America’s children are becoming more sedentary every year.

Schools are eliminating physical education due to funding cuts and the popularity of television and video games is climbing. During the past 30 years, the rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled.

Recognizing this trend, TherapyWorks Wellness Center launched FitKids, a weight management program for children ages 10-18.

“Over the years requests for programs that youth could attend has dramatically grown,” said Dena Johnston, Wellness Center director. “We designed FitKids as a program to help children learn how to become more active and lead healthy lifestyles. It is not just a program for children who are overweight, but also for those children who are underweight. We want to promote overall healthy lifestyles from the beginning.”

FitKids is a six-week program that combines educational handouts, 18 one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer, individualized exercise program, support, accountability, goal setting and use of TherapyWorks Wellness Center, 1112 W. Sixth St., Suite 120. The program allows children the opportunity to learn about how to make healthy lifestyle choices regarding exercise and nutrition.

“We have had more than 12 children initiate the program since its beginning in fall of 2004,” Johnston said.

“Our first ‘FitKid’ graduated last month. It was so rewarding for our staff to see the dramatic changes the FitKids go through.”

To register for the program, call 749-1300.