WASHINGTON, April 20 (UPI) -- President Bush urged Americans Wednesday to exercise daily and become more active.
Children should also participate in sports, which teaches them discipline, the value of team work and patience, he said.
"Regular exercise, along with healthy eating habits, helps prevent serious health problems, improves productivity, and promotes better sleep and relaxation," Bush said. "Maintaining an active lifestyle reduces the risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and certain cancers.
"Americans can improve their health and well being by dedicating a small part of each day to physical activity."
The president's statement came in a proclamation declaring May National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
Bush is known to exercise daily and is an ardent mountain bike rider.
