Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 101 Part 3.djvu/900

 101 STAT. 2198

PROCLAMATION 5711—SEPT. 29, 1987

Normally, an individual's immune system protects him or her from infection by producing antibodies that react with and eliminate foreign substances. In autoimmune diseases such as lupus, however, the immune system can harm the individual by making antibodies that react against the person's own tissues. "^

Scientists are not yet sure why the body's antibody-producing system behaves this way, but they are conducting extensive research seeking the cause of the disease. Their research studies include: investigations on genes that underlie the development of the disease; research on a wide variety of immune system components and chemical messengers; research on initiation of abnormal immune reactivity; and hormonal studies. Such fundamental studies will lead to the design of improved treatments that alleviate the symptoms of lupus, or even better, attack the disease itself. Thanks to recent research progress, lupus has become more a chronic disease than the acute and often fatal disorder it was decades ago. Nevertheless, deaths do occur, and new research findings and new approaches to diagnosis and treatment are needed to eliminate lupus. A concerted Federal-private research effort is working to ultimately uncover the cause and cure for this distressing disease. The Congress, by Public Law 100-106, has designated the month of October 1987 as "Lupus Awareness Month" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. NOW, THEREFORE, 1, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October 1987 as Lupus Awareness Month. I urge the people of the United States and educational, philanthropic, scientific, medical, and health care organizations and professionals to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eightyseven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twelfth. RONALD REAGAN

Proclamation 5711 of September 29, 1987

Child Health Day, 1987 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For nearly 6 decades, Americans have observed Child Health Day in reaffirmation of our private and public national commitment to the good health of every child. During this year's observance, we should resolve to redouble our efforts to ensure that all aspects of health services needed by mothers, babies, and older children are properly identified, provided, and used, when and where needed. Appropriate perinatal, medical, nutritional, and educational services should be made available in accordance with family needs, including specialized services for those at risk for poor pregnancy outcomes

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