[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 24 (Monday, February 6, 2006)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 5967-5968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1098]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 24 / Monday, February 6, 2006 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 5967]]

                Proclamation 7978 of February 1, 2006

                
American Heart Month, 2006

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                More than 70 million Americans live with some form of 
                heart disease, and this disease remains the leading 
                cause of death in the United States. During American 
                Heart Month, we reinforce our commitment to fighting 
                heart disease by promoting awareness about its risks, 
                its causes, and the ways to reduce the chance of 
                developing this deadly illness.

                Many of the factors that lead to heart disease, such as 
                high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and 
                obesity, can be controlled with commonsense steps and 
                healthy lifestyles. Through the HealthierUS Initiative, 
                my Administration encourages Americans to work toward 
                four simple goals that can lead to a healthy heart: 
                exercise daily; develop good eating habits; avoid 
                tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol; and take 
                advantage of preventive screenings to detect problems 
                early.

                First Lady Laura Bush helps lead ``The Heart Truth'' 
                campaign through her Women's Health and Wellness 
                Initiative. The campaign was launched by business, non-
                profit, and government organizations, including the 
                National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, to educate 
                women about the risks of heart disease and to encourage 
                them to make their cardiovascular health a priority. 
                Along with the American Heart Association's ``Go Red 
                for Women'' campaign, these initiatives use the red 
                dress as a symbol to remind women to make healthy 
                choices and talk with their doctors about heart 
                disease.

                As a result of the Medicare Modernization Act, our 
                seniors have more choices to prevent, diagnose, and 
                treat potential problems before they become worse. 
                Medicare now covers preventive screenings, a ``Welcome 
                to Medicare'' physical for new beneficiaries, and 
                innovative programs to help seniors fight chronic 
                threats. I urge all Medicare beneficiaries to take 
                advantage of these measures as part of a healthy 
                lifestyle.

                All Americans can improve their heart health and live 
                longer, better lives by taking an active role in their 
                health care decisions and consulting their physician 
                for the latest information. As we observe American 
                Heart Month, we recognize those battling heart disease; 
                we express gratitude to the family members and friends 
                who are a source of love and encouragement; and we 
                commend the medical professionals and researchers who 
                provide assistance and work to find cures and improve 
                treatments.

                In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing 
                fight against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by 
                Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended 
                (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 February 
                2006 as American Heart Month, and I invite all 
                Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on 
                February 3, 2006. I also 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 
                recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to combating 
                heart disease.

[[Page 5968]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 06-1098
Filed 2-3-06; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P