As a wife and mother, Mrs. Bush recognizes the urgency for women to make a commitment to a lifestyle that promotes
lifelong health, not only for every woman's own benefit but also for the benefit of family and loved ones. Mrs. Bush
believes it is especially important to educate women about the risks of heart disease. Heart disease is the number one
killer of women in the U.S. However, less than half of all women are aware of the risks associated with not taking
preventive action against this disease.
Heart disease, including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, angina and other conditions, is actually
deadlier for women than men. One in every 3 women will die of heart
disease. For the last 20 years, more women than men have died of
cardiovascular disease in America. Nearly half a million women die
every year of this disease -- 65,000 more than men. Yet this deadly disease goes virtually unrecognized as the number one killer
of women in America. While the statistics are disturbing, heart disease is often preventable. Mrs. Bush believes that
women must stop becoming statistics and start being healthy.
One way to battle this killer is for all women to make a commitment to a lifestyle that promotes lifelong health. This
includes making sure that every woman is educated about the risks of heart disease and consults a doctor for routine
preventative screenings. Knowledge is our strongest medicine.
In addition, Mrs. Bush believes it is important to encourage women to exercise regularly and eat a balanced, healthy
diet. In a recent study of more than 70,000 post-menopausal women at
Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital, participants cut their risk of heart disease by up to 40 percent by
either walking or jogging for just 30 minutes a day.
Healthy eating requires choosing the right foods and preparing them in a healthy way. Studies show that eating more
fruits and vegetables significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. It is essential to exercise regularly and eat a
balanced and healthy diet not only because it is good for a women's long
term health, but also because it is important to set a good example for our children.
Preventive screenings, healthy eating and routine exercise are vital steps all Americans must take for good overall
heath. These important keys to health must become part of our daily lives. Mrs. Bush believes healthy living
is about living better and living longer. It is a goal she shares with every woman.
Presidential Proclamations
- Feb. 2, 2004, Proclamation
on American Heart Month, 2004
- Jan. 1, 2003, Proclamation
on American Heart Month, 2003
- Feb. 2, 2002, Proclamation
of American Heart
Month, 2002
- Feb. 7, 2001, Proclamation
on American Heart Month, 2001
Laura Bush's Recipes
