[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 24 (Monday, February 8, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 8537-8538]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-02675]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 24 / Monday, February 8, 2021 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 8537]]

                Proclamation 10145 of February 3, 2021

                
American Heart Month, 2021

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Tragically, heart disease continues to be a leading 
                cause of death in the United States. It affects 
                Americans of all genders, races, and ethnicities. Yet 
                despite being one of the country's most costly and 
                deadly diseases, it is among the most preventable. 
                During American Heart Month, we recommit to fighting 
                this disease by promoting better health, wellness, and 
                prevention awareness in our communities.

                Heart disease can impact anyone, but risk factors such 
                as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical 
                inactivity, obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse can 
                increase the likelihood of developing the disease. By 
                adopting a few healthy habits, each of us can reduce 
                our risk. Avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol 
                consumption, making balanced and nutritious meal 
                choices, and staying active can help prevent or treat 
                conditions that lead to heart disease. Adults with 
                heart conditions are also at increased risk of severe 
                illness from COVID-19, which makes it even more 
                important to follow these suggestions.

                We have seen the death rate from heart attacks rise 
                dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic because 
                people are delaying or not seeking care after 
                experiencing symptoms. It is important not to ignore 
                early warning signs like chest pain, palpitations, 
                shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness. And the 
                symptoms of a heart attack can be different for men and 
                women, an often-overlooked fact that can impact when 
                people seek care. For more resources and information, 
                follow your health care provider's advice or visit 
                www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease.

                My Administration is committed to supporting Americans 
                in their efforts to achieve heart health. Under the 
                Affordable Care Act, many insurance plans cover 
                preventive services like blood pressure and obesity 
                screening at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. By 
                protecting and expanding access to quality, affordable 
                health care, we will work tirelessly to provide all 
                Americans with the care they need to prevent and treat 
                heart disease.

                We are also committed to closing the racial disparities 
                in cardiovascular health. Despite an overall decline in 
                death rates for heart disease, risk of heart disease 
                death differs by race and ethnicity, and Black 
                Americans continue to have the highest death rate for 
                heart disease. Increased awareness and access to care 
                will help reduce these staggering and unacceptable 
                statistics.

                This month, we also honor the health care 
                professionals, researchers, and heart health advocates 
                who save our fellow Americans' lives with their hard 
                work. Every day, they put themselves on the front lines 
                of our fight against heart disease, as well as the 
                scourge of COVID-19.

                The First Lady and I encourage everyone to participate 
                in National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 5th. By 
                wearing red, we honor those we have lost to heart 
                disease, and we raise awareness of the steps we can all 
                take to prevent this devastating disease. Combatting 
                heart disease is essential to improving public health 
                in our Nation, and together we will

[[Page 8538]]

                renew our efforts to make all Americans aware of its 
                signs and symptoms. This month, we recommit to building 
                a healthier future for all.

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

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of 
                the United States of America, do hereby proclaim 
                February 2021 as American Heart Month, and I invite all 
                Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on 
                February 5, 2021. 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 
                third day of February, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2021-02675
Filed 2-5-21; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F1-P