    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9840 of January 31, 2019

    American Heart Month, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Heart disease is America's most prolific killer, responsible for one in
    four deaths in the United States each year. American Heart Month is an
    opportunity to remember the loved ones lost to this deadly disease,
    raise awareness of the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease and
    heart attacks, and commit to a lifestyle that improves overall heart
    health.
    Although heart disease has persisted as the leading cause of death among
    Americans for nearly a century, we are steadily eroding its grip on our
    health. Heart disease claims a smaller and smaller percentage of our
    loved ones than it did at its height in the 1960s. Through technological
    advancements and decades of scientific research, we have learned a
    tremendous amount about the causes of heart disease. We now know that
    smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lack of physical
    activity, obesity, diabetes, and prediabetes are some of the leading
    factors that can contribute to our risk for heart disease. Most
    importantly, we have learned that it is never too late or too early to
    improve your heart health. Small changes--undertaken at any time--such
    as committing to a healthy diet and regular exercise can make a big
    difference.
    Last November, the Department of Health and Human Services released the
    second edition of ``Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,'' which
    outlines the importance of physical exercise and provides information on
    how adults and children can live more active lives and improve their
    cardiovascular health. Nearly 80 percent of adult Americans, however,
    fail to meet the key guidelines for both aerobic and muscle
    strengthening activity. The guidelines recommend that adults get at
    least two and a half hours per week of moderate aerobic physical
    activity and muscle-strengthening activities over two or more days each
    week. Children ages 6 through 17 should get 60 minutes or more of
    moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. As the risk for heart
    disease increases with age, it is vital to deter this deadly disease by
    taking steps to stay physically active throughout life, maintain a

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    healthy body weight, and promote overall heart health, including by
    eating a well-balanced diet and abstaining from tobacco products.
    This month, I encourage all Americans to prioritize their health and
    educate themselves about heart disease. Through our continued efforts as
    a Nation and as individuals, we can work to reduce the chance of heart
    disease and ensure both present and future generations of Americans live
    healthier and fuller lives.
    In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart
    disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved on December 30,
    1963, as amended (36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President issue
    an annual proclamation designating February as American Heart Month.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim February 2019 as American Heart Month. The
    First Lady and I encourage all Americans to participate in National Wear
    Red Day on February 1, 2019, to raise awareness and reaffirm our
    commitment to fighting heart disease. 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 heart disease.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
    January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP