[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8929--JAN. 31, 2013

Proclamation 8929 of January 31, 2013

American Heart Month, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American men and
women, claiming well over half a million lives annually. While no one is
immune to heart disease, everyone can take steps to reduce their risk.
During American Heart Month, we make a commitment--for ourselves and our
families--to staying healthy and keeping our hearts strong.
Although genetic factors likely play a role in cardiovascular disease,
there are also several controllable risk factors, including: blood
cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor diet, obesity,
tobacco use, and physical inactivity. Any one of them can lead to heart
disease, and additional factors magnify the risk. That is why a heart-
healthy lifestyle is so important. Certain improvements to daily
routines--like eating healthy, not smoking, limiting alcohol use, and
getting routine health screenings--can lower several of these risk
factors and set the stage for a long and healthy life.
My Administration is committed to helping Americans achieve and maintain
heart health. Under the Affordable Care Act, many insurance plans must
cover certain preventive services like blood pressure screening and
obesity screening at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. In 2014, a
new Health Insurance Marketplace will make affordable health insurance
available to millions of men, women, and children--including those with
pre-existing conditions. We are also working to prevent heart disease
through efforts like First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative,
which encourages young people and families to eat healthy and get
active. And throughout the Federal Government, we are partnering with
communities, health care providers, organizations, and other
stakeholders to make care more accessible and prevent more heart attacks
than ever before. To learn more, visit www.HealthCare.gov.
On Friday, February 1, Michelle and I invite all Americans to join in
marking National Wear Red Day. By wearing red, we pay tribute to men and
women affected by heart disease, recognize dedicated health care
professionals, honor researchers working toward tomorrow's
breakthroughs, and demonstrate our personal commitment to a heart-
healthy lifestyle.
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 2013 as American Heart Month, and I
invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February
1, 2013. 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



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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 thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA