American Heart Month, 2009

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Part II

The President

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Proclamation 8344--American Heart Month, 2009

Proclamation 8345--National African American History Month, 2009

Memorandum of February 4, 2009--State Children's Health Insurance
Program

Notice of February 4, 2009--Continuation of the National Emergency with
Respect to the Situation In or In Relation to C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8344 of February 2, 2009

American Heart Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Together, we can turn the tide on the number one
killer of American women and men. Heart disease claims
more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined.
During American Heart Month, we renew our commitment to
promoting heart disease awareness. It is never too late
to start protecting heart health.

Certain risk factors can lead to heart disease. These
include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and diabetes.
Practicing the following ``Big Four'' habits can help
mitigate these risks: eating a heart healthy diet,
getting regular physical activity, maintaining a
healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco. Unfortunately,
only 3 percent of U.S. adults practice all of these
habits. As a Nation, we must work to increase that
number.

Forming these healthy habits does not have to be
difficult: Setting realistic goals, making gradual
improvements, and inviting family and friends to join
in this pursuit can lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Above all, we must remember that taking action can mean
a longer, healthier, and more enjoyable life.

Michelle and I especially encourage women to take
heart health seriously. More women than men die of
heart disease each year, and many women fail to make
the connection between risk factors and their personal
risk of developing heart disease. The Federal
Government's The Heart Truth campaign gives women a
personal and urgent wake-up call about their risk for
heart disease. On the first Friday in February, The
Heart Truth will lead the Nation in celebrating
National Wear Red Day to promote heart disease
awareness. All Americans are encouraged to wear red or
the Red Dress Pin--the national symbol for women and
heart disease awareness--to show support for adopting
the Big Four heart health lifestyle habits. This year
on National Wear Red Day, we urge all Americans to
practice the ``Big Four'' healthy habits for reducing
heart disease risk.

During American Heart Month, we also honor the health
professionals, researchers, and other heart health
ambassadors whose efforts help all Americans lead
longer and healthier lives.

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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim February
2009 as American Heart Month, and I invite all
Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on
February 6, 2009. 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 fighting
cardiovascular disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
second day of February, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.