123STA T . 3 6 1 0PROCL A M AT I O N8 3 4 4 —FEB .2 , 200 9diabet e s.Pr a c tici ng t h e fol lo w ing ‘ ‘ B ig F o u r ’ ’ habits can hel pm itigate these ris k s
eating a heart health y diet , getting regular physical acti v ity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco. U nfortunately, only 3 percent of U. S . adults practice all of these habits. A sa N ation, we must work to increase that number. Forming these healthy habits does not have to be difficult: Setting real - istic goals, making gradual improvements, and inviting family and friends to j oin 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. M ichelle and I especially encourage women to take heart health seri- ously. More women than men die of heart disease each year, and many women fail to make the connection between risk factors and their per- sonal risk of developing heart disease. T he Federal G overnment’s TheH e art Tr u th campaign gives women a personal and urgent wake-up call about their risk for heart disease. O n the first Friday in February, The Heart Truth will lead the Nation in celebrating National W ear R ed D ay 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 reduc- ing heart disease risk. During American H eart 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 car- diovascular disease, the C ongress, by J oint Resolution approved De- cember 3 0 , 196 3, as amended (7 7 Stat. 84 3
36 U.S.C. 101 ) , has re- q uested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as ‘‘American Heart Month.’’ NOW, TH E REFORE, I, BARAC K OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 2 009 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 sub- ject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in recogni z ing 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 L ord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. BARACK OBAMA
