National Diabetes Month, 2005

National Diabetes Month, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Americans of all ages and backgrounds live with diabetes. Nearly 21 million of our citizens have this disease, and researchers estimate that more than 6 million of these individuals have not been diagnosed and are unaware they have it. National Diabetes Month is an opportunity to educate citizens about diabetes and what they can do to help prevent and treat this disease.

Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes, destroys insulin-producing cells and usually strikes children and teenagers. Nearly 95 percent of all diabetics suffer from type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the body fails to produce or to use insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in inactive or obese adults or individuals with a family history of the disease and now increasingly appears in inactive or overweight children. Because of a lack of insulin, diabetics face potential blindness, nontraumatic amputations, kidney disease, and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Studies have shown that minor weight loss and daily exercise can help prevent and reduce the effects of diabetes. I encourage all Americans to follow the new dietary guidelines released by the Department of Health and Human Services earlier this year that emphasize the importance of nutritious foods and regular physical activity. In addition to taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle, Americans should consult their doctors for preventive screenings to detect diabetes in its earliest stages. Under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, these screenings are now covered for Medicare beneficiaries. These simple tests can save lives and help prevent this potentially life-threatening illness.

My Administration remains committed to fighting diabetes through research and prevention, and we will continue to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others in their efforts to combat this disease. This year, the NIH dedicated more than $1 billion to diabetes research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NIH are also sponsoring the National Diabetes Education Program, which has helped to inform more than 180 million Americans in the last 3 years about healthy choices and the risk factors of diabetes.

During National Diabetes Month and throughout the year, we pay tribute to the doctors, nurses, scientists, researchers, and all those dedicated to the fight against diabetes. I urge the millions of Americans living with this disease and all citizens to lead healthy lives and to motivate others to do the same. By working together to prevent this disease, we can improve the quality of life for more Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2005 as National Diabetes Month. I call upon all Americans to learn more about the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, November 2, 2005

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National American Indian Heritage Month

National American Indian Heritage Month, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

National American Indian Heritage Month honors the many contributions and accomplishments of American Indians and Alaska Natives. During November, we remember the legacy of the first Americans and celebrate their vibrant and living traditions.

The American Indian experience is central to the American story, and my Administration is committed to helping Native American cultures across the United States continue to flourish. One of the most important ways to ensure a successful future is through education. Over the past 4 years, my Administration has provided more than $1 billion for the construction and renovation of Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. We also offer direct assistance for educator and counselor training to help make sure every classroom has a qualified teacher and every child has the tools he or she needs to succeed. As we work with tribal leaders to provide students with a superior education that respects the unique culture and traditions of the community, we can help ensure every child has the opportunity to realize their dreams.

To enhance energy opportunities and strengthen tribal economies, my Administration is working to ease the regulatory barriers associated with tribal energy development. In August, I signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allocating $2 billion in the form of grants, loans, and loan guarantees for exploration, development, and production of energy. This legislation will help ensure that latest energy technologies are being used throughout our country.

Since the earliest days of our Republic, Native Americans have played a vital role in our country's freedom and security. From the Revolutionary War scouts to the Code Talkers of World War II, Native Americans have served in all branches of America's Armed Forces. Today, that proud tradition continues, with Native Americans bravely defending our country in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and helping to spread liberty around the world. America is grateful to all our service men and women who serve and sacrifice in the defense of freedom.

Our young country is home to an ancient, noble, and enduring native culture, and my Administration recognizes the defining principles of tribal sovereignty and the right to self-determination. By working together, government to government, on important education, economic, and energy initiatives, we can strengthen America and build a future of hope and promise for all Native Americans. This month, we pay tribute to the American Indians and Alaska Natives who continue to shape our Nation. I encourage all citizens to learn more about the rich heritage of Native Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2005 as National American Indian Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, November 2, 2005

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