In an effort to make Duluth the healthiest most active city in the Nation, "Fit City Duluth" announced the launch of their citywide initiative to encourage residents to lead healthier lifestyles.

Over half of Duluth's adult population is either overweight or obese, a statistic "Fit City Duluth" hopes to shape up as LeAnn Wallace reports.

"Duluth is an adventure city we have so many public resources that are available to each and every resident whether its our world class trial system or our parks and the biking opportunities the walking, water sports, we have this great fresh water resource and the wonderful thing is, it's available to everybody."

Duluth Mayor Don Ness is one of many leaders within the community that supports "Fit City Duluth's" vision to improve the overall health and wellness of the city.

Fit City Duluth began a year ago as a grassroots approach to creating a healthier community.

The News Center's Michelle Lee has been a catalyst for the program since the beginning, having gone through a transformation herself.

"5 years ago, even 6 years ago, I was a couch potato, so if I can change in my 50's I think anybody can."

"Absolutely"

St Mary's Duluth Clinic and St. Luke's Hospital are also both on board, supporting fit city's 2010 goal of decreasing the prevalence of preventable diseases and chronic conditions that are directly related to lack of exercise and proper nutrition.

"We hope that our seniors are strong enough throughout their entire life, so that when they take a fall it's not going to result in a serious injury. We hope that our employers want to institute or implement workplace programs so that their employees are as healthy as can be."

There are a number of methods that are being used to accomplish these goals, including their "Be Active Everyday" campaign, a monthly e–news letter offering health advice, as well as the collaboration and support of various organizations throughout the city.

Kids too are part of the get–fit program, implementing healthy meal options in schools and teaching children to expect at least one hour of physical activity each day.

Fit City Duluth also wants to improve the environment of the community making it easier for people to walk or bike to their destinations instead of driving.

Fit City Duluth also aims to decrease obesity and overweight children and adults for the first time in decades by 2010.
In Duluth, LeAnn Wallace, the Northlands News Center.

If you'd like to learn about ways to be active everyday or sign up for the e–newsletter, log on to fitcityduluth.com.