For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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