American Heart Month, 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 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B