    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8477--FEB. 1, 2010

    Proclamation 8477 of February 1, 2010
    American Heart Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Its
    victims are women and men, and people of all backgrounds and
    ethnicities, in all regions of our country. Although heart disease is
    one of our Nation's most costly and widespread health problems, it is
    among the most preventable. During American Heart Month, we rededicate
    ourselves to fighting this disease by improving our own heart-healthy
    habits, and by raising awareness in our homes and our communities.
    Protecting our families from heart disease requires each of us to take
    responsibility for our health and that of our children--including
    exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and
    raising our children to spend more time playing outside. Because obesity
    is a leading risk factor for heart disease, good nutrition and physical
    activity are crucial for all our families.
    This month, we honor the health-care professionals, researchers, and
    heart health ambassadors who save lives and spare suffering. Every day,
    these dedicated individuals put themselves on the front lines of our
    fight against heart disease. To better equip them, my Administration is
    investing in cutting-edge research, such as a large DNA sequenc-

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    ing study funded by the National Institutes of Health which could unlock
    earlier treatment options for high-risk individuals.
    The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is sponsoring The Heart
    Truth campaign, which reminds women of their risk for heart disease and
    empowers them to reduce it. On Friday, February 5, Michelle and I
    encourage all Americans to recognize the campaign's National Wear Red
    Day by wearing red or the campaign's Red Dress Pin to support women's
    heart disease awareness and remind all women about their risk for heart
    disease.
    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 2010 as American Heart Month, and I
    invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February
    5, 2010. 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 first day of
    February, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fourth.
    BARACK OBAMA