[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 28, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3292-S3293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          AMERICAN HEART MONTH

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I stand in support of February, 
American Heart Month. February 1995 marks the 32d annual American Heart 
Month. To convey the importance that all Americans participate in the 
battle against cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and 
stroke, in 1963 the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution requesting 
that the President proclaim each February as American Heart Month. But 
the battle has not been won, cardiovascular diseases remain America's 
No. 1 killer and a major cause of disability.
  During American Heart Month, the American Heart Association and its 
more than 3.7 million volunteers canvass neighborhoods nationwide 
distributing educational materials and soliciting public support for 
the AHA mission, the reduction of disability and death from 
cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. The 
American Heart Month theme this year is ``Life. It's What We're 
Fighting For,'' highlighting the value of biomedical research and its 
significance in daily life for many Americans. AHA-sponsored activities 
and information during this American Heart Month focus on the 
importance of current medical research projects in the fight against 
cardiovascular diseases and outline some medical miracles responsible 
for longer and healthier lives of millions of Americans. Through these 
educational efforts, the AHA hopes to enhance public support and 
knowledge about the critical nature of biomedical research in the 
battle against cardiovascular diseases.
  Since 1949, the American Heart Association has invested about $1.3 
billion in medical research and hopes to reach the $2 billion mark by 
the year 2000. The AHA reports that it will contribute about $94 
million in support of almost 2,900 medical research projects across 
this country in 1995.
  American Heart Association-supported research has produced some 
significant results, such as CPR, life-extending drugs, bypass surgery, 
pacemakers and other surgical techniques to repair heart defects. In 
addition, four physicians who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or 
Medicine had been supported, at one time, by the AHA, including Dr. 
Edwin G. Krebs of the University of Washington in Seattle. Doctor Krebs 
and Dr. Edmond H. Fischer, also of the University of Washington in 
Seattle, both were awarded the 1991 Nobel Prize in Physiology or 
Medicine for their discovery of how proteins in the body are switched 
on to perform functions within cells.
  I can personally attest to the benefit of medical research. According 
to the American Heart Association, each year 1.5 million Americans 
suffer a heart attack--that is approximately 1 heart attack every 20 
seconds. As my colleagues know, unfortunately, last November, I 
suffered a heart attack. But, thanks to medical research, I am living a 
healthy, productive life.
  As a recent beneficiary of medical research, I welcome this 
opportunity to salute the American Heart Association for their research 
support and public and professional education and community service 
programs to advance the battle against heart attack and stroke. I am 
particularly proud of the contribution of the American Heart 
Association Washington affiliate. The AHA Washington affiliate in 1994-
1995 will support about $797,332 on research being conducted at the 
following research facilities in Washington: University of Washington, 
Washington State University, Children's Hospital in Seattle, VA Medical 
Center, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
  However, I am still concerned about the federal commitment to the 
battle against cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and 
stroke. The American Heart Association estimates that about 1 in 4 
Americans suffers from cardiovascular diseases that will cost this 
Nation approximately $138 billion in medical expenses and lost 
productivity in 1995. But, the fiscal year 1993 National Institutes of 
Health budget for research on heart disease and stroke is only $855 
million, representing a research investment of less than 1 percent of 
the expenditures for these diseases.
  Again, I encourage my colleagues to reaffirm our dedication to the 
fight against cardiovascular diseases. A significant growth in Federal 
resources is needed to take advantage of promising research projects in 
this area.
  I ask that this year's Presidential proclamation be printed in the 
Record.
  The proclamation follows:

[[Page S3293]]

                [Proclamation 6768 of February 10, 1995]

                       American Heart Month, 1995

           (By the President of the United States of America)


                             a proclamation

       Throughout history, the heart has been a symbol of health 
     and well-being. Yet nothing now overshadows Americans' health 
     as much as heart disease--the leading cause of death among 
     men and women. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels kill 
     nearly a million Americans each year, most from the effects 
     of atherosclerosis, the narrowing and stiffening of blood 
     vessels fro the buildup of plaque that usually begins early 
     in life.
       Today, Americans are enjoying the rewards of the progress 
     humanity has made in understanding and treating 
     cardiovascular disease. Advances in diagnosis make it 
     possible to see the heart beat without the use of invasive 
     procedures. Thousands of heart attack victims are being saved 
     by the rapid administration of drugs to dissolve blood clots. 
     Soon, gene therapy may be able to prevent the smooth muscle 
     cell multiplication that contributes to the narrowing of 
     blood vessels. Perhaps most important, we have greater 
     understanding of how to prevent the development of heart 
     disease. By controlling blood pressure and blood cholesterol, 
     being physically active, and not smoking cigarettes, more 
     Americans can have the chance to lead long, healthy lives.
       The Federal Government has contributed to these successes 
     by supporting research and education through the National 
     Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Through its commitment to 
     research, its programs to heighten public awareness, and its 
     vital network of dedicated volunteers, the American Heart 
     Association also has played a crucial role in bringing about 
     these remarkable accomplishments.
       Yet the heart has not revealed all of its mysteries. No one 
     knows why heart disease begins. And, while it is known that 
     heart disease develops differently in men and women, the 
     reasons for those variations are still being studied. About 
     50 million Americans continue to suffer from hypertension, a 
     major cause of stroke, and 1.25 million Americans have heart 
     attacks every year.
       Conquering these diseases requires unwavering national and 
     personal commitment. On the national level, the Federal 
     Government will continue to support research into the 
     prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease. On the 
     personal level, Americans can take steps to prevent heart 
     disease from striking their families, including teaching 
     their children heart-healthy habits. Working together, we can 
     make the tragedy of heart disease a nightmare of the past.
       In recognition of the need for all Americans to become 
     involved in the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, 
     the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963 
     (77 Stat. 843, 36 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 February 1995 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 disease and stroke.
       In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth 
     day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and 
     ninety-five, and of the Independence of the United States of 
     America the two hundred and nineteenth.

                                       William J. Clinton.
     

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