Did you know it is Screen-Free Week? During this annual, international celebration, schools, families, and community groups pledge to spend seven days without entertainment screen media. Instead of watching TV, surfing the web, or playing video games, they read, play, think, create, get physically active, and spend more time with friends and family.
While there are many advantages of technology and screens, too much screen time is linked to obesity and health problems. Organizations such as 5-2-1-Almost None include limiting screen time as one strategy to living a healthier life, along with increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables and physical activity, and limiting sugary beverages. Of course many of us need screens for school and work, but there are plenty of other times throughout the day that screens dominate our attention. Check out this website for more information and ways to participate in Screen-Free Week.
As we seek to live healthier lives, let’s challenge ourselves to evaluate the time we spend in front of screens and find some creative, healthy alternatives. Share your ideas below (and then get off your screen and get moving!).
