Reda E. Fugate, Perry County KY 

SNAP-ED Program Assistant Senior 

November 2018 

                                                      WE GOT GAME 

 Center for Disease Control (CDC) studies show teenagers spending more time on electronics, lack of physical activity, and poor diet quality are leading to more healthy issues for teens. 

On average teenagers spend 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day, 4.5 hours of which are spent watching television over a year that adds up to 114 full days watching a screen for fun. This does not include computer at school or educational purposes. 

The CDC recommends youth get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Some of what youth are seeing on screens contribute to poor diet quality, by eating funk foods while watching or mindless eating while watching. 

The Perry County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-ED Program Assistant Senior in conjunction with Perry County School District implemented a program of Farm to School with an elementary school focusing on 8th grade screen time verses diet quality and physical activity well-being.  Pre and post surveys were conducted. Students were given a challenge of eating from all 5 of My Plate categories along with moving more and less screen time. Using Farm to School Curriculum youth learned how important diet quality and physical activity are playing a major part in a healthy life style. Post survey showed improvements of 93% in Diet Quality and 85% in Physical Activity.  

At the conclusion of the 6 week series youth stated they did not know eating healthy foods and physical activity could be so much fun. Several of youth now play sports.  

REALIZING THEY GOT GAME.