment to combating cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
       In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third 
     day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and 
     ninety-four, and of the Independence of the Unites States of 
     America the two hundred and eighteenth.
     William J. Clinton.

                          ____________________