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<p align="center"><b><font face="Verdana" size="5" color="#0000FF">Eat
Well/Be Fit</font></b></p>
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<b><font size="4">Television Watching</font></b></p>
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Submitted by Alan Stern, M.D.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; ">Let�s face it.
Television has become entrenched in the fabric of our lives. We idolize
television and movie stars. We discuss the latest reality TV shows at work
the next day and reminisce about Seinfeld episodes. CNN has become a staple
during any wartime conflict. In addition to television, computers and
computerized games have also become sources of entertainment for adults and
children.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; "> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; ">Is television
beneficial or harmful? All of us would probably argue that in many ways
television keeps us in touch with the world around us. There is some mounting
evidence, however, that too much television watching can be harmful;
especially, if this results in a sharp decline in physical activity. This is
particularly true for children. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; "> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; ">There is also
strong evidence that children who witness an increasing number of violent
actions on television and computer games are more apt to engage in violent
behaviors themselves. Boys are particularly vulnerable. Girls seem to be
susceptible to messages that ultra thinness is the hip lifestyle (as witnessed
on MTV or VH1).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; "> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; ">Besides the
entertainment and news programs, we are bombarded with advertisements suggesting
we eat and drink certain products. Many experts call this onslaught of product
endorsements part of our �toxic environment.� Television viewers, especially
children, are subject to multiple messages suggesting we eat certain fast foods,
sweetened cereals, and drink particular sodas, and alcoholic beverages. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; "> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; ">There is no doubt
that our society is dealing with an overweight/obesity problem. Many experts in
the nutrition and physical education fields firmly believe television is a major
contributor to the problem. Unfortunately, children seem to be watching more
television and playing more computer games while they should be participating in
some type of physical activity.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; "> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; ">What can we do as a
community to stem the tide of obesity? Eating a well balanced, nutritious diet
is certainly paramount. Physical activity is key in keeping our bodies fit.
Television time and computer games should also be reduced. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; "> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; ">The American
Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that children reduce screen time to a
maximum of two hours per day. Meals should not be consumed while watching
television. It appears that our metabolic rates become lower while watching
television. If food is consumed during this time, we are more apt to gain
weight. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; "> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; ">The numbers 5-2-1
are helpful in the crusade to reduce obesity levels. Five stands for the number
of fruits and vegetables we should eat daily. Two stands for the maximum number
of hours one should spend watching television or spending time on a computer.
One stands for the minimum amount of time an individual should spend doing some
type of daily physical activity.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; "> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; ">All families are
apt to benefit from spending more time together. By reducing solitary
television watching and increasing family physical activity and proper
nutrition, we can ameliorate obesity as a major public health crisis.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:1 5; "> </p>
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<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin:1 5; "><i>The Eat Well
/ Be Fit Committee is composed of concerned professionals from the Needham
Health Department, Needham Public Schools - departments of School Nursing,
Nutrition, and Health and Physical Education, Park and Recreation, TRIAD, Beth
Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Campus, Massachusetts Department of Public
Health, Nutritionists, Physical Therapists, local residents and businesses.
For more information, contact the Needham Health Department at 781-455-7523 or
visit the web site at
<a href="http://www.town.needham.ma.us/xBOH/boheatwellbefit.htm" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single">
www.town.needham.ma.us/boh/boheatwellbefit.htm</a> to see past articles in
this series.</i></p>
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