[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 6 (Monday, February 12, 2001)]
[Pages 268-269]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7406--American Heart Month, 2001

 February 7, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The year 2001 once seemed so distant that it became a symbol of 
science fiction. But today, researchers studying heart and other 
cardiovascular diseases have made 2001 a year when science rivals 
fiction.
    Only 50 years ago, Americans were acknowledged to be suffering from 
an epidemic of heart disease. So little was known about the disease that 
it was thought part of the normal process of aging. Luck played a larger 
role in surviving a heart attack or hypertension than did medicine--and 
those who survived were forced to lead restricted lives.
    But thanks to scientific advances and education, the death rate from 
coronary heart disease has fallen by nearly 60 percent since its peak in 
the mid-1960s. This startling improvement resulted not only from 
advances in the treatment of heart disease but also from gains in 
knowledge about its prevention. Scientists also have opened up new 
fields, including that of gene research. Their work promises to bring 
great improvements in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
    But problems remain. In particular, how can the rewards of 
scientific advances be brought to all Americans? Racial, ethnic, and 
geographic gaps still exist in the burden of disease. The number one 
killer of women is cardiovascular disease.
    Another challenge is the increase in certain conditions and heart 
disease risk factors. Obesity and physical inactivity pose still other 
problems. More than half of American adults are overweight and obese, 
about one in four are sedentary, and another third are not active enough 
to reach a healthy level of fitness.
    Meeting such challenges takes both will and technology. For example, 
researchers recently found that small changes in lifestyle that boost 
moderate-level physical activity can protect cardiorespiratory fitness 
and blood pressure as much as a structured exercise program. These are 
changes that all Americans can adopt.
    Sudden death from cardiac arrest has also been a major health 
threat. Yet fortunately, more Americans are learning the warning signs 
of cardiac arrest. Calling 9-1-1 immediately and administering 
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until an electric shock to the heart 
can be given to restore a normal heartbeat--a practice known as 
defibrillation--combined with early advanced care can result in long-
term survival rates as high as 40 percent for certain types of cardiac 
arrest.
    The Federal Government seeks to improve Americans' heart health by 
supporting research and public education through its National Heart, 
Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. 
The American Heart Association, through its research and education 
programs and its vital network of dedicated volunteers, also plays a 
crucial role in bringing about much-needed advances.<FNP<ls-thn-eq>
    Americans have always believed in the power of science to improve 
lives, and it is their support and the use of scientific advances that 
has reduced the epidemic of heart disease. It will be through continued 
scientific efforts that we find even more answers and reduce the rate of 
heart disease even further.
    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 101) has requested that the 
President issue an annual proclamation designating February as 
``American Heart Month.''
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim the month of February 2001 as American Heart 
Month. I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, officials of other areas subject

[[Page 269]]

to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to 
join me in reaffirming our commitment to combating cardiovascular 
disease.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:50 a.m., February 8, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
February 9.