[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 5 (Monday, February 7, 2005)]
[Page 125]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7866--American Heart Month, 2005

 February 1, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The miracles of modern medicine offer hope to those affected by 
heart disease, yet there are also simple measures that Americans can 
take to help prevent the disease. During American Heart Month, I 
encourage all Americans to take action to help reduce their risk and 
increase awareness of heart disease.
    The steps to a healthy heart include preventing and controlling 
factors that can lead to heart disease--smoking, high blood pressure, 
high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes. By 
avoiding tobacco, limiting consumption of alcohol, exercising regularly, 
eating a nutritious diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, Americans 
can substantially reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular 
disease.
    I also urge citizens to get routine preventative screenings and 
consult with their doctors. Through these commonsense steps, we can save 
many of the lives we might otherwise lose each year to heart disease.
    Although heart disease is often associated with men, it is the 
leading cause of death for American women: Nearly 500,000 American women 
die from cardiovascular disease each year. The National Heart, Lung, and 
Blood Institute--part of the National Institutes of Health at the 
Department of Health and Human Services--and other national 
organizations have launched a national campaign called ``The Heart 
Truth'' to educate women about heart disease and to encourage them to 
make their health a priority. The symbol of ``The Heart Truth'' campaign 
is the red dress, which reminds women to talk with their doctors about 
heart disease and to make healthy choices. In addition, the American 
Heart Association has launched the ``Go Red For Women'' campaign to 
reach out to more women across our country. By continuing to raise 
public awareness about this deadly disease, we can help all our citizens 
lead healthier lives.
    In recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart 
disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963, 
as amended (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 February 2005 as American Heart Month, and I 
invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day by wearing 
a red dress, shirt, or tie on February 4, 2005. 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 our continuing commitment to fighting 
heart disease.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 4, 
2005]

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