[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7866--FEB. 1, 2005
Proclamation 7866 of February 1, 2005
American Heart Month, 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

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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