Statewide Event Encourages Youth to Turn Off the TV and Move It Outside!

Danielle Sunday, Penn State Hershey Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotion

It’s that time of year. The days are longer, the weather is getting warmer and the sounds of laughter are beginning to waft through open windows as children are heading outdoors to play.

While these images of springtime are not uncommon, surprisingly fewer and fewer children are taking advantage of the fun, learning and physical activity offered through outdoor play. With the decline in school recess and an increase in “on screen” entertainment, children need motivation to turn off the TV – and video games – and play outside.

To help reverse this trend in sedentary lifestyles, the Penn State Hershey Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotion is encouraging youth to Move It Outside on Wednesday, April 23. Celebrated during National Turn Off the TV Week, Move It Outside encourages youth and families to head outside with a Frisbee ® and enjoy the outdoors.

Outdoor play is not only a low-cost way for families to stay fit, but it also helps expand imagination in children and provides families with quality time together.

“Outdoor play is a critical part of healthy childhood development,” notes Allison Topper, Executive Director of the Center. “By promoting outdoor play at school, after school and at home, we can help children build active, healthy bodies, and increase physical activity levels – one important strategy in ending the obesity epidemic.“

In late January, more than 100 Move It Outside event kits were distributed to schools and community recreation groups across Pennsylvania. Additional event materials are available for download (at no cost) by visiting www.panaonline.org and clicking on Enter the Zone Events.

Together, we can keep our children active and healthy!

The Penn State Hershey Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotion works on a statewide scale through Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA) to deliver programs and events that support healthy eating and physical activity in schools, recreation, healthcare and the community. The success of these initiatives has resulted in the development of a national, branded social movement: nrgBalance™ – make healthy easy. For more information, please visit www.nrgbalance.org.