In 2003 Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR) was diagnosed with Type II diabetes.  Warned by his doctor, Huckabee lost 110 pounds and has successfully completed four marathons, starting with the Little Rock Marathon on March 6, 2005 (chip time 4:38:31).  He described his approach in Quit Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork (Center Street, May 2005).  Huckabee has become a major advocate for a "culture of health."  In Arkansas he confronted the epidemic of childhood obesity through such policy initiatives as removing vending machines from elementary schools and conducting Body Mass Index testing.  As chairman of the National Governors Association in 2005-06, Huckabee launched the "Healthy America" initiative and brought his crusade for a healthy diet and regular physical activity to the national stage.
 

Feb. 25-28, 2006 - National Governors Association Healthy America Forum and Winter Meeting in Washington, DC.
Oct 13, 2005 - As part of his NGA "Healthy America" chairman's initiative Gov. Huckabee toured Ankeny High School with Gov. Tom Vilsack (D-IA).  Courtesy Talon (Ankeny HS newspaper) staff photographer Tory Anderson.
Sept. 23, 2005 - Gov. Huckabee announces his "Healthy America" initiative.
 
 
 
 

Copyright © 2007  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action