Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina Carbonell Joins Launch to Encourage Hispanics to Become More Involved in Their Health Care

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and The Advertising Council launched a Spanish-language national public service campaign designed to encourage Hispanics to become more involved in their health care. The campaign urges Hispanics to stay healthy for their loved ones by visiting their doctor for regular screenings. Hispanics are 38 percent less likely than non-Hispanics to have visited the doctor within the past year, according to the latest data from AHRQ. In addition, more than a quarter of Hispanic adults have never had their cholesterol checked, two-thirds of Hispanics over 50 have never had a colonoscopy, and nearly 54 percent of Hispanic women over 40 have not had a mammogram within the last year. The fact that one-third of U.S. Hispanics are uninsured, along with linguistic and cultural barriers, plays a role in these disparities, as shown in AHRQ’s recent National Healthcare Disparities Report.

Assistant Secretary Carbonell said, “We are pleased to be working with AHRQ and the Ad Council to communicate the importance of prevention for Hispanic adults. This campaign complements HHS department-wide efforts to work in partnership with national Hispanic organizations and local communities around the country to encourage Hispanics to adopt healthy lifestyles. I invite Hispanic leaders across the country as well as employers, churches and others to join us in relaying this critical message to Hispanics of all ages.” Click here to watch video

For more information, please visit the following sites:
http://www.ahrq.gov/superheroes,
http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2008/spsuperheropr.htm
http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2008/superheropr.htm
or call 1(800) 358-9295.

Women's History Month, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

During Women's History Month, we celebrate the courage, foresight, and resolve of women who have strengthened our democracy.

America has been transformed by strong women whose contributions shaped the history of our country. Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, and she inspired generations of women to follow their dreams. Physicist Chien-Shiung Wu helped advance our knowledge and understanding of the world through her achievements in atomic research. Harriet Tubman fought racial injustice and opened doors for more Americans to participate fully in our society.

Today, women are continuing this legacy of leadership as entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, scientists, lawyers, artists, and public officials. They are also providing guidance and care to their loved ones and strengthening America's families and communities. We also remember the women of the United States Armed Forces who are serving our country with honor and distinction across the world.

This month, we honor the extraordinary women of our Nation's past and recognize the countless women who are demonstrating leadership in every aspect of American life.

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 March 2008 as Women's History Month. I call upon all our citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the history, accomplishments, and contributions of American women.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

National Consumer Protection Week, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

As we face new challenges in the 21st century, we must work to ensure that Americans are kept safe in the marketplace. During National Consumer Protection Week, as my Administration works with Congress to improve our consumer product safety system, we also encourage Americans to make informed financial decisions and take advantage of the resources that can help them become responsible consumers, savers, and investors.

This year's theme for National Consumer Protection Week, "Financial Literacy: A Sound Investment," encourages consumers to take steps to build a firm financial foundation. By becoming informed consumers, individuals can help plan for their future, protect their identity, and effectively manage their finances. It is important for citizens to be knowledgeable on financial matters such as choosing a health insurance plan, comparing savings and retirement plans, and realizing how credit scores can affect them. Education is the first line of defense in helping consumers manage their money wisely and safeguard themselves against fraud and identity theft.

My Administration is working to expand the American people's financial education. In January of this year, I signed an Executive Order establishing the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy. This Council will help keep America competitive and assist Americans in understanding and addressing financial matters. By visiting consumer.gov and mymoney.gov, Americans can discover the tools they need to make financial decisions and be successful in today's marketplace.

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 March 2 through March 8, 2008, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon Government officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates to make available information about how citizens can help to prevent fraud and identity theft, and I encourage all Americans to gain the financial literacy they need to compete in the 21st century.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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