It’s not just pizzas, burgers and French fries that add to the increasing problem of childhood obesity. The ‘Unplug and Play’ campaign by National Heart Foundation of Australia delves deep into this matter.
The awareness program aims at educating parents and kids about the adversities of spending more time watching TV. The program also promotes the prime importance of physical activity. An hour of physical activity is undeniably a better and far healthier choice than spending hours to watch TV.The Foundation’s Cardiovascular Health Director, Trevor Shilton observes a high correlation between obesity among children and watching TV. Mr. Shilton also expresses his concern that most of the parents are totally ignorant about the amount of physical activity that is required for their children’s sound health.
More time spent on TV can also crop up crunches like increased craving in children for advertised junk foods. This in turn will result in increased rates of obesity.
Social maladaptiveness, less interaction with siblings and high levels of aggressive behaviors are other associated problems.
Cancer Council WA and Diabetes WA join with Heart Foundation in this new venture to rip out childhood obesity.
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