For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2007

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

Turn off the television to help prevent obesity and improve health
National Turn Off the TV Week set for April 23-29

A statewide health-promotion group is urging Missourians to turn off their TVs to prevent obesity and improve their health. The Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MoCAN) is encouraging schools, community groups and other organizations to promote National Turn Off the TV Week April 23-29.

Watching less TV could help prevent obesity and other serious diseases. Research shows that an increase in sedentary behavior, such as TV viewing, contributes to unhealthy weight gain and increases the risk for developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic diseases. Studies also have shown that children who watch a lot of television don’t perform as well in school.

“The purpose of Turn off the TV Week is to encourage families to take an extended break from watching television and use the time normally spent in front of the TV screen to explore other activities,” said Donna Mehrle, coordinator of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Nutrition and Physical Activity Program to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases and a member of MoCAN. “We are especially urging people to use the time to be more active.”

Health experts recommend that children and teens get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day to build strength and endurance, improve motor skills and coordination, and develop lean muscle and strong bones. At least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days is recommended for adults.

In the course of a year, children spend more time watching TV than they spend in school (900 hours). Nationwide, young children are watching about 4 hours of TV every day. Adults spend even more time in front of the television, 29-34 hours per week.

A 2005 survey of Missouri teens showed that more than one-third of high school students watch at least three hours of TV a day, according to the Missouri Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following television time:

• Children under two years of age should not be watching television.
• Children over two years of age should watch no more than two hours of television per day.
• Adults should set a good example for children by limiting their own television use.

“Trading TV time for physical activity is not only good for your health, it is a good way for families to spend time together,” Mehrle said. “Families can ride bikes, play games, plant a garden, take walks or participate in sports.”

The Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition is a group of state health officials and representatives from organizations and communities working to improve the health of Missourians by promoting programs that prevent and reduce obesity and other chronic diseases. The group focuses on the importance of physical activity and good nutrition.

More information about Turn Off the TV Week can be found at: www.tvturnoff.org.