NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Statement of Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

This month-long focus on fitness and sports can trace its roots to the "President's Fitness Test" schools have given for years, and for good reason. Fit kids are better students.

But physical activity also raises energy levels and sharpens concentration for adults. No matter what your age is, exercise can strengthen your heart and your bones. It brings down your stress level.

An active lifestyle, combined with healthy eating, is the number one way to prevent obesity and key to preventing a host of serious obesity-related diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. That's why the First Lady calls her campaign to end the childhood obesity epidemic in a generation, "Let's Move."

It's also why, all across the country, communities are putting prevention to work by developing walking trails, bike paths, sidewalks, and green space to keep their residents healthy, and residents are making it a part of their daily routine to get outside and take advantage of them.

During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, the President is challenging every American to make physical activity, fitness, and sports something they try to do every day, whether it's playing on a softball team, training for a race, walking the dog, or working in the garden.

May is the perfect time to get active and healthy. As the weather gets warmer and flowers start to bloom, regular exercise can be both important and enjoyable. You can sign up for the President's Challenge by visiting www.presidentschallenge.org, and start making exercise part of your daily routine.

Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

HHS Press Office
202-690-6343