[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-

[[Page 4590]]

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