Healthy TV-Free Week, April 19-25

WASHINGTON, DC - Americans are overwhelmingly endorsing 'TV-Turnoff Week 2004', much to the delight of a group of leading health organisations. The 10th annual TV-Turnoff Week will take place between April 19th and 25th 2004.

"The average American child will spend nearly three hours today watching television, and over the course of the year will spend more time in front of the TV than in the classroom," said American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) President Carden Johnston, MD, FAAP.

In a survey of more than 400 adults, it has been found that 81 percent support the concept of the Week. In addition, 63 percent reported that they were "somewhat likely" or "very likely" to reduce their television time during the Week. Three-quarters said that they would be more likely to reduce their television time if they could identify low cost alternatives to television.

"On the eve of the 10th TV-Turnoff Week, it is great news that so many Americans are ready to put down their remote controls and break free of TV!" commented TV-Turnoff Network Executive Director, Frank Vespe.

"Excessive TV-viewing is one of the prime cause of overweight and obesity in children. Reducing kids' television time can reduce their exposure to junk food advertising and boost their activity levels," commented William Caplan, director of clinical development for Kaiser Permanente's Care Management Institute.

Recent research also indicates that excessive television viewing can promote aggressive and violent behavior. Reducing television viewing time is one easy step towards attaining a healthier and more active lifestyle," said John C. Nelson, president-elect of the AMA.

The 'TV-Free Week' will help children develop more healthy lifestyles and spirits. The saying, "Our eyes are the windows of our spirits" seems particularly relevant to this cause.