American Heart Month, 2001

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Part III

The President

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Proclamation 7406--American Heart Month, 2001

Proclamation 7407--National Burn Awareness Week, 2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7406 of February 7, 2001

American Heart Month, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The year 2001 once seemed so distant that it became a
symbol of science fiction. But today, researchers
studying heart and other cardiovascular diseases have
made 2001 a year when science rivals fiction.

Only 50 years ago, Americans were acknowledged to be
suffering from an epidemic of heart disease. So little
was known about the disease that it was thought part of
the normal process of aging. Luck played a larger role
in surviving a heart attack or hypertension than did
medicine--and those who survived were forced to lead
restricted lives.

But thanks to scientific advances and education, the
death rate from coronary heart disease has fallen by
nearly 60 percent since its peak in the mid-1960s. This
startling improvement resulted not only from advances
in the treatment of heart disease but also from gains
in knowledge about its prevention. Scientists also have
opened up new fields, including that of gene research.
Their work promises to bring great improvements in the
prevention and treatment of heart disease.

But problems remain. In particular, how can the rewards
of scientific advances be brought to all Americans?
Racial, ethnic, and geographic gaps still exist in the
burden of disease. The number one killer of women is
cardiovascular disease.

Another challenge is the increase in certain conditions
and heart disease risk factors. Obesity and physical
inactivity pose still other problems. More than half of
American adults are overweight and obese, about one in
four are sedentary, and another third are not active
enough to reach a healthy level of fitness.

Meeting such challenges takes both will and technology.
For example, researchers recently found that small
changes in lifestyle that boost moderate-level physical
activity can protect cardiorespiratory fitness and
blood pressure as much as a structured exercise
program. These are changes that all Americans can
adopt.

Sudden death from cardiac arrest has also been a major
health threat. Yet fortunately, more Americans are
learning the warning signs of cardiac arrest. Calling
9-1-1 immediately and administering cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) until an electric shock to the
heart can be given to restore a normal heartbeat--a
practice known as defibrillation--combined with early
advanced care can result in long-term survival rates as
high as 40 percent for certain types of cardiac arrest.

The Federal Government seeks to improve Americans'
heart health by supporting research and public
education through its National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.
The American Heart Association, through its research
and education programs and its vital network of
dedicated volunteers, also plays a crucial role in
bringing about much-needed advances.

Americans have always believed in the power of science
to improve lives, and it is their support and the use
of scientific advances that has reduced the epidemic of
heart disease. It will be through continued scientific
efforts that we find even more answers and reduce the
rate of heart disease even further.

In recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight
against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by Joint
Resolution approved December 30, 1963 (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 the month
of February 2001 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 disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
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