American Heart Month, 1994

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Part III

The President

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Proclamation 6648--
American Heart Month, 1994

Proclamation 6649--National Women and Girls in Sports Day, 1994

Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 25
Monday, February 7, 1994

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Title 3--
The President
Proclamation 6648 of February 3, 1994

American Heart Month, 1994

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The heart is one of nature's most efficient and durable
machines. During an average lifetime, the heart
contracts an amazing 2.5 billion times. Although we now
realize that it functions as a life-giving pump, the
human heart was thought of by ancient man as the very
soul of one's being. Certain words, such as ``courage''
and ``cordial,'' are derived from the Latin word for
heart, symbolizing its prominence and significance.

Heart disease was not recognized until about 1500 A.D.,
for the heart was considered so delicate and sensitive
that death was believed to be inevitable if the heart
were injured in any way. Although most causes of heart
disease observed early in the 20th century are still
present today, the treatment and cures of the disease
are now dramatically altered.

Today, heart disease is one health threat that
Americans can conquer. Extraordinary scientific
advances, together with increased public awareness,
have forged one of this century's greatest medical
achievements, saving untold lives through improved
prevention and treatment. However, as long as
cardiovascular diseases and stroke threaten the lives
of Americans, we must continue in our diligent efforts
to fight these diseases.

Today, many Americans are joining in this fight by
taking steps to reduce their chances of developing a
cardiovascular disease. They have learned to avoid the
major risk factors by controlling blood pressure and
blood cholesterol, by avoiding tobacco products, and by
becoming more physically active.

At the same time, scientists are developing better ways
to detect and treat cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Revolutionary advances are reducing the physical
suffering exacted by heart disease and are making
diagnosis and treatment more successful.

The Federal Government has contributed to these
achievements by supporting research and public
education through its National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute. The American Heart Association, through its
research and education programs and its vital network
of dedicated volunteers, has played a crucial role in
bringing about these remarkable accomplishments.

The results of the many scientific and public education
achievements are dramatic. From 1972 through 1990, the
death rate from heart disease dropped 39 percent and
the death rate from strokes fell 57.4 percent.

However, these advances have not yet eradicated the
devastating consequences of heart disease, which
remains the leading cause of death in the United States
today. American men and women still suffer about 1.25
million heart attacks each year. About 50 million
Americans still have high blood pressure--and
uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major cause of
stroke. Virtually every American has grieved for a
relative or friend debilitated or killed by a
cardiovascular disease or stroke.

In recognition of the need for all of us to become
involved in the ongoing fight against cardiovascular
diseases, 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 the month
of February 1994 as American Heart Month. I 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 reaffirming our commitment to
combating cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and
eighteenth.

(Presidential Sig.)>