[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

123 STAT. 3716
 
PROCLAMATION 8433--OCT. 2, 2009

Proclamation 8433 of October 2, 2009
Child Health Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Our Nation has an obligation to provide access to affordable, high-
quality health care for all our children. No child should be forced to
go without medical attention because the cost of a doctor visit is too
high. Healthy children are better equipped to combat illness and to
perform well in school, impacting their development well into adulthood.
On Child Health Day, we recognize the fundamental importance of health
care for our Nation's children, and dedicate our collective energies to
support their needs and those of their families.

The responsibility for our children's health rests with every American.
Parents and guardians should lead by example. We must teach our children
the importance of healthy eating and a physically active lifestyle. We
can support community programs across America that provide our young
people with healthy choices, and ensure that families have the resources
necessary to champion the health of their children. From outdoor
activities to community athletic teams, we can seize opportunities to
increase physical activity in the lives of our children, and promote
healthy habits at an early age.
When our children make smart, healthy decisions, they are set on the
path towards success. A balanced diet, coupled with proper exercise, has
proven effective in combating childhood obesity and other chronic
illnesses among our Nation's young people. More recently, the lure of
indoor distractions has drawn our children away from the athletic fields
and outdoor activities that can be part of a healthy lifestyle. We must
engage our Nation's children in behaviors that support their physical
fitness, ensure they have access to healthy, affordable food, and
empower their families with the information essential for healthy
living.
As a Nation, we cannot allow our children to fail in reaching their full
potential because we fail to meet their basic needs. My Administration
has made children's health a priority, and I was proud to sign the
reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP),
extending health care to millions of young Americans who were previously
uninsured. Today, we celebrate the health of our children and rededicate
ourselves to providing a bright, healthy future for our Nation's youth.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 5,
2009, as Child Health Day.
I call upon families, child health professionals, faith-based and
community organizations, and governments to help ensure that America's
children stay safe and healthy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Inde-

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123 STAT. 3717

pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA