Third, get preventative screenings. These are simple tests that can save your life. Screenings available through your doctor may tell you if you're prone to developing certain diseases, such as diabetes or cancer or heart disease. By acting on information you can help prevent a potentially life-threatening illness.

And fourth, cut out tobacco, drugs and excessive drinking. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in America. Drug and alcohol abuse destroys our families and lives and hopes of our fellow Americans. Our message is clear: Avoiding tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol can save your life.

This initiative is part of this administration's ongoing commitment to raising awareness about the benefits of exercise and healthy choices. Exercise is a part of my daily life. It kind of helps me deal with the stress a little better. After I get a good run in, I even like the press corps a lot better. (Laughter.) I don't know if they like me a lot better after my run. But I value exercise. It's an important part of a balanced life.

I've urged the folks at work inside the White House to exercise on a daily basis. As an employer, I insist that they take time off, out of their daily grind, to get some exercise. I found them to be better able to communicate and happier on their job when they take some time. And it doesn't matter to me when they do it. They can do it anytime of the day, so long as they get it done.

Today I'm going to sign an executive order directing federal agencies to work together to develop new policies to promote fitness. And at the White House, federal agencies and businesses and professional sport leagues have set up activities, as you can see, to educate people about better eating, preventative screenings, and the danger of substance abuse.