Children

Unplug and Be Outside

Submitted by mary on April 18, 2012 - 8:41am.

Unplug and Be Outside April 21-28, 2012
Get off the couch and get ACTIVE!

Children spend more than 30 hours a week in front of a “screen” (TV, video games, computers). By the time the average person reaches the age of 70, he or she will have spent the equivalent of 7 to 10 years watching TV. Spending too much time in front of the “screen” is associated with numerous negative consequences. For example, children who watch more TV are more likely to be overweight and perform poorly in school.

Unplug and Be Outside is a Be Outside, Idaho week long community event that encourages families to “unplug” from the TV, video game consoles, computer games and go explore outdoor activities. All Ada Community Library branches are participating this year. Lake Hazel is dedicating all weekly preschool programming to nature themes, Star and Hidden Springs will offer nature story times and an afterschool H20 activity during the week (check calendars for exact dates and times), and Victory is hosting a sidewalk chalk art program on the library patio Saturday, April 28th. For a full list of community activities that promote being active outdoors and with nature visit www.unplugandbeoutside.com.

Ask for the Unplug and Be Outside passport card at library service desks. Children who attend three or more events during the Unplug and Be Outside week will be entered to win drawing prizes.

Unplug and Be Outside is sponsored by Be Outside, Idaho! and the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. Be Outside, Idaho! is a statewide coalition of agencies and businesses founded in 2008 to "connect Idaho's youth from backyards to mountaintops."

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