Cutline Speaks

Relax those tired eyes and turn off your computers, TVs, media players and game stations next week in honor of Turnoff Week (April 20 - 26). This initiative has been going on since 2001 and is driven by the Center for Screen-Time Awareness (CSTA). CSTA is an international nonprofit organization with the mission to provide the right tools for people to live healthier lives in functional families and communities by taking control of the electronic media in their lives. Couch potato ring a bell to anyone?

Here are a few stats (courtesy of CSTA) that might help you peel your eyes off the screen and get outside in the sun:

- On average, people watch 4 hours of television and then spend another 4 plus hours with computers, games, video, iPods and cell phones.
- According to Nielsen, the average World of Warcraft gamer plays for 892 minutes per week.
- The company that owns Second Life (a virtual world) claims that its users spent over 1 million hours on line.

To learn more: 
- Turnoff Week Events in Your Area
- 2009 Organizer's Kit and other materials
- 2009 Turnoff Week Registration Form (optional)

So, in the spirit of supporting a good cause -- try to make a point to take a break away from your screens, save energy and spend time with your family and friends next week! I’ll be dusting off old board games…