[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7978--FEB. 1, 2006
Proclamation 7978 of February 1, 2006
American Heart Month, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
More than 70 million Americans live with some form of heart disease, and
this disease remains the leading cause of death in the United

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States. During American Heart Month, we reinforce our commitment to
fighting heart disease by promoting awareness about its risks, its
causes, and the ways to reduce the chance of developing this deadly
illness.
Many of the factors that lead to heart disease, such as high blood
pressure, high blood cholesterol, and obesity, can be controlled with
commonsense steps and healthy lifestyles. Through the HealthierUS
Initiative, my Administration encourages Americans to work toward four
simple goals that can lead to a healthy heart: exercise daily; develop
good eating habits; avoid tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol; and
take advantage of preventive screenings to detect problems early.
First Lady Laura Bush helps lead ``The Heart Truth'' campaign through
her Women's Health and Wellness Initiative. The campaign was launched by
business, non-profit, and government organizations, including the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, to educate women about the
risks of heart disease and to encourage them to make their
cardiovascular health a priority. Along with the American Heart
Association's ``Go Red for Women'' campaign, these initiatives use the
red dress as a symbol to remind women to make healthy choices and talk
with their doctors about heart disease.
As a result of the Medicare Modernization Act, our seniors have more
choices to prevent, diagnose, and treat potential problems before they
become worse. Medicare now covers preventive screenings, a ``Welcome to
Medicare'' physical for new beneficiaries, and innovative programs to
help seniors fight chronic threats. I urge all Medicare beneficiaries to
take advantage of these measures as part of a healthy lifestyle.
All Americans can improve their heart health and live longer, better
lives by taking an active role in their health care decisions and
consulting their physician for the latest information. As we observe
American Heart Month, we recognize those battling heart disease; we
express gratitude to the family members and friends who are a source of
love and encouragement; and we commend the medical professionals and
researchers who provide assistance and work to find cures and improve
treatments.
In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing fight against
cardiovascular 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 2006 as American Heart Month, and I
invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on February
3, 2006. 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 recognizing and
reaffirming our commitment to combating heart disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Inde

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pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH