By Peggy O'Farrell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati will celebrate the 12th annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day Saturday with activities and demonstrations at several Y branches.

The Y's mission focuses on helping children grow into "healthy, strong adults," says Whit Hickman, director of program development. "But YMCA Healthy Kids Day is a singular opportunity to shine a spotlight on how important and fun physical activity is for the whole family."

As obesity rates increase among American children, it's more important than ever to keep kids active, Hickman says.

"Television and the Internet are here to stay, and bring tremendous benefits to our kids and their education," Hickman says. "But watching too much TV or sitting at the computer for hours while playing in the virtual world has created a youth fitness crisis in the real world."

The day is designed to showcase the wide range of activities and youth sports available at the YMCA.

Kids can watch - and try - gymnastics, aerobics, tae kwon do and camp crafts. Information on bike safety, nutrition and summer camps will also be made available.

At the Powel Crosley YMCA, 9601 Winton Road, Springfield Township, police will have programs on stranger awareness, helmet safety and fingerprinting for kids. Self-defense lessons, health screenings and information from the Nutrition Council of Greater Cincinnati also will be available.

Powel Crosley's program lasts from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Program hours will vary at other locations. Information will be available on specialty camps, including roller hockey, cheerleading, gymnastics and tae kwon do during Healthy Kids Day.

Each Y branch will also enroll kids for summer programs, including swimming lessons, day camp and resident camp.

E-mail pofarrell@enquirer.com