For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 6, 2003
Child Health Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Parents, teachers, and mentors play a critical role in helping children learn to make healthy choices in life. On Child Health Day,
we emphasize our commitment to teaching our children the benefits of
good health.
The safety and well-being of our children is a priority shared by
all Americans. As children grow and develop, they face many risks and
dangers. Through the HealthierUS Initiative and the President's
Challenge, my Administration is working to help children learn the
benefits of a healthy body and mind.
Across our country, parents and caregivers can play a vital part in
creating a more healthy America by teaching children good nutrition and
important safety procedures. We can all help young Americans improve
their health by encouraging them to eat healthy foods and to get
regular exercise. Good nutrition can improve students' ability to
concentrate and help them succeed in the classroom. Families must
encourage our young people to avoid harmful activities. Families can
also protect their children by ensuring that they are immunized against
preventable diseases and making sure that homes, day care centers, and
schools have been checked for potential hazards. Parents can help
prevent accidents and injuries by securing infants, toddlers, and small
children in child safety seats and booster seats, checking consumer
safety warnings, and making sure young people wear protective gear
during recreational activities.
By teaching our children to make safe, healthy decisions, families
and all Americans can help our young people reach their full potential,
become responsible leaders in their communities, and make our Nation
better.
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 6, 2003, as Child Health
Day. I call upon families, schools, child health professionals,
communities, 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 sixth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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