    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [June 22, 2002]
    [Pages 1047-1048]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    June 22, 2002

        Good morning. Earlier today, the First Lady and I joined the White
    House staff for the inaugural Presidential Fitness Challenge Run and
    Walk. Every participant took important steps on the road to better
    health, and runners and walkers volunteered to perform community service
    or contribute to charities.
        The Fitness Challenge is part of a larger initiative I launched this
    week to help Americans live longer, better, and healthier lives. And the
    good news is this: When it comes to your health, even little steps can
    make a big difference. If just 10 percent of adults began walking
    regularly, Americans could save $5.6 billion in costs related to heart
    disease. And research suggests that we can reduce cancer deaths by one-
    third simply by changing our diets and getting more exercise.
        The title of our new health and fitness initiative says it all,
    HealthierUS. It is based on four guideposts to good health. First,

    [[Page 1048]]

    be physically active every day. Second, develop good eating habits.
    Third, take advantage of preventative screenings. Fourth, don't smoke,
    don't do drugs, and don't drink excessively. These four simple measures
    will help all Americans get healthier and stronger.
        First, be physically active every day. A report released this week
    by the Department of Health and Human Services confirms that almost 40
    percent of adults get no leisure time physical activity. This lack of
    activity can lead to poor health and higher health care costs. Americans
    who are obese spend approximately 36 percent more on health care
    services than the general population. They spend 77 percent more on
    medications.
        Here are some simple suggestions to help Americans get active.
    Walking 30 minutes a day can improve your health. Playing a game in the
    backyard will help parents and children get fit and spend some quality
    time with each other. And regularly hiking through a park can add years
    to your life. This weekend, the Federal Government is waiving all
    entrance fees to national parks and other Federal lands, so you can
    exercise while exploring America's natural beauty. Exercise is a daily
    part of my life, and I urge all Americans to make it an important part
    of your lives.
        Second, eat a nutritious diet. That means eating fruits and
    vegetables and cutting back on fatty foods. If you try your best to
    achieve these goals, you will be on the road to healthier living, and
    you'll have a lot more energy for your 30-minute walk.
        Third, get preventative screenings, simple tests that can tell you
    if you're prone to developing certain diseases such as diabetes and
    cancer and heart disease. By acting on that information, you can help
    prevent a potentially life-threatening illness.
        Fourth, cut out tobacco, drugs, and excessive drinking. Tobacco use
    is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in America.
    Drug and alcohol abuse destroys lives and families and communities.
    Avoiding tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol can save your life.
        This initiative is part of my administration's ongoing commitment to
    raising awareness about the benefits of exercise and healthy choices.
    Our message is simple but important. The doctors in America should talk
    to your patients about the value of exercise and healthy eating. Parents
    should make sure your children get plenty of exercise and good nutrition
    and make smart decisions. By making minor changes to our lives, we will
    build a healthier and stronger America.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 1:16 p.m. on June 20 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on June 22. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    June 21 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of
    the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this
    address.