Television And Your Health

Kids spend vast amount of time watching television

. They are often in front of the TV whenever they are not in school or sleeping. It is no secret that tired mothers use the TV as a free babysitter. They park their babies in front of the screen, tuned in to some colorful cartoon. In turn, children probably are hypnotized. The general conclusion in the media today is that we are watching too much TV.

These days there are not just three or four channels, but literally dozens that cater to all sorts of tastes and preferences. At this point, going back to the old days of highly limited choices would be next to impossible. But it is important to keep other considerations in mind as well.

As a consequence, many people, including children, are seriously lacking physical exercise. They also are not engaging in enough social interaction. Obesity is the most obvious consequence of this type of behavior. But scientists are also warning about potential developmental problems in children who isolate themselves in front of the television. There are an amazing array of choices of programs and channels, especially when you consider satellite TV services like the Dish Network. It is important to remember that these types of services provide extremely healthy programming options that include a wide variety of learning opportunities.

Yet on the downside, today's plentiful entertainment choices can mean that people, young and old, are spending too little time being physically active. They are potentially missing out on things like simply taking a walk or engaging in physical fitness activities. Combined with an increasingly unhealthy diet full of fat, hidden calories, harmful chemicals and preservatives, the end result is a skyrocketing obesity level and more disease. In fact, childhood obesity and fitness levels have never been more serious than they are today.

Television is a vast source of information, but it is up to us to choose what to watch and to watch it critically, thinking and talking about it. Even inappropriate programs can be educational if parents talk to their kids about the content. There is no much sense hiding bad channels from the kids when they can watch them at their friends' home. Talking about it and answering their questions can be much more beneficial.

Critical thinking starts at home, and so do family values. TV and the Internet are fantastic sources of learning and entertainment. It is up to us to make educated choices and to make television and Internet part of our lives.

by: James Darren

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