Presidential Documents

8517

Federal Register

Vol. 60, No. 30

Tuesday, February 14, 1995

Title 3—

The President

Proclamation 6768 of February 10, 1995

American Heart Month, 1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout history, the heart has been a symbol of health and well-being.

Yet nothing now overshadows Americans’ health as much as heart disease—

the leading cause of death among men and women. Diseases of the heart

and blood vessels kill nearly a million Americans each year, most from

the effects of atherosclerosis, the narrowing and stiffening of blood vessels

from the buildup of plaque that usually begins early in life.

Today, Americans are enjoying the rewards of the progress humanity has

made in understanding and treating cardiovascular disease. Advances in

diagnosis make it possible to see the heart beat without the use of invasive

procedures. Thousands of heart attack victims are being saved by the rapid

administration of drugs to dissolve blood clots. Soon, gene therapy may

be able to prevent the smooth muscle cell multiplication that contributes

to the narrowing of blood vessels. Perhaps most important, we have greater

understanding of how to prevent the development of heart disease. By

controlling blood pressure and blood cholesterol, being physically active,

and not smoking cigarettes, more Americans can have the chance to lead

long, healthy lives.

The Federal Government has contributed to these successes by supporting

research and education through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Through its commitment to research, its programs to heighten public awareness, and its vital network of dedicated volunteers, the American Heart

Association also has played a crucial role in bringing about these remarkable

accomplishments.

Yet the heart has not revealed all of its mysteries. No one knows why

heart disease begins. And, while it is known that heart disease develops

differently in men and women, the reasons for those variations are still

being studied. About 50 million Americans continue to suffer from hypertension, a major cause of stroke, and 1.25 million Americans have heart

attacks every year.

Conquering these diseases requires unwavering national and personal commitment. On the national level, the Federal Government will continue to

support research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease. On the personal level, Americans can take steps to prevent heart

disease from striking their families, including teaching their children hearthealthy habits. Working together, we can make the tragedy of heart disease

a nightmare of the past.

In recognition of the need for all Americans to become involved in the

ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease, 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 February 1995 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
8518 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 14, 1995 / Presidential Documents

the American people to join me in reaffirming our commitment to combating

cardiovascular disease and stroke.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of

February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and

of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred

[FR Doc. 95–3886

Filed 2-13-95; 11:16 am]

Billing code 3195–01–P

and nineteenth.

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