Child Health Day, 2003

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 7716--Child Health Day, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7716 of October 6, 2003

Child Health Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

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.

(Presidential Sig.)B