The Switch Program An Innovative collaboration between Northern Star Council, Boy Scouts of America and the National Institute on Media and the Family.

Prairie Lakes Pilot Program Welcome and thank you for volunteering to be a part of this exciting pilot program. Please take a moment to go through this PowerPoint to learn how this program works and how it will help your family Switch what you View Chew and Do.

Healthy media habits can help children: Forming Healthy media habits and “watching what your kids watch” is imperative to their health and development. There are several benefits that media have for children when used in a healthy way. Some of which include: Develop Cognitive Skills Gain academic knowledge Learn positive behavior Understand nutrition and health Build Awareness about current events

Unhealthy media habits have been linked to: Health Issues (sedentary lifestyle) Poor academic performance Tobacco use Underage drinking Aggressive and violent behavior

Screen time has increased 43% since hours/week (all TV) hours/week TV Video Games Computer and internet

TVs in bedrooms contribute to increased screen time 62% of school age kids have TVs in their bedrooms. Children under 6 spend 2 hours/day in screen time 43% of children 4-6 have TV in bedroom. 43% of children under 2 watch TV every day. 26% of children under 2 have TV in bedroom.

Why be concerned? Diabetes Heart disease Stroke Psychological problems Life expectancy shorter –3 years for overweight –7 years for obese Cancer Social problems Earns $100,000 less over career Health care costs Musculoskeletal problems –Eg. Arthritis

Excessive screen time can contribute to the childhood obesity epidemic in the following ways: The number of food advertisements run during children’s television shows. Children’s metabolic rates drop lower when watching TV than while asleep. Screen time may replace the time children would be spending being active. Excessive snacking that takes place while a child watches TV Source: The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. (2004, February). The role of media in Childhood obesity (Issue Brief 7030). Washington, DC

Switch what you Do TM Switch what you View TM Switch what you Chew TM

The Switch TM Program is a unique community and family-based healthy living program that helps motivate children to change three critical health behaviors that are risk factors for childhood overweight and obesity. Decreased screen time Increase physical activity Increased fruit and vegetable consumption

Goals of the Switch Program include: Switch UP physical activity to 60 minutes or more per day Switch DOWN screen time (TV, Internet, video games) to two hours or less a day. Switch OVER to eating five or more fruits and vegetables a day.

Switch Program Materials Program book with DVD Switch Activity Jar with Slips Switch Pedometer Switch Screen O’Meter 4 Monthly magazines with interactive games, recipes, activity cards, meal planners, and much more.

Evidence-Based Program Proven, unique community and family-based behavior change initiative that helps motivate children to change three critical health behaviors that are risk factors for childhood health issues. Original research was conducted during school year with over 1300 families in Lakeville MN and Cedar Rapids, IA.

Addressing Health and Wellness Goals Integrating Webelos Program with the Switch Program

The Switch Program provides a model which our Scouting community can organize health and wellness initiatives and for Webelos to earn achievements and electives. Webelos Scouts, their families and Scouting volunteers will focus on clear goals leading to a healthier lifestyle. Integrating the Webelos Program with the Switch program will be part of this pilot program. As Webelos participate they will also complete requirements for the Webelos Badge.

1.Preparation Familiarize yourself with Switch materials Plan on visiting to hear tips and tricks on how your family can switch what you Do View and Chew. You can also post comments to the blog on how your child is doing with the program. Only Registered Webelos Scouts and their families are allowed to participate in the Pilot Program.

2.Program Launch and Implementation Introductory letter to families Introductory survey for all Webelos families Pre Activity Survey completed by parents Switch Program Materials available for pick up Pre Activity Survey completed by Youth Switch Trackers. You can either mail them in to Attn: Switch Pilot Program 393 Marshall Ave St Paul, MN or hold on to them until the end of the pilot program.

3. Motivate and Encourage Remind your son regularly to look at his materials. Encourage tracker completion and use incentives Recognize his achievements Act as a role model

4.Celebrate with your son! Participate in his switch activities

5. Evaluation Pre and post evaluations for both Parents and Youth Goals and measurements reported to Northern Star Council Any recommendations you have for future pilots.

Switch Program Materials Program Book with DVD Switch Activity Jar with Slips Switch pedometer Switch Screen O’Meter 4 monthly Magazines with interactive games, recipes, activity cards, meal planners and much more.

Begin the Switch Finding your Start Review Red Switch Welcome Book

Begin the Switch In the Red Welcome book is a DVD be sure to watch the DVD section to learn more about how the program will work.

Improving the health and wellness of our youth is a vital concern.