[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 6795-6796]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02529]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 24 / Wednesday, February 5, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 6795]]

                Proclamation 9079 of January 31, 2014

                
American Heart Month, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Maintaining a strong heart is key to a long and healthy 
                life. The number one killer of American men and women, 
                cardiovascular disease is responsible for one out of 
                every four deaths in the United States. During American 
                Heart Month, we renew our fight, both as a Nation and 
                in each of our own lives, against the devastating 
                epidemic of heart disease.

                While anyone can develop heart disease, those with high 
                blood pressure or high cholesterol and those who smoke 
                are at greater risk. Risk factors like diabetes, 
                obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive 
                alcohol use can also increase the likelihood of 
                developing heart disease. By adopting a few healthy 
                habits--getting regular exercise; not smoking; eating 
                diets rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt, 
                saturated fat, and cholesterol--each of us can reduce 
                our risk. Following health care providers' instructions 
                can also improve heart health and lessen the chance of 
                heart attack.

                Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, millions of 
                Americans have gained access to affordable health care 
                coverage, including recommended preventive screenings 
                with no out-of-pocket cost. As we improve access to 
                coverage, my Administration remains committed to 
                supporting scientific research and raising awareness of 
                heart disease. In 2011, we launched Million Hearts, 
                which aims to prevent one million heart attacks and 
                strokes by 2017. And through First Lady Michelle 
                Obama's Let's Move! initiative, we are helping young 
                people make the positive choices that will keep them 
                healthy throughout their lives.

                On Friday, February 7, everyone will have the chance to 
                show their support for heart health by observing 
                National Wear Red Day. Michelle and I encourage 
                Americans to wear red in solidarity with those 
                struggling with heart disease and in acknowledgement of 
                the hardworking health care professionals who provide 
                life-saving treatment, research, and advice. As we 
                honor their contributions, let us take ownership of our 
                heart health and commit to positive lifestyles, this 
                month and throughout the year.

                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 
                2014 as American Heart Month, and I invite all 
                Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on 
                February 7, 2014. 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 6796]]

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

[FR Doc. 2014-02529
Filed 2-4-14; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F4