President Bush is continuing his push to make Americans healthier. The president ran in a -mile race Saturday to help promote his program to get people to exercise more and eat better.
President Bush joined several White House staffers in a -mile run at a nearby army base. In a white T-shirt and running shorts, Mr. Bush did not win the race but he posted a time of under minutes a mile.
It is part of efforts to promote the president's new physical fitness program to get Americans to live longer, healthier lives. "When it comes to your health, even little steps can make a big difference. If just of adults began walking regularly, Americans could save $ billion in costs related to heart disease. And research suggests that we can reduce cancer deaths by simply by changing our diets and getting more exercise."
Nearly of all American adults say they get no exercise. Obese people spend a more on health care and more on medicine than the general population.
In his weekly radio address, Mr. Bush encouraged Americans to get even a little bit of exercise every day. "Walking 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."
The president is encouraging Americans to eat more fruits and vegetable and cut back on fatty food. He wants people to get preventative screenings for diabetes, cancer, and heart disease and avoid tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol.