For More Information:
April 15, 2009
Contact:
Susan Allen, 214-960-9997
AllensS@dairymax.org

Reducing Screen Time Campaign - a Partnership with the Strong and Healthy Oklahoma Program
 
 

Edmond, OK – April 24, 2009 — Research indicates that excessive screen time* lowers reading scores, increases violent behavior, disrupts sleep patterns, and contributes to poor nutrition and overweight, all resulting in poorer school performance in children. 

To celebrate “Turn Off” week (April 19-25), Oklahoma Action for Healthy Kids (OAHK) is bringing “Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge” to the Edmond Public School District.  On Friday, April 24, 350 4th and 5th grade Edmond students will learn to reduce sedentary screen time by moving more. 

Highlights of the Game On! event include:

• Special appearance by former OU Sooner Rocky Calmus**
• Working through the Game On! non-competitive wellness challenge course incorporating physical fitness, nutrition and health led by University of Central Oklahoma Kinesiology department and students
• Nutrient rich lunch prepared by Edmond Public Schools Child Nutrition Services (also sponsored by Dairy MAX, Hiland Dairy, and Grandma Opal’s Cookie Dough), and snack (donated by Cabot Cheese)

To get in the game, OAHK wants all Oklahoma schools and communities to use a new online tool kit to activate your kids found at http://www.ok.gov/strongandhealthy/Move_More/Move_More,_Watch_Less/index.html. 
The Move More, Watch Less campaign is sponsored and organized by OAHK as a partnership with Strong and Healthy Oklahoma.  Learn more at www.actionforhealthykids.org. 

###

Schedule details:

When:  Friday, April 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where:  Wantland Hall, University of Central Oklahoma campus, SW corner
http://administration.uco.edu/documents/tps_parkingmap200809.pdf
Rocky’s appearance is at 9:30 a.m. with interviews available by appointment from 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (contact allens@dairymax.org or 214-960-9997)
Game On! Challenge Course from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Nutrient Rich school lunch from 12:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (featuring two Made in Oklahoma products)

*Screen time is television viewing, playing on the computer, playing video games, text messaging on cellular phones, and any other activity that utilizes a “screen.”

###

**All-American:  Rocky Calmus, LB -
Interviews are available by appointment between 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Contact Susan Allen at allens@dairymax.org or 214-960-9997

• Star Player at Jenks Oklahoma  High School
• All-American selection at Oklahoma in both 2000 and 2001
• Butkis Award winner (top linebacker in college football) in 2001
• Big XII Defensive Player of the year in both 2000 and 2001
• Drafted into the NFL by the Tennessee Titans in 2002

 # # #