PROCLAMATION 5937—FEB. 21, 1989 103 STAT. 2991 tute, have been working together since 1948 to find better ways to pre- vent cardiovascular diseases and stroke and inform the public and edu- cate the medical community about the most effective techniques to treat these diseases. Most recently, the National Cholesterol Education Program was instituted to educate consumers about the dangers of high cholesterol levels. At the center of the National Cholesterol Education Program is its coordinatinig committee of over 20 member organizations representing major medical associations, volimtary health organiza- tions, community programs, and Federal agencies involved in health and cholesterol education. Medical advances such as new surgical techniques to repair heart de- fects, improved pharmacological therapies, emergency systems to pre- ^ vent death, and knowledge to prevent heart disease from occurring have significantly reduced premature death and disability due to car- diovascular diseases and stroke. From 1976 to 1986, the age-adjusted death rate for cardiovascular diseases dropped 24 percent. But there is still more to be done. One American dies of some form of cardiovascu- lar disease every 32 seconds. Cardiologists and other health professionals are seeking to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. By encouraging Amer- icans of all ages to confrol high blood pressiire, stop smoking, reduce their intake of cholesterol, satiu'ated fats, and sodium in their diets, and exercise regularly, many deaths can be prevented. The Federal Government supports a wide array of cardiovascular re- search projects and encourages all Americans to reduce the risks of heart disease by maintaining good health habits. ^ The American Heart Association and its more than 2.4 million volim- teers have contributed to this effort through their support of research and the shared conunitment to educate Americans about the need to adopt a sound regimen of proper diet and exercise. Recognizing that Americans everywhere have a role to play in this con- tinuing battle against a major killer, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963 \J7 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 169b), has request- ed the President to issue annually a proclamation designating February as "American Heart Month." NOW, THEREFORE. I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of February 1989 as "Ameri- can Heart Month." I invite the Governors of the States, the Common- wealth 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 diseases and stroke. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty- nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH
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