The Experts Say...
Take Charge of TV Time
For the most part, TV time is wasted time — time that could have been spent doing homework or chores, or just being active. According to research, the more hours people spend in front of the boob tube, the more likely they are to be overweight. That's why Frank Angelucci, the physical education director who tried to get some changes made at Olsen Middle School on Shaq's Big Challenge, encourages parents to set limits on TV time.

So if you're looking to improve your family's health, lay down the law when it comes to the TV. Take the TV sets out of your kids' rooms (or set strict limits on when and how much to watch). While you're at it, banish the TV from the kitchen too — it's hard enough to defend yourself against those snack food commercials without having the refrigerator so close when you see them!

If you can, set up your living room so that the TV isn't front and center, and keep it off as much as possible. If your children are video gamers, try Dance Dance Revolution or other games in which the player has to jump around — and make sure there's enough room for your kids to actually do the moves.

Learn other strategies for getting your kids to turn off the TV and exercise.