[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 6 (Monday, February 13, 1995)]
[Pages 226-227]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6768--American Heart Month, 1995

February 10, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Throughout history, the heart has been a symbol of health and well-
being. Yet nothing now overshadows Americans' health as much as heart 
disease--the leading cause of death among men and women. Diseases of the 
heart and blood vessels kill nearly a million Americans each year, most 
from the effects of atherosclerosis, the narrowing and stiffening of 
blood vessels from the buildup of plaque that usually begins early in 
life.
    Today, Americans are enjoying the rewards of the progress humanity 
has made in understanding and treating cardiovascular disease. Advances 
in diagnosis make it possible to see the heart beat without the use of 
invasive procedures. Thousands of heart attack victims are being saved 
by the rapid administration of drugs to dissolve blood clots. Soon, gene 
therapy may be able to prevent the smooth muscle cell multiplication 
that contributes to the narrowing of blood vessels. Perhaps most 
important, we have greater understanding of how to prevent the 
development of heart disease. By controlling blood pressure and blood 
cholesterol, being physically active, and not smoking cigarettes, more 
Americans can have the chance to lead long, healthy lives.
    The Federal Government has contributed to these successes by 
supporting research and education through the National Heart, Lung, and 
Blood Institute. Through its commitment to research, its programs to 
heighten public awareness, and its vital network of dedicated 
volunteers, the American Heart Association also has played a crucial 
role in bringing about these remarkable accomplishments.
    Yet the heart has not revealed all of its mysteries. No one knows 
why heart disease begins. And, while it is known that heart disease 
develops differently in men and women, the reasons for those variations 
are still being studied. About 50 million Americans continue to suffer 
from hypertension, a major cause of stroke, and 1.25 million Americans 
have heart attacks every year.
    Conquering these diseases requires unwavering national and personal 
commitment. On the national level, the Federal Government will continue 
to support research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of 
heart disease. On the personal level, Americans can take steps to 
prevent heart disease from striking their families, including teaching 
their children heart-healthy habits. Working together, we can make the 
tragedy of heart disease a nightmare of the past.
    In recognition of the need for all Americans to become involved in 
the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, 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 February 1995 as American Heart 
Month. I invite the Governors of

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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 disease and stroke.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of 
February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
nineteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:16 a.m., February 13, 
1995]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
February 14.