The 16th annual Turn Off The Screens challenge is now complete. During the week-long challenge, running April 30 – May 6, students were encouraged to be more active by turning off the television, video games and computers and playing outside. Many students accumulated more than 30 hours of physical activity during the week while others managed to remain screen-free the entire time.

The following schools finished as the top three in overall participation rates:

• Sullivan Community School

• Highpoint Community School

• Elgin Market Public School

According to the newly released Canadian 24 Hour Movement Guidelines, children and youth should practice healthy sleep hygiene, limit inactive behavior and participate in physical activities in a variety of environments and contexts. Following these guidelines is associated with better body composition, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness, academic achievement, pro-social behaviour and overall quality of life.

Parents can be good role models to encourage physical activity for their children by following these strategies:

• Limit television and video game time to 1 hour per day

• Remove televisions from children's bedrooms

• Eat meals together as a family with the television turned off

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit