Eye On Health

President Issues Fitness Challenge To Americans

WASHINGTON (CBS News) ― America, get ready to get in shape!

That word from President Bush on Thursday as he unveiled the National President's Challenge that seeks to encourage Americans to become more physically active in addition to eating better.

Mr. Bush said, with more than two-thirds of the country's adults overweight, it's time for Americans to step up and take control of their health.

"I like to exercise a lot," Bush said, "and I hope my fellow citizens learn to love exercise as well. It's good for your mind. Exercise is good for your body, and it's good for your soul."

Americans can sign up for the National President's Challenge by logging on to their website (www.presidentschallenge.org). Once there, visitors can pick their exercise and health goals and keep track how they're doing.

At the end of the challenge, the committee overseeing the program will award individuals and groups who successfully meet their goals. The state with the highest participation will be acknowledged as well.

"You get to decide how you're going to meet your physical fitness goal. In other words, you set a goal and then you pick the exercise or activity," Bush said. "And there's about 100 different activities to choose from, ranging from gardening or skydiving. So I suspect my father will be signing up for skydiving. Mother wants him to sign up for gardening."

Mr. Bush - who is an avid mountain biker and runner - said there are simply too many Americans who are not exercising and taking care of their health.

The United States has one of the world's highest percentages of overweight citizens, and the President wished Americans well as they begin working toward a healthier future. "I wish my citizens all the best as they sign up for this exciting new challenge," he said. "Have good exercise. Have fun. And remember: You'll have a healthy tomorrow when you do so."

It has been proven that being overweight or obese increases an individual's risk for health issues like diabetes, heart disease, fatigue and depression. And many of those health issues can be reduced simply by exercising and eating healthy - something the President said could cut down on the cost of healthcare.

"Lack of physical fitness places a huge financial burden on our nation. Diseases linked to unhealthy habits drive up the price of health care for all Americans," Bush said. 

The President also said he understands that Americans are busy and may not have the time to fit in as much exercise as is recommended. However, he said, the need for it is so great that Americans need to learn how to fit it into their lives.

"Nearly two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese," Bush explained. "That's too many. More than half of American adults do not get enough physical activity to realize the health benefits. Not enough people are exercising."

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