Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 2.djvu/874

 99 STAT. 1984

PROCLAMATION 5271—OCT. 30, 1984

To help pioneer and develop health education and research programs aimed at better treatment and prevention of lung diseases, the ALA relies on the sale of Christmas Seals. The Association has used Christmas Seals since 1907 to raise funds through private contributions to continue its research programs. This year, 60 million homes will receive Christmas Seals. The funds raised through the sale of Christmas Seals have enabled the ALA to provide many millions of dollars for research programs on the prevention and control of lung diseases. Christmas Seals also have allowed the ALA to conduct vigorous public campaigns against air pollution and cigarette smoking. The use of Christmas Seals on holiday mail is a visible reminder that chronic lung diseases remain a serious public health problem, but one that can be in large part prevented through research and public education.

98 Stat. 1829.

To increase public awareness of chronic lung diseases and the benefits realized by the sales of Christmas Seals, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 324, has designated the month of November as "National Christmas Seal Month" and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this month. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of November 1984 as National Christmas Seal Month, and I call upon all government agencies and the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and by supporting the Christmas Seal program. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and ninth. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5271 of October 30, 1984

National Diabetes Month, 1984 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Diabetes mellitus is one of the most serious medical and public health problems challenging this Nation today. Approximately 11 million Americans suffer from this disease. Although careful treatment can control many of the short-term metabolic effects of diabetes, the disease is also associated with serious long-term complications that affect the eyes, kidneys, nervous system, and blood vessels. Physical, emotional, and financial consequences of this disease impose an enormous burden on its sufferers, their families, and the Nation in general. Diabetes-related health care, disability, and premature mortality alone cost more than $14 billion annually. The non-monetary costs are also staggering. Moreover, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing in the United States. In recent years, there has been an enormous amount of progress in understanding, diagnosing, and treating diabetes. The National Diabetes Advisory Board, established by the Congress, has recently reported that "Not since the discovery of insulin over half a century ago has the outlook for clinical advances in the treatment and ultimate prevention and cure of diabetes been as promising as today." Researchers continue to discover clues to the causes of this disease and its complications. New and better forms of treatment are being developed and tested.

�