Hearty Februrary

President George W. Bush likes proclamations.

He has proclaimed that February is American Heart Month, 2008

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. As we observe American Heart Month, we renew our commitment to raising awareness of the serious impact of cardiovascular disease, and we encourage all citizens to take steps to help prevent it.

By exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, limiting consumption of alcohol, following a nutritious diet, and monitoring high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure, we all can work to decrease the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. I urge all Americans to take advantage of regular screenings and consult their doctors about how to reduce their personal risk for heart disease.

Many can consult their doctors but a stunning number can not.

In 2006:
More in U.S. lack health insurance - Employers, workers feel financial pinch, U.S. census reports

A record 46.6 million Americans had no health insurance in 2005 and fewer people received coverage through their employers, according to U.S. census figures released Tuesday.

Nearly 1 in 6 Americans, or 15.9 percent of the country, was uninsured for some or part of last year, compared with 45.3 million, or 15.6 percent, in 2004.

The number of people covered through their jobs slipped to 59.5 percent from 59.8 percent in 2004, according to data from the census' Current Population Survey.

Health experts say that though yearly changes may not look significant, the cumulative effect should be considered. Just four years earlier, in 2001, the census estimated that 62.6 percent of people were covered through their employers and 14.6 percent of the population was uninsured.

Recall President Bush vetoing a federal measure to increase health care coverage for low-income children, the SCHIP program.

Supporters of children's insurance bill make final push to overturn veto

If the veto is upheld as expected, (and it was) Pelosi said lawmakers won't forget the 10 million youngsters who would have received health insurance if the bill had become law.

"These 10 million children will not be left behind by us. We will continue the fight until we have at least 10 million insured," Pelosi said Tuesday on Capitol Hill. She was flanked by dozens of supporters, including Grammy Award-winning singer Paul Simon, who lent his star power to the eleventh-hour effort.

Recapping: President Bush has proclaimed February 2008 as American Heart Month.

President Bush wants Americans to eat right and exercise, in order to improve each individual's overall health. He also wants Americans to go to their doctors and get regular heart checkups.

Over 46 million Americans are without health care. The rate at which health care is no longer part of the job is increasing drastically, and this occurs during the time of the Bush administration.

President Bush did not see why an additional 10 million children should get covered under an expanded SCHIP insurance program, and vetoed the measure.