[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 5691-5692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-2952]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 7, 1994]


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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 6648--
American Heart Month, 1994



Proclamation 6649--National Women and Girls in Sports Day, 1994


                        Presidential Documents 


Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 25
Monday, February 7, 1994

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Title 3--
The President
                Proclamation 6648 of February 3, 1994

 
American Heart Month, 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                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 its 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 disease 
                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 chances 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; 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 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 
                United States of America the two hundred and 
                eighteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)>

[FR Doc. 94-2952
Filed 2-4-94; 11:44 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P