News Release            For Immediate Release

April 8, 2004

Turn off the Screens Week Returns April 19 - 23

Chances of a power blackout will be slim during the third week of April, when thousands of elementary students from Grey-Bruce turn off their computers and televisions during the second annual Turn off the Screens challenge.

The increase in child obesity and decrease in physical activity levels have led to growing concerns about the future health of Canada’s children. 

“The average child spends around 23 hours a week watching television and five hours on computers and video games,” said Betty Perkins, Public Health Nurse.  “Most aren’t meeting Canada’s recommended dose of 30 to 90 minutes of physical activity every day.”

More than half of Canadian children and youth are not physically active enough for good health, and they become less active as they get older.  A recent study reports that one out of three children, aged 7 to 13, are considered either overweight or obese.

“For many reasons, the playgrounds aren’t as busy as they used to be.  We don’t see kids playing outside like we used to,” said Perkins.  “It’s estimated that Canadian children and youth are about 40 per cent less active than they were 30 years ago.”

Replacing TV viewing time with physical activity is one solution being promoted by Public Health.  Family events emphasizing physical activity have been planned for the Turn off the Screens week in towns throughout Grey and Bruce.

Last year 27 schools and 6,200 kids in Grey-Bruce participated in the challenge. This year, 8,500 students from 35 schools in both school boards and private schools are set to join in. The challenge has been expanded to include younger children and the Early Years Centres.

A grand prize of $250 and 24 - $50 prizes will be drawn in May. Forms can be picked up at most schools and libraries in Grey-Bruce and need to be returned by May 4^th to be entered in the draw. 

To find out about events or to get log forms, look under Physical Activity on the Public Health website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca. Or call Public Health at (519) 881-1920 .

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For more information, please contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit:

Betty Perkins, Public Health Nurse

(519) 881-1920

Local Participating Schools

There are 35 schools and over 8,500 students participating in the second annual Turn Off The Screens event.  Media are invited to contact the Public Health Unit and the schools listed below for media interviews and more information about the challenge.