What’ On the Box Tonight?

By Catherine Steele

Television - what a wonderful invention, sports, soap operas, news, quiz shows and much, much more, all at your finger tips. Push a button, sit back and relax!

But wait! Just how many hours a day do you spend in front of the TV? Research has shown that 25 per cent of Canadian youth, aged 11 to 16 watch TV four or more hours a day! Wow! TV takes up a big chunk of the day for some young people! But what about youth with disabilities? Would the percentage of heavy TV watchers be higher? The answer is yes. Quite a bit higher. Research on 319 youth with disabilities aged 11 to 16 revealed that 43 per cent watch TV four or more hours a day.

Now TV watching can be fine - sometimes it’s just what you want, particularly after a bad day. But watching for four hours on a daily basis is a bit too much. There are other things to do that are healthier, more stimulating or more fun.

Let’s list a few alternatives. You could read or listen to a book and let your imagination go; telephone a friend for a chat; listen to music; play a game such as cards, checkers, or Trivial Pursuit or do a puzzle. Go and exercise - there’s a lot of activities to choose from (yoga, judo, swimming, wheeling or walking to name a few). Or try a team sport such as sledge hockey or basketball. You could take a class (e.g. cooking, self-defense, computers or pottery). Or join a group such as a choir, drama club or discussion group. You could also give an ear to your family or just chill out. This list is just a start. There are many more great things to do, other than watching TV.

So turn your TV off and turn your mind on, and give your body a healthy treat. Enjoy yourself!

If you have any other thoughts on television viewing, please call Catherine Steele at Bloorview MacMillan Centre, Toronto (416) 424-3855 (or 1-800-363-2440), ext. 3642 or leave an e-mail message at csteele@bloorviewmacmillan.on.ca.