[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7754 of February 2, 2004


 
American Heart Month, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It
affects men and women of every age and race. During American Heart
Month, we encourage all Americans to join the fight against heart
disease and to learn more about how to prevent it.

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118 STAT. 4101

More than 64 million Americans suffer from one or more forms of
cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, coronary heart
disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, and congenital heart defects.
Many of the risk factors that can lead to heart disease, such as high
blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes, can be prevented
or controlled. Research has shown that men and women who lead healthy
lifestyles, including making healthy food choices, getting regular
exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and choosing not to smoke or
drink excessively, can significantly decrease their risk of heart
disease.
Heart disease is responsible for the deaths of one in three women in the
United States. To make women more aware of the danger of heart disease,
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes
of Health has joined with the Department of Health and Human Services
and other national organizations to launch a nationwide campaign called
``The Heart Truth.''; This important campaign encourages women to learn
more about heart health, to lead healthier lives, and to talk with their
doctors about their risk for developing heart disease.
During American Heart Month, I urge all Americans to learn more about
heart health and to reduce their risk factors for serious heart
conditions. By making healthy choices, we can live longer and better
lives.
In recognition of the important ongoing fight against heart 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 2004 as American Heart Month. I
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 reaffirming our commitment
to combating heart disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7755--FEB. 2, 2004