Colorado Springs, CO – August 15, 2025
A new video featuring U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Medicare administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz hiking together through Colorado’s scenic Garden of the Gods is making waves online, highlighting the health benefits of daily physical activity and exposure to nature.
The three-and-a-half-minute video, shared on Wednesday, August 13, via Secretary Kennedy’s official HHS X (formerly Twitter) page, shows the two officials climbing over large red sandstone rock formations and walking along picturesque trails in the nationally renowned park located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The video serves as a public service announcement (PSA), promoting hiking and outdoor activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. In a separate post from his personal X account, Kennedy explained that the hike took place during a break from the National Governors Conference, held July 25-26 in Colorado Springs. Both Kennedy and Oz were featured speakers at the event.
In the video, Kennedy shares how hiking has become an essential part of his daily routine.
“Hiking has improved my focus, my clarity, and my creativity,” he says, while standing against the backdrop of jagged rock spires. “It exposes me to sunlight, which is medicine—nature’s source of vitamin D.”
Dr. Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon and former television personality, adds that walking in nature not only improves cardiovascular health but also enhances mental well-being.
“This isn’t just exercise—it’s therapy,” Oz states. “Our healthcare system should prioritize prevention, and hiking is a perfect example of low-cost, high-impact prevention anyone can access.”
The Garden of the Gods, known for its towering geological formations and panoramic views of Pikes Peak, provided a symbolic setting for the message—linking the majesty of the natural world with the importance of public health initiatives rooted in daily activity.
The PSA comes at a time when HHS is rolling out a new national campaign promoting preventive health practices, especially among seniors and people managing chronic conditions. According to HHS officials, encouraging simple habits like walking outdoors, getting regular sunlight, and connecting with nature is part of a broader shift toward holistic and lifestyle-based health strategies.
Public reaction to the video has been largely positive, with health professionals and outdoor advocacy groups applauding the effort to normalize preventive wellness routines among government leadership. The National Park Service also reposted the video, commending the message and encouraging Americans to explore their local parks.