[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