American Heart Month, 2021

• Published date: 08 February 2021
• Record Number: 2021-02675
• Section: Presidential Documents
• Court: Executive Office Of The President

Presidential Documents

8537

Federal Register

Vol. 86, No. 24

Monday, February 8, 2021

Title 3—

The President

Proclamation 10145 of February 3, 2021

American Heart Month, 2021

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Tragically, heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the

United States. It affects Americans of all genders, races, and ethnicities.

Yet despite being one of the country’s most costly and deadly diseases,

it is among the most preventable. During American Heart Month, we recom-

mit to fighting this disease by promoting better health, wellness, and preven-

tion awareness in our communities.

Heart disease can impact anyone, but risk factors such as high cholesterol,

high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol

abuse can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. By adopting

a few healthy habits, each of us can reduce our risk. Avoiding tobacco,

moderating alcohol consumption, making balanced and nutritious meal

choices, and staying active can help prevent or treat conditions that lead

to heart disease. Adults with heart conditions are also at increased risk

of severe illness from COVID–19, which makes it even more important

to follow these suggestions.

We have seen the death rate from heart attacks rise dramatically during

the COVID–19 pandemic because people are delaying or not seeking care

after experiencing symptoms. It is important not to ignore early warning

signs like chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.

And the symptoms of a heart attack can be different for men and women,

an often-overlooked fact that can impact when people seek care. For more

resources and information, follow your health care provider’s advice or

visit www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease.

My Administration is committed to supporting Americans in their efforts

to achieve heart health. Under the Affordable Care Act, many insurance

plans cover preventive services like blood pressure and obesity screening

at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. By protecting and expanding access

to quality, affordable health care, we will work tirelessly to provide all

Americans with the care they need to prevent and treat heart disease.

We are also committed to closing the racial disparities in cardiovascular

health. Despite an overall decline in death rates for heart disease, risk

of heart disease death differs by race and ethnicity, and Black Americans

continue to have the highest death rate for heart disease. Increased awareness

and access to care will help reduce these staggering and unacceptable statis-

tics.

This month, we also honor the health care professionals, researchers, and

heart health advocates who save our fellow Americans’ lives with their

hard work. Every day, they put themselves on the front lines of our fight

against heart disease, as well as the scourge of COVID–19.

The First Lady and I encourage everyone to participate in National Wear

Red Day on Friday, February 5th. By wearing red, we honor those we

have lost to heart disease, and we raise awareness of the steps we can

all take to prevent this devastating disease. Combatting heart disease is

essential to improving public health in our Nation, and together we will

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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 24 / Monday, February 8, 2021 / Presidential Documents

renew our efforts to make all Americans aware of its signs and symptoms.

This month, we recommit to building a healthier future for all.

In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing fight against cardio-

vascular disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30,

1963, as amended (36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President issue

an annual proclamation designating February as ‘‘American Heart Month.’’

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States

of America, do hereby proclaim February 2021 as American Heart Month,

and I invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on

February 5, 2021. 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 third day of

February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-

fifth.

[FR Doc. 2021–02675

Filed 2–5–21; 8:45 am]

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