[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7825 of October 4, 2004


 
Child Health Day, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Parents play a vital role in keeping their children healthy, and when it
comes to helping children make right choices, there is work for all
Americans to do. Parents, teachers, faith-based and community groups,
and government leaders are working together to counter the negative
influences in today's culture, highlight the benefits of healthy
lifestyles, and educate children about the consequences of their
actions.
By promoting good nutrition and regular physical activity, parents help
their children perform better in the classroom and live healthy lives.
To encourage healthy families, my Administration is helping young people
learn the simple steps to live better through the HealthierUS Initiative
and the President's Challenge awards program. These programs encourage
young people to eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables and
to set aside time every day for physical activity, such as playing
sports, biking, or even helping with yard work at home. Encouraging
healthy habits early in life helps give children a head start and gives
them the best chance of reaching their potential.
Our youth are challenged with tough choices. We must continue to promote
responsibility among our Nation's young people by providing them with
the knowledge they need to make the right decisions concerning drug and
alcohol use. My Administration supports education

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programs that address these issues. Through the National Youth Anti-Drug
Media Campaign and Drug-Free Communities Program, we are working to
ensure that young people understand the serious risks and consequences
of substance abuse. And in order to help kids who need help, my
Administration supports random drug testing as a prevention tool. We
have also increased support for abstinence-only education programs,
including grants for community and faith-based organizations, because
abstinence is the only sure way to prevent teenage pregnancy and
sexually transmitted diseases.
We all have an important role in giving America's children a healthy
start in life by teaching them that the decisions they make today will
affect them for the rest of their lives. By helping them make the right
choices, we better prepare them for a hopeful future.
The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 18, 1928, as amended
(36 U.S.C. 105), has called for the designation of the first Monday in
October as ``Child Health Day''; and has requested the President to
issue a proclamation in observance of this day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 4, 2004, as Child Health
Day. I call upon families, schools, child health professionals, faith-
based and community organizations, and governments to help all our
children discover the rewards of good health and wellness.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7826--OCT. 4, 2004