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Wellness Center offers spring, summer programs Finding ways to stay fit and healthy is a challenge shared by millions of Americans. Today, the percentage of young people who are overweight has tripled since 1980 according to a Shape of the Nation Report.   In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked obesity as the number one threat facing Americans.   These statistics have challenged communities to take action to create more physical education activities and opportunities.   Starting in May the MUSC community and others can take advantage of an array of sports and fitness programs at the Harper Wellness Center.   Emerging athletes can take advantage of a new MUSCMan Triathlon and Biathlon Training Program scheduled, May 8 to June 15. Adults of all fitness levels can learn training fundamentals and cross-training in three sports: cycling, running and swimming. The program helps participants meet their goals with a chance to participate in the June 11 MUSCMan Triathlon Sprint Event at the Harper Student Center.     “This is a great opportunity for people to come in and learn,” said Janice Newton, Harper Wellness Center program coordinator. “This program features an experienced training staff and clinics to help guide participants toward their goals.”      Also in June is the start of several camps: the Ultimate Tennis and Lifetime Sport Camp and Fit Kids Boot Camp. Both programs emphasize fitness and sports and are managed by experienced adult coaches. Each weeklong program is open to children, ages 9 to 13, with a limited class size (20 participants).   The tennis and sports camp is weekly from June 4 to Aug. 3 (with the exception of July 4 holiday week). Children can attend a half-day or full-day camp. The Fit Kids Boot Camp will offer three sessions from 1 to 4:30 p.m., June 18-22; June 25-29; and July 9-13. Cost for each session varies. Call 792-5757.   Organized in 1999, the tennis and sports camp is divided into two parts: individual sports (tennis, racquetball, swimming, martial arts, aerobics and fitness activities). The second half focuses on team sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball, football and softball).     “Our main goal is to start kids off early in some type of fitness activity and help them be active early in order to reverse the current trend of obesity in the United States,” said JoAnn Lee, tennis and lifetime sports camp director.      The Fit Kids Boot Camp introduces exercise in a fun and healthy way. It offers knowledge, attitudes and skills to establish healthy eating habits and the value of fitness. Guided by a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and a program counselor, students learn about the human body, exercise physiology, nutrition, games and activities related to good health and fitness.   For information, visit http://www.musc.edu/hsc/.     Friday, April 27, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.