[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 

PROCLAMATION 8775--JAN. 31, 2012

Proclamation 8775 of January 31, 2012

American Heart Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, heart disease takes the lives of over half a million
Americans, and it remains the leading cause of death in the United
States. This devastating epidemic leaves no one untouched; its victims
are fathers and daughters, grandparents and siblings, cherished friends
and community members across our country. This month, we remember the
steps each of us can take to reduce the risk of heart disease and
recommit to better heart health for all Americans.
While genetic or hereditary factors play a part in many instances of
cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical
inactivity, obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse are major risk
factors that can be prevented or controlled. To take action against
heart disease, I encourage all Americans to make balanced and nutritious
meal choices, maintain a healthy weight, and get active. Avoiding
tobacco, moderating alcohol consumption, and working with a health care
provider can also help prevent or treat conditions that can lead to
heart disease. Additional resources on how to reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease are available at: www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease.
To help win the fight against heart disease, my Administration is
working to ensure individuals and communities have the tools they need
to make real gains in this critical effort. Last September, we launched
the Million Hearts initiative, which is coordinating programs across
Federal agencies and forging new public-private partnerships to prevent
one million heart attacks and strokes over the next 5 years. Resources
on how to join the initiative are available at: MillionHearts.HHS.gov.
To secure our children's heart health and end childhood obesity within a
generation, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative is
encouraging healthy eating habits and promoting physical activity among
families and young people. The National Institutes of Health is pursuing
cutting-edge research to unlock new treatments for cardiovascular
disease. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working
in communities across our country to help reduce risk factors and
prevent heart disease.
During American Heart Month, we also highlight The Heart Truth, a
national awareness campaign that urges women of all ages to know their
risk for heart disease. In recognition of this vital task, I encourage
men and women across America to observe National Wear Red Day on Friday,
February 3, and to show their support by wearing red or the campaign's
Red Dress Pin. To learn more about The Heart Truth or National Wear Red
Day, visit: www.HeartTruth.gov.
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 2012 as American


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Heart Month, and I
invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February
3, 2012. 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 thirty-first day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA