[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 23 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 5373-5374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-2592]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77 , No. 23 / Friday, February 3, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 5373]]

                Proclamation 8775 of January 31, 2012

                
American Heart Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every year, heart disease takes the lives of over half 
                a million Americans, and it remains the leading cause 
                of death in the United States. This devastating 
                epidemic leaves no one untouched; its victims are 
                fathers and daughters, grandparents and siblings, 
                cherished friends and community members across our 
                country. This month, we remember the steps each of us 
                can take to reduce the risk of heart disease and 
                recommit to better heart health for all Americans.

                While genetic or hereditary factors play a part in many 
                instances of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, 
                high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, 
                tobacco use, and alcohol abuse are major risk factors 
                that can be prevented or controlled. To take action 
                against heart disease, I encourage all Americans to 
                make balanced and nutritious meal choices, maintain a 
                healthy weight, and get active. Avoiding tobacco, 
                moderating alcohol consumption, and working with a 
                health care provider can also help prevent or treat 
                conditions that can lead to heart disease. Additional 
                resources on how to reduce the risk of cardiovascular 
                disease are available at: www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease.

                To help win the fight against heart disease, my 
                Administration is working to ensure individuals and 
                communities have the tools they need to make real gains 
                in this critical effort. Last September, we launched 
                the Million Hearts initiative, which is coordinating 
                programs across Federal agencies and forging new 
                public-private partnerships to prevent one million 
                heart attacks and strokes over the next 5 years. 
                Resources on how to join the initiative are available 
                at: MillionHearts.HHS.gov. To secure our children's 
                heart health and end childhood obesity within a 
                generation, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! 
                initiative is encouraging healthy eating habits and 
                promoting physical activity among families and young 
                people. The National Institutes of Health is pursuing 
                cutting-edge research to unlock new treatments for 
                cardiovascular disease. And the Centers for Disease 
                Control and Prevention is working in communities across 
                our country to help reduce risk factors and prevent 
                heart disease.

                During American Heart Month, we also highlight The 
                Heart Truth, a national awareness campaign that urges 
                women of all ages to know their risk for heart disease. 
                In recognition of this vital task, I encourage men and 
                women across America to observe National Wear Red Day 
                on Friday, February 3, and to show their support by 
                wearing red or the campaign's Red Dress Pin. To learn 
                more about The Heart Truth or National Wear Red Day, 
                visit: www.HeartTruth.gov.

                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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 
                2012 as American Heart Month,

[[Page 5374]]

                and I invite all Americans to participate in National 
                Wear Red Day on February 3, 2012. 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 fighting cardiovascular disease.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                sixth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-2592
Filed 2-2-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P