Proclamation 4994 -- National Diabetes Month, 1982
November 2, 1982
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Diabetes is a complex disorder in which the body is unable to convert sugars and starches properly into the energy necessary for daily activity. As a major public health problem, diabetes can result in certain long-term complications that may involve virtually every tissue of the body, particularly the blood vessels, nervous system, kidneys and eyes. At present, there is no cure for this chronic disorder that now affects an estimated 11 million Americans.
In recent years, research has yielded promising new information on the possible causes and improved management of diabetes and its complications. This research has provided significant advances ranging from a better understanding of factors that cause or contribute to the disease to the development of laser therapy for eyes damaged by diabetes. There still exists a great opportunity for medical science to reduce human suffering and improve the lives of diabetic patients.
In cooperation with private voluntary organizations, the Federal government is actively participating in this ongoing scientific challenge. Through the combined efforts of government, university, and private researchers, it is hoped that steady progress will continue to be made toward more effective methods of diabetic control. The goal of this work is to improve the lives of patients and reduce the impact of this disease on our nation.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, in accordance with Senate Joint Resolution 257, do hereby proclaim the month of November, 1982, as National Diabetes Month, and I call upon government agencies and the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 2nd day of Nov., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 3:58 p.m., November 2, 1982]
Proclamation 4995 -- National Christmas Seal Month, 1982
November 2, 1982
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
Chronic diseases of the lung afflict well over 18 million Americans, cause more than 200,000 deaths annually, and cost the Nation more than $45 billion each year in lost wages, productivity and direct costs of medical care.
Emphysema and related pulmonary diseases have been the fastest rising cause of death in the United States in the past 14 years. Over six million Americans, including two million children, suffer from asthma. It is expected that lung cancer will soon surpass breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among American women.
Leading the fight to prevent illness, disability and death from lung disease in the voluntary sector is the American Lung Association, a nonprofit health organization supported by individual contributions to Christmas Seals and other donations. Beginning in 1907, Christmas Seals were used to raise funds through private contributions to provide education to Americans with the disease.
Today, the American Lung Association works with the National Insititutes of Health to support research, training, and demonstration programs relevant to diseases of the lung. This year, the Association's Christmas Seals will be in 60 million American homes.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 262, has designated the month of November as ``National Christmas Seal Month.''
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the month of November, 1982, as ``National Christmas Seal Month.''
I call upon all government agencies and the American people to observe this month with appropriate activities supporting the Christmas Seal program.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 2nd day of Nov., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:29 a.m., November 4, 1982]
Note: The text of the proclamation was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on November 3.
Proclamation 4996 -- National Alzheimer's Disease Week
November 2, 1982
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
Alzheimer's disease, a major brain disorder, results in the progressive loss of mental faculties, often beginning with impairment of memory, learning, attention, and judgment. While some types of dementia are curable, Alzheimer's disease is not. In time, it erodes thought, feeling, and behavior and leads to death. Family members and friends of the afflicted fully comprehend the special suffering imposed by this depersonalizing illness.
Alzheimer's disease and related disorders represent a health problem of enormous dimensions. Thanks to progress in neurobiological research, we know that Alzheimer's disease is not, as once thought, a normal consequence of aging. Rather, it is a pathological deviation from the norm -- and as such must be susceptible to prevention or treatment once its underlying cause or causes are known. Alzheimer's disease is being fought through several approaches; promising early studies are spurring further vigorous research.
The fight against Alzheimer's disease needs many allies. I salute the many Americans who are working for increased public awareness of this baffling disorder and the scientists whose research holds the promise of hope.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, in accordance with House Joint Resolution 496, do hereby proclaim the week beginning November 21 through November 27, 1982, as ``National Alzheimer's Disease Week,'' and I call upon government agencies and the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 2nd day of Nov., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:30 a.m., November 4, 1982]
Note: The text of the proclamation was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on November 3.