[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 15, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: X94-130615]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 15, 1994]



 


                       National Men's Health Week, 1994




               By the President of the United States of America



                                A Proclamation



      As this great country moves forward in its commitment to address 
      the many concerns related to the delivery of health care, we set 
      aside this week to give special attention to those issues that 
      affect the health of American men. We have made enormous progress 
      in medical technology and research, yet the goal of extending 
      human life expectancy will not be fully realized until 
      information on prevention, detection, and treatment of disease 
      reaches all men and is used by all men.
      Tobacco use is the single most important preventable cause of 
      death in the United States, and currently 24 million American men 
      smoke. It is a major risk factor for diseases of the heart and 
      lungs and doubles the risk of stroke among men. The risk of dying 
      from lung cancer is 22 times higher for men who smoke. Those who 
      continue to smoke place themselves and those around them at great 
      peril. It is imperative for this country to focus its efforts on 
      eliminating the use of tobacco products through education and 
      treatment programs.
      In the past decade, public awareness has also been increased 
      regarding the dangers of alcohol consumption and its impact on 
      the health of American men. Alcohol abuse is, more frequently 
      than not, a related factor in motor vehicle fatalities, 
      homicides, and suicides. It is becoming a special problem for the 
      young men in this country. Let us not falter in our progress--the 
      time has come for us to demand better access to treatment 
      programs, stronger and better enforced laws related to drunk 
      driving, policies to reduce minors' access to alcohol, and 
      greater involvement of primary care providers in dealing with 
      this problem.
      Among older men, prostate cancer is a serious enemy. It is 
      estimated that in 1994, in America alone, prostate cancer will 
      affect 200,000 men, and 38,000 will die. Prostate cancer strikes 
      men almost as often as breast cancer strikes women, yet 
      reluctance to discuss this disease has left its research largely 
      under funded. However, what we do know gives us hope. In addition 
      to physical detection, doctors can now use a blood test to 
      determine the presence of this cancer. Furthermore, there are 
      several available forms of effective treatment. We must ensure 
      that all men over the age of 50 have access to screening for and 
      treatment of this disease, while we simultaneously push for 
      affordable medical care for all Americans.
      Even in the face of better, more accessible detection and 
      prevention programs, we need men to recognize and adopt healthier 
      lifestyles. No health care policy can replace the benefits that 
      American men would reap from this change.
      The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 179, has designated the 
      week of June 12 through June 19, 1994, as ``National Men's Health 
      Week'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue a 
      proclamation in observance of this week.
      NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United 
      States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of June 12, 1994, 
      as National Men's Health Week. I invite the Governors of the 50 
      States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Mayor of the 
      District of Columbia, and the appropriate officials of all other 
      areas under the American flag to issue similar proclamations. I 
      also ask health care professionals, private industry, community 
      groups, insurance companies, and all other interested 
      organizations and individual citizens to unite to publicly 
      reaffirm our Nation's continuing commitment to men's health.
      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of 
      June, 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.