American Heart Month, 2006

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Title 3--
The President

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 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 Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B