WASHINGTON — While the world waited for him to address the dire situation in the Middle East, President Bush instead used his bully pulpit Thursday to urge Americans to take better care of themselves.
"Better health is an individual responsibility and an important national goal," the president said while kicking off a four-day fitness campaign.
On the South lawn of the White House, the president convened the first-ever White House fitness expo in which he stressed that the nation's health is weakened by the high cost of fighting disease and illness often associated with heart disease, obesity and other illnesses related to sedentary lifestyles.
The president, who runs a seven-minute mile, said keeping in good shape helps contribute to a more secure country.
"The evidence is clear: A healthier America is a stronger America," Bush said.
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Thursday: President Bush signs the shirt of s young girl from Mitchelville, Md. |
About half of American adults currently do not exercise, and childhood obesity rates are at an all-time high.
Currently, Americans pay an estimated $117 billion each year to cope with problems associated with obesity and excessive weight, and $183 billion to fight heart disease, which can be reduced along with smaller waistlines.
"We are trying to encourage all Americans to get off the couch, start working out in some way, take your dog for a walk, get your best friend to go for a walk every day. It really makes a huge difference in your lifestyle," said first lady Laura Bush.
The president's HealthierUs initiative is written out in a 16-page, red-white-and-blue booklet. It suggests Americans exercise at least a half-hour each day; eat smaller portions of more nutritious foods; screen regularly for preventive illnesses; and avoid risky behaviors, especially involving alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.
The booklet's recommendations include merely using a push mower on the lawn instead of the riding type, exercising portion control at mealtime, getting a flu shot and hand-washing regularly.
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| Thursday: President Bush is surrounded by young soccer players. | |
The four-day event kicked off with a Wednesday night recreation session on the South Lawn that included about 1,500 visitors, including White House staff and their families, senior citizens and children from schools, summer camps, clubs and Special Olympics organizations.
Among the physical activities they could participate in was batting cages, aerobics classes, and kickboxing and boot camp demonstrations by trainers from a nearby luxury gym.
Celebrity sports clinics — on soccer by Washington Freedom player Mia Hamm, on basketball with New York Knicks star Allan Houston and on football with the Washington Redskins — showcased still more exercise options.
On Friday in Orlando, Fla., Bush will promote "age-appropriate" exercise, capped by a workout with willing participants from a local senior center.
On Saturday, about 400 Bush employees are joining the president in a 3-mile race at nearby Fort McNair. First lady Laura Bush will lead walkers on a 1.5-mile route around the military post.
Finally, the presidential focus on fitness will end Sunday with more T-ball on the White House lawn.
The president's new Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, chaired by NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and vice-chaired by Dot Richardson, a member of the gold-medal winning U.S. softball team, began its work with the fitness expo. The president was also signing an order directing all relevant federal agencies to suggest new ways they could help Americans live healthier lives.
Fox News' James Rosen and the Associated Press contributed to this report.