[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9229 of January 30, 2015

American Heart Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the United States, cardiovascular disease--including heart disease,
stroke, and high blood pressure--is responsible for one out of every
three deaths. It is the number one killer of American women and men, and
it is a leading cause of serious illness and disability. Across our
Nation, we have lost devoted mothers and fathers, loved siblings, and
cherished friends to this devastating epidemic. During American Heart
Month, as we honor their memories, let us recommit to improving our
heart health and continuing the fight against this deadly disease, for
ourselves and our families.
Americans of all backgrounds can be at risk for heart disease and
stroke--and nearly half of all adults have at least one major risk
factor. However, individuals who are at high risk often do not know it,
and data suggest that many people who experience sudden cardiac death do
not act on early warning signs. That is why it is important to
understand the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity,
inactivity, and diabetes, and to keep your blood pressure and
cholesterol under control. By maintaining a healthy diet, getting
regular exercise,

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and not smoking, you can control risk factors and help protect your
heart. To learn more about cardiovascular health, talk with your health-
care provider and visit www.CDC.gov/heartdisease.
My Administration is committed to leading a new era of medicine--one
that delivers the right treatment at the right time--and to ensuring
Americans live longer, healthier, more productive lives. That is why
earlier this year, I announced the Precision Medicine Initiative. This
bold new effort will revolutionize how our Nation fights disease by
investing in research that will enable clinicians to tailor treatments
to individual patients. Additionally, in 2011 we launched Million
Hearts, an unprecedented effort that is bringing together Federal
Agencies, non-profit organizations, and private-sector partners to
prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. We are working to
enhance clinical care, bolster disease prevention programs, and empower
individuals and communities to make healthy choices, demonstrating that
improving the health system can save lives. More information on these
important initiatives is available at www.NIH.gov/precisionmedicine and
www.millionhearts.HHS.gov.
At the same time, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative is
encouraging young people to develop heart-healthy habits from an early
age, and the Affordable Care Act is allowing more families to access
quality, affordable health care. New protections under the law require
most insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without
copays, and they prevent insurers from denying coverage due to a pre-
existing condition like heart disease.
On Friday, February 6, Michelle and I invite all Americans to join in
marking National Wear Red Day. By wearing red, we help raise awareness
of cardiovascular disease and provide an important reminder that it is
never too early to take action to protect our health. This month, let us
reaffirm our resolve to fight this epidemic and continue our work to
build a brighter future for our families.
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 2015 as American Heart Month, and I
invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February
6, 2015. 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 thirtieth day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA