[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 9759-9760]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-3588]



[[Page 9757]]

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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 7406--American Heart Month, 2001



Proclamation 7407--National Burn Awareness Week, 2001
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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 9759]]

                Proclamation 7406 of February 7, 2001

                
American Heart Month, 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The year 2001 once seemed so distant that it became a 
                symbol of science fiction. But today, researchers 
                studying heart and other cardiovascular diseases have 
                made 2001 a year when science rivals fiction.

                Only 50 years ago, Americans were acknowledged to be 
                suffering from an epidemic of heart disease. So little 
                was known about the disease that it was thought part of 
                the normal process of aging. Luck played a larger role 
                in surviving a heart attack or hypertension than did 
                medicine--and those who survived were forced to lead 
                restricted lives.

                But thanks to scientific advances and education, the 
                death rate from coronary heart disease has fallen by 
                nearly 60 percent since its peak in the mid-1960s. This 
                startling improvement resulted not only from advances 
                in the treatment of heart disease but also from gains 
                in knowledge about its prevention. Scientists also have 
                opened up new fields, including that of gene research. 
                Their work promises to bring great improvements in the 
                prevention and treatment of heart disease.

                But problems remain. In particular, how can the rewards 
                of scientific advances be brought to all Americans? 
                Racial, ethnic, and geographic gaps still exist in the 
                burden of disease. The number one killer of women is 
                cardiovascular disease.

                Another challenge is the increase in certain conditions 
                and heart disease risk factors. Obesity and physical 
                inactivity pose still other problems. More than half of 
                American adults are overweight and obese, about one in 
                four are sedentary, and another third are not active 
                enough to reach a healthy level of fitness.

                Meeting such challenges takes both will and technology. 
                For example, researchers recently found that small 
                changes in lifestyle that boost moderate-level physical 
                activity can protect cardiorespiratory fitness and 
                blood pressure as much as a structured exercise 
                program. These are changes that all Americans can 
                adopt.

                Sudden death from cardiac arrest has also been a major 
                health threat. Yet fortunately, more Americans are 
                learning the warning signs of cardiac arrest. Calling 
                9-1-1 immediately and administering cardiopulmonary 
                resuscitation (CPR) until an electric shock to the 
                heart can be given to restore a normal heartbeat--a 
                practice known as defibrillation--combined with early 
                advanced care can result in long-term survival rates as 
                high as 40 percent for certain types of cardiac arrest.

                The Federal Government seeks to improve Americans' 
                heart health by supporting research and public 
                education through its National Heart, Lung, and Blood 
                Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. 
                The American Heart Association, through its research 
                and education programs and its vital network of 
                dedicated volunteers, also plays a crucial role in 
                bringing about much-needed advances.

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                Americans have always believed in the power of science 
                to improve lives, and it is their support and the use 
                of scientific advances that has reduced the epidemic of 
                heart disease. It will be through continued scientific 
                efforts that we find even more answers and reduce the 
                rate of heart disease even further.

                In recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight 
                against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by Joint 
                Resolution approved December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 843; 36 
                U.S.C 101) has requested that the President issue an 
                annual proclamation designating February as ``American 
                Heart Month.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month 
                of February 2001 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.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
                [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08FE01.012
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)  

[FR Doc. 01-3588
Filed 2-8-01; 11:50 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P