[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 5 (Monday, February 8, 1999)]
[Pages 188-189]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7166--American Heart Month, 1999

February 3, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Thanks to the dedicated efforts of scientists and researchers and 
the strong support of the American public, today we stand at the 
threshold of a new frontier in the prevention and treatment of heart 
disease. And in coming years, Americans will reap even greater benefits 
from our ongoing commitment to heart research.
    Already, research has profoundly altered scientists' understanding 
of heart disease, revealing that the likelihood of heart disease is 
increased by risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high 
blood cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family 
history of early heart disease. Armed with this knowledge, millions of 
Americans have been able to take steps to reduce their risk of illness. 
Thanks to scientific discoveries, those already afflicted with heart 
disease now have access to lifesaving therapies and procedures such as 
clot-dissolving drugs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, 
and balloon angioplasty.
    Even greater advances lie ahead. Fields on the verge of delivering 
major innovations include molecular genetics, gene therapy, 
biotechnology, immunology, and epidemiology. The next breakthroughs will 
include better noninvasive diagnostic tools that can help physicians 
examine the heart and blood vessels without surgery; an implantable 
mechanical device that can restore heart function to

[[Page 189]]

those suffering heart failure; and a drug that can promote the growth of 
new blood vessels to body tissues and organs with poor circulation.
    But technology is not a panacea. Despite the great gains we have 
made, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United 
States, and millions of Americans have at least one risk factor for 
heart disease. Moreover, recent data have shown a slight rise in the 
death rate for stroke and a slowing in the decline of the death rate for 
coronary heart disease. Some cardiovascular conditions, such as heart 
failure, as well as two key heart disease risk factors, obesity and 
physical inactivity, are on the increase among Americans.
    We must work together to make all Americans aware of the information 
science has given us regarding controllable risk factors for 
cardiovascular disease. It is particularly important that we reach out 
to African Americans, Hispanic Americans, other minority communities, 
and women, who often are at high risk for heart disease and stroke, and 
ensure that they have access to the resources and information they need 
to guard against these afflictions. We must also encourage families to 
teach their children the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle 
practices early and maintaining them into and throughout adulthood.
    The Federal Government continues to play a vital role in improving 
the cardiovascular health of Americans by supporting research and public 
education through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the 
National Institutes of Health. The American Heart Association, through 
its research and education programs and its broad network of dedicated 
volunteers, also plays a crucial part in bringing about much-needed 
advances.
    As Americans look ahead to a new century and a new millennium, we 
should use the momentum of past heart research as a springboard to even 
greater gains. In recognition of the importance of 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 1999 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 disease 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-nine, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-third.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 5, 
1999]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
February 8.