    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 6 (Monday, February 18, 2008)]
    [Pages 179-180]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks at the Heart Truth Reception

    February 11, 2008

        Thank you all. Welcome to the White House. Laura and I are glad
    you're here, and thanks for coming. I welcome members of my Cabinet. I
    particularly want to thank all the healers and compassionate folks who
    help with heart disease. The Vice President sends his best. [Laughter]
        All of us here are committed to America's heart health. I don't know
    if our fellow citizens know this, but this is American Heart Month. And
    it's a good time to remember that an estimated 80 million people across
    the United States suffer from heart disease. The disease is the number-
    one killer of American men and women. Many women, however, do not even
    know they're at risk, and so they don't take simple steps that can
    protect their health.
        And that's where the Heart Truth Campaign comes in. Over the last 5
    years, I appreciate the fact that you all have spread the word, and you
    represent thousands across our country who are doing so as well. You've
    helped women reduce the factors for heart disease, and that's a noble
    calling, an important contribution to our country. Every February, you
    encourage women to wear the red dress, which I appreciate. And I do want
    to thank the fashion industry for stepping up and--[applause].
        And the results are measurable. Women's awareness has been raised;
    women's lives have been saved. Earlier this month, I was in Kansas City,
    and I met a woman named Joyce Cullen. In 2003, Joyce saw coverage of
    Laura's visit to a Kansas City hospital. She just talked about the
    symptoms that--of

    [[Page 180]]

    heart disease in women. It was just a simple explanation of what people
    should be aware of. She woke up with those symptoms shortly after
    Laura's visit. She went to the hospital. Her life was saved, and she's
    now a part of Heart Truth. And that's the effort in which you're
    involved--simple acts that are spreading across the country and saving
    lives.
        My job today is not only to welcome you and to thank you but to
    introduce the Heart Truth's national ambassador. Laura is committed to
    the Heart Truth Campaign. She's a great First Lady, and she's always
    dear to my heart--the First Lady.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:40 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    included the remarks of the First Lady.