[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          AMERICAN HEART MONTH

 Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, Since it is Valentine's Day, I 
would like to offer a few brief comments on the heart health status of 
our nation. It is a serious concern in my state of Oklahoma and all 
across the country. Today over two thousand Americans will die from 
some form of cardiovascular disease, and in my state of Oklahoma, 
almost 45 percent of all deaths this year will be from cardiovascular 
disease. Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in 
Oklahoma and in America. This is a sad state of affairs.
  Although some children are born with heart conditions, and others may 
have a genetic tendency toward developing cardiovascular disease, there 
are many people suffering who could have prevented the onset of heart 
disease. A healthy diet and regular cardiovascular exercise can prevent 
high blood cholesterol levels, obesity, and high blood pressure, all of 
which are risk factors for heart disease.
  I appreciate the work of the American Heart Association and others in 
raising awareness of the risk factors, warning signs, and preventative 
lifestyle behaviors that are crucial in our fight against this type of 
disease. This year the focus of Heart Month, which we celebrate every 
February, is Being Prepared in a Cardiac Emergency. I encourage all of 
my fellow Americans to take a CPR class, and I urge parents to teach 
their children how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Taking just a few 
cautionary steps can save lives.
  Heart-shaped cards and candies inundate us this week and especially 
today. When we see these playful reminders of Valentine's Day, let us 
be reminded of how we must take care of our heart health and continue 
to fight the tragedy of heart disease in our Nation.

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