It Is T.V. Turn Off Week!

Monday, April 23, 2007

Nancy L. Brown, PhD

Welcome to TV Turn Off Week, April 23 - 29, 2007

If you haven't done it already, sit down with your family and talk about why you are participating in TV Turn Off Week this year and what the plan will be for the hours you normally watch TV. Do you have a house or garden project you want to start? Have you been wanting to do a community service project together? Is there a book you want to read out loud together? Does the dog need a bath? How about a neighborhood walk each evening at 8 PM?

My kids and I have a list of favorite games we want to play - that are usually only played when camping and traveling - mancala, quiddler, spoons, and speed. I did have to agree to let them tape the couple of shows we normally watch (or tape) during the week so they can watch them later.

TV Turn Off Week has been shared by millions of people since it started in 1995 as an opportunity to think, create, do something new, and most especially, re-connect with our families, community, and school.

We are raising one of the least physically active and most overweight generation ever and 40% of American families eat dinner with a TV on. Turning the TV off this week lets you add some regular physical exercise to your day, find new ways to share time with your family, and in general, get more out of life! Have fun!

To celebrate - here is a poem written by one of my daughters:

Drunk on TV/Turn Off That TV And Read
By Madison Brown-Moffitt
April, 2007

There is nothing more boring,
Unappetizing, or shallow.
Realize that your life is racing by
Never noticing the flare and fun

Of books, and literature
Fun can also be exercise
Few exercise a lot

To tell the truth, neither do I
However, if you sit and stare
Another day will run away.
That television, which rots your brain.

Though you burn fewer calories than sleeping,
Vast amount of people sit there

Again slaves to the flickering lights.
Never interacting, never speaking,
Day will fade to night.

Revolving are the stars,
Each brain rots
As they sit there,
Drunk on the flashing screen.

Previous Teen Health 411 Posts: Turn Off the TV
Resources: Center for Screen-Time Awareness
Photo credit: witz

Tags: Healthline, teen health, tweens, teens, TV, media, literacy leisure time

Labels: Media, TV

Permalink | Email Post

The Healthline Site, its content, such as text, graphics, images, search results, HealthMaps, Trust Marks, and other material contained on the Healthline Site ("Content"), its services, and any information or material posted on the Healthline Site by third parties are provided for informational purposes only. None of the foregoing is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Healthline Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Please read the Terms of Service for more information regarding use of the Healthline Site.