If you just look at the numbers, the task can seem overwhelming. Obesity is epidemic in the United States. In recent years, diabetes rates among people ages 30 to 39 rose by 70%. About 46.5 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes, even though this single behavior will result in disability and premature death for half of them. More than 60% of American adults do not get enough physical activity, and more than 25% are not active at all.

The HealthierUS initiative is a national effort to prevent and reduce the costs of disease, improve people's lives and promote community health and wellness. Learn more about all of the parts of the President's HealthierUS initiative.

• President Bush's HealthierUS initiative: Speeches, news releases and more to keep you up-to-date on the initiative.

• Steps to a HealthierUS: Steps to a HealthierUS funds innovative community-based programs that seek to adopt proven measures to reduce the burden of obesity, diabetes, and asthma-related complications, with a particular focus on youth.

• The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: A committee of volunteer citizens who advise the president through the secretary of health and human services about physical activity, fitness, and sports in America.

• Fitness.gov: The health, physical activity, fitness and sports information website of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and sports.

• The President's Challenge: The new President's Challenge allows individuals to track weekly fitness activities, and receive Presidential fitness awards for achieving defined fitness goals.