[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 24 (Monday, February 5, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 4347-4348]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-2575]
[[Page 4345]]
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Part V
The President
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Proclamation 6864--American Heart Month, 1996
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 24 / Monday, February 5, 1996 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 4347]]
Proclamation 6864 of February 1, 1996
American Heart Month, 1996
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
There are few among us whose lives have not been
touched by the devastating effects of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease
and stroke, takes one million of our citizens each
year, and heart disease remains the single leading
cause of death in this country. Millions of Americans
suffer from high blood pressure, and millions more have
high levels of blood cholesterol. Studies also show
sharp increases in the number of people who are
overweight and physically inactive.
It is, however, encouraging that public health efforts
are raising awareness of the risk factors for
cardiovascular disease. Though some--family history and
age--are inescapable, the risks posed by high blood
pressure and high cholesterol, lack of exercise,
smoking, diabetes, and obesity can be greatly reduced
through modifications to personal behavior. Advances in
research have helped us to gain a better understanding
of heart disease, provided new diagnostic methods, and
helped develop treatments that save lives and vastly
improve the outlook for stricken patients.
We can be proud that the Federal Government has
contributed to the fight against heart disease by
supporting the efforts of the National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of
Health, and by promoting new dietary and health
guidelines. The American Heart Association, through
research, education programs, and the work of its vital
network of volunteers, has also played a crucial role.
As we observe American Heart Month, let us build on our
achievements by learning more about the causes of heart
disease and by making the changes we can to improve our
cardiovascular health. Recognizing that even small
adjustments to diet and exercise habits can yield
significant benefits, we can help those who already
suffer from heart disease and encourage those who are
taking their first steps toward better, healthier
lives.
In recognition of the need for all Americans to become
involved in the work to stop heart 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
1996, as American Heart Month. I call upon the
Governors of the several 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
combatting cardiovascular disease, including heart
disease and stroke.
[[Page 4348]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 96-2575
Filed 2-2-96; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
