American Heart Month, 2013

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8929 of January 31, 2013

American Heart Month, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among
American men and women, claiming well over half a
million lives annually. While no one is immune to heart
disease, everyone can take steps to reduce their risk.
During American Heart Month, we make a commitment--for
ourselves and our families--to staying healthy and
keeping our hearts strong.

Although genetic factors likely play a role in
cardiovascular disease, there are also several
controllable risk factors, including: blood cholesterol
levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor diet,
obesity, tobacco use, and physical inactivity. Any one
of them can lead to heart disease, and additional
factors magnify the risk. That is why a heart-healthy
lifestyle is so important. Certain improvements to
daily routines--like eating healthy, not smoking,
limiting alcohol use, and getting routine health
screenings--can lower several of these risk factors and
set the stage for a long and healthy life.

My Administration is committed to helping Americans
achieve and maintain heart health. Under the Affordable
Care Act, many insurance plans must cover certain
preventive services like blood pressure screening and
obesity screening at no out-of-pocket cost to the
patient. In 2014, a new Health Insurance Marketplace
will make affordable health insurance available to
millions of men, women, and children--including those
with pre-existing conditions. We are also working to
prevent heart disease through efforts like First Lady
Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, which
encourages young people and families to eat healthy and
get active. And throughout the Federal Government, we
are partnering with communities, health care providers,
organizations, and other stakeholders to make care more
accessible and prevent more heart attacks than ever
before. To learn more, visit www.HealthCare.gov.

On Friday, February 1, Michelle and I invite all
Americans to join in marking National Wear Red Day. By
wearing red, we pay tribute to men and women affected
by heart disease, recognize dedicated health care
professionals, honor researchers working toward
tomorrow's breakthroughs, and demonstrate our personal
commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

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
2013 as American Heart Month, and I invite all
Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on
February 1, 2013. 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
thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord
two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.