Nowadays, it is impossible to turn on the television or read the newspaper without hearing the health benefits of physical activity. This indicates that being active is very important in our life in order to prevent different types of diseases. Buddha said that keeping the body healthy is a duty; otherwise we will not be able to keep our minds strong and clear. There is a close relationship between exercise and physical and mental health. Yet people still don't exercise enough and obesity rates in the US and UK are very high. This essay will argue that the government should ensure that its citizens exercise regularly. On one hand, people may think it's the government's fault if it encourages unnecessary exercise policies. Furthermore, some might consider that promoting regular physical activity would increase public spending. On the other hand, the success of some government policies promoting exercise has been overlooked. Moreover, the wealth of the state will increase if its citizens have a healthy body. Therefore, the state must guarantee the health of its citizens. Regular exercise will have a positive effect on both physical and mental levels. It is essential to exercise regularly. First, longer life expectancy is not only due to advanced medical technology, but also to regular exercise. An increased level of physical activity and fitness leads to a reduction in the relative risk of death by approximately 20-35% (Blair et al., 1989; Macera et al., 2013 cited in Vina et al, 2012). Second, regular physical activity contributes to the treatment of several chronic diseases (Blair et al., 1989; Macera et al., 2013 cited in Vina et al, 2012). Chronic diseases, high blood pressure and stroke have become common diseases these days. Howe...... middle of paper ......acol. Vol 167Judith Burns, 2013. Lack of exercise policy for children is “child neglect”. BBC News. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25316238 [Accessed April 24, 2014] Kim, Yeon Soo, 2012. Relationship between physical activity and general mental health. Preventive medicine. Vol 55 P.458-P. 463Nanci Hellmich, 2013. Children need to step up their physical activity, report says. USA Today Available at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/08/kids-physical-activity/1971063/ [Accessed April 24, 2014]Oaten, Megan, 2006. Longitudinal gains in self-regulation through regular physical exercise. British Journal of Health Psychology. Vol 11 P.717-P.33Thalwitz, 2009. The economic benefits of regular exercise. IHRSA. Available at: http://afdashboard.blob.core.windows.net/en-us/Files/Club/EconomicBeneFinalFull_AF.pdf [Accessed April 24 2014]