The Penobscot Bay Y and Knox County Community Health Coalition, a local Healthy Maine Partnership, will host a free, informative workshop, “Media Smart Youth: Eat, Think and Be Active!” at the Teen Center on Wednesday, April 13 from 5:30—8:30 PM.  The workshop is designed to help young people ages 11-13 and their parents understand the complex media world around them and how it can influence their health regarding nutrition and physical activity. 

Did you know:

• The average 11-14 year old youth spends 6 hours and 45 minutes a day using media (this includes playing video games, listening to music, reading, using the computer, and watching TV, videos and DVDs).
• Each year, youth are exposed to 40,000+ television commercials—the majority of which are for food—primarily candy, cereal and fast food.

This workshop will help families to:

• Understand the media’s impact on food choices;
• Increase the healthy foods they provide;
• Limit the availability of sweet beverages, high fat and high density/low nutrient foods;
• Eat moderate portions;
• Support and enable family physical activity; and
• Support and enable reduced “screen time” for their children.

The workshop will be facilitated by Hank Lunn, M Ed, and will include a free supper for participants (from 5:30 to 6:00), followed by the workshop at 6:00.  Seating is limited to 50 people (adults and youth ages 11 to 15) and registration is required.  Call the Knox County Community Health Coalition today at 236-6313 to reserve your space.