Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4736

 124 STAT. 4710 PROCLAMATION 8578—OCT. 4, 2010 ber 3, 2010, in accordance with Public Law 107–51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff on all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I call on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate pro- grams and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- fifth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 8578 of October 4, 2010 Child Health Day, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The health and well-being of a child is one of our most challenging, yet important, responsibilities, and we have an obligation to ensure that all our children can live, learn, and play in safe and healthy envi- ronments. On Child Health Day, we reaffirm the critical importance of the quality health care, nutritious foods, clean air and water, and safe communities our kids need to grow into strong and active adults. Parents and other caregivers set an example of healthy living and lay the foundation for our children’s success. Whether providing nour- ishing meals, attending regular check-ups, or encouraging outside ac- tivity, they teach the habits and values for mental and physical well- being that last a lifetime. However, the charge to protect the health of our young people extends beyond the home to our classrooms, play- grounds, and hospitals around the country. Today, our children face a new public health crisis we must address as a Nation, and we all have a role to play. In the last three decades, childhood obesity rates have tripled, and this epidemic threatens many young Americans, leaving them at risk for severe and chronic health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. My Adminis- tration is committed to solving the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation, and earlier this year I created a Task Force on Childhood Obesity to examine interagency solutions and develop clear, concrete steps on how to address this national health crisis. Along with the Task Force, First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘‘Let’s Move!’’ initiative em- powers parents and caregivers to help their kids maintain a healthy weight and make healthy choices for their families. ‘‘Let’s Move!’’ also encourages young people to choose wholesome foods, increase their physical activity, and develop life-long healthy habits. Child care pro- viders and schools also have an important part in strengthening health and physical education programs and providing nutritious foods in cafeterias and vending areas. In America, no parent should have to agonize over finding or affording health care for their child. To address this, the Affordable Care Act