[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 5 (Monday, February 7, 1994)]
[Pages 208-209]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6648--American Heart Month, 1994

February 3, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The heart is one of nature's most efficient and durable machines. 
During an average lifetime, the heart contracts an amazing 2.5 billion 
times. Although we now realize that it functions as a life-giving pump, 
the human heart was thought of by ancient man as the very soul of one's 
being. Certain words, such as ``courage'' and ``cordial,'' are derived 
from the Latin word for heart, symbolizing its prominence and 
significance.
    Heart disease was not recognized until about 1500 A.D., for the 
heart was considered so delicate and sensitive that death was believed 
to be inevitable if the heart were injured in any way. Although most 
causes of heart disease observed early in the 20th century are still 
present today, the treatment and cures of the disease are now 
dramatically altered.
    Today, heart disease is one health threat that Americans can 
conquer. Extraordinary scientific advances, together with increased 
public awareness, have forged one of this century's greatest medical 
achievements, saving untold lives through improved prevention and 
treatment. However, as long as cardiovascular diseases and stroke 
threaten the lives of Americans, we must continue in our diligent 
efforts to fight these diseases.
    Today, many Americans are joining in this fight by taking steps to 
reduce their chances of developing a cardiovascular disease. They have 
learned to avoid the major risk factors by controlling blood pressure 
and blood cholesterol, by avoiding tobacco products, and by becoming 
more physically active.
    At the same time, scientists are developing better ways to detect 
and treat cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Revolutionary advances are 
reducing the physical suffering exacted by heart disease and are making 
diagnosis and treatment more successful.
    The Federal Government has contributed to these achievements by 
supporting research and public education through its National Heart, 
Lung, and Blood Institute. The American Heart Association, through its 
research and education programs and its vital network of dedicated 
volunteers, has played a crucial role in bringing about these remarkable 
accomplishments.
    The results of the many scientific and public education achievements 
are dramatic. From 1972 through 1990, the death rate from heart disease 
dropped 39 percent and the death rate from strokes fell 57.4 percent.

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    However, these advances have not yet eradicated the devastating 
consequences of heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death 
in the United States today. American men and women still suffer about 
1.25 million heart attacks each year. About 50 million Americans still 
have high blood pressure--and uncontrolled high blood pressure is a 
major cause of stroke. Virtually every American has grieved for a 
relative or friend debilitated or killed by a cardiovascular disease or 
stroke.
    In recognition of the need for all of us to become involved in the 
ongoing fight against cardiovascular diseases, the Congress, by Joint 
Resolution approved December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 169b), 
has requested that the President issue an annual proclamation 
designating February as ``American Heart Month.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of February 1994 as 
American Heart Month. I 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 
reaffirming our commitment to combating cardiovascular diseases and 
stroke.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:44 a.m., February 4, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
February 7.