[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 24 (Monday, February 5, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 4347-4348]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-2575]




[[Page 4345]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part V





The President





_______________________________________________________________________



 Proclamation 6864--American Heart Month, 1996
 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 24 / Monday, February 5, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 4347]]

                Proclamation 6864 of February 1, 1996

                
American Heart Month, 1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                There are few among us whose lives have not been 
                touched by the devastating effects of heart disease. 
                Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease 
                and stroke, takes one million of our citizens each 
                year, and heart disease remains the single leading 
                cause of death in this country. Millions of Americans 
                suffer from high blood pressure, and millions more have 
                high levels of blood cholesterol. Studies also show 
                sharp increases in the number of people who are 
                overweight and physically inactive.

                It is, however, encouraging that public health efforts 
                are raising awareness of the risk factors for 
                cardiovascular disease. Though some--family history and 
                age--are inescapable, the risks posed by high blood 
                pressure and high cholesterol, lack of exercise, 
                smoking, diabetes, and obesity can be greatly reduced 
                through modifications to personal behavior. Advances in 
                research have helped us to gain a better understanding 
                of heart disease, provided new diagnostic methods, and 
                helped develop treatments that save lives and vastly 
                improve the outlook for stricken patients.

                We can be proud that the Federal Government has 
                contributed to the fight against heart disease by 
                supporting the efforts of the National Heart, Lung, and 
                Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of 
                Health, and by promoting new dietary and health 
                guidelines. The American Heart Association, through 
                research, education programs, and the work of its vital 
                network of volunteers, has also played a crucial role.

                As we observe American Heart Month, let us build on our 
                achievements by learning more about the causes of heart 
                disease and by making the changes we can to improve our 
                cardiovascular health. Recognizing that even small 
                adjustments to diet and exercise habits can yield 
                significant benefits, we can help those who already 
                suffer from heart disease and encourage those who are 
                taking their first steps toward better, healthier 
                lives.

                In recognition of the need for all Americans to become 
                involved in the work to stop heart 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 
                1996, as American Heart Month. I call upon the 
                Governors of the several 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 
                combatting cardiovascular disease, including heart 
                disease and stroke. 
                
[[Page 4348]]


                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
                hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-2575
Filed 2-2-96; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P