[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 6, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 8345-8346]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02754]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 25 / Wednesday, February 6, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 8345]]

                Proclamation 8929 of January 31, 2013

                
American Heart Month, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Heart disease is the leading cause of death among 
                American men and women, claiming well over half a 
                million lives annually. While no one is immune to heart 
                disease, everyone can take steps to reduce their risk. 
                During American Heart Month, we make a commitment--for 
                ourselves and our families--to staying healthy and 
                keeping our hearts strong.

                Although genetic factors likely play a role in 
                cardiovascular disease, there are also several 
                controllable risk factors, including: blood cholesterol 
                levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor diet, 
                obesity, tobacco use, and physical inactivity. Any one 
                of them can lead to heart disease, and additional 
                factors magnify the risk. That is why a heart-healthy 
                lifestyle is so important. Certain improvements to 
                daily routines--like eating healthy, not smoking, 
                limiting alcohol use, and getting routine health 
                screenings--can lower several of these risk factors and 
                set the stage for a long and healthy life.

                My Administration is committed to helping Americans 
                achieve and maintain heart health. Under the Affordable 
                Care Act, many insurance plans must cover certain 
                preventive services like blood pressure screening and 
                obesity screening at no out-of-pocket cost to the 
                patient. In 2014, a new Health Insurance Marketplace 
                will make affordable health insurance available to 
                millions of men, women, and children--including those 
                with pre-existing conditions. We are also working to 
                prevent heart disease through efforts like First Lady 
                Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, which 
                encourages young people and families to eat healthy and 
                get active. And throughout the Federal Government, we 
                are partnering with communities, health care providers, 
                organizations, and other stakeholders to make care more 
                accessible and prevent more heart attacks than ever 
                before. To learn more, visit www.HealthCare.gov.

                On Friday, February 1, Michelle and I invite all 
                Americans to join in marking National Wear Red Day. By 
                wearing red, we pay tribute to men and women affected 
                by heart disease, recognize dedicated health care 
                professionals, honor researchers working toward 
                tomorrow's breakthroughs, and demonstrate our personal 
                commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

                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 
                2013 as American Heart Month, and I invite all 
                Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on 
                February 1, 2013. 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.

[[Page 8346]]

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

[FR Doc. 2013-02754
Filed 2-5-13; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F3