The 9th annual Turn off the Screens Challenge is about to get underway across Bruce and Grey Counties.
For one week starting Monday April 25th — students are asked to get off the couch and out from behind those screens and do something physical.
The reason, according to Canada’s Physical Activity Report Card for 2010, is only 12 per cent of children and youth are getting enough activity on a daily basis.
Health Promoter Jason Weppler says that decrease in physical activity and increases in screen time lead to greater anxiety, depression, low self esteem.
He also notes it leads to early development of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Schools across Grey Bruce are organizing a number of activities during the week and students can win prizes.
Weppler also encourages parents to get their kids off the couch and cut down their screen time at home.
Information is available at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
