Healthy Living

---

Hurray for Americans on the Road to Recovery
By Dan Blankenship


Always remember the first week of July 2006. Why, you ask? Because according to a recent Associated Press story, on that week Americans turned back the clock on television viewing, recording the least-watched television in recorded history! Nielsen Media reported that only 20.8 million viewers tuned in to watch the traditional four broadcast networks: CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX.

Even though this record was broken on a holiday week, the 4th of July, it may be a sign that Americans are beginning to see that life is not best lived in front of a television screen. While I admit that there are a few television shows that I enjoy, I would rather watch my own children play soccer than professionals on a 36 inch screen. I really don’t have a long term and vested interest in the pros, so whenever the opportunity to do something or watch others do it on TV, I usually choose the first option.

I’m sure that a little bit of this current story is an oversimplification of what is taking place; after all, there are other channels to watch these days. But even the huge number of alternative stations on satellite and cable TV cannot completely explain away this latest trend. I believe people are beginning to understand the amount of time wasted watching others live out their dreams on television is not as exciting as getting out and chasing ones own destiny.

In my own little neck of the woods, I have noticed an increase in people at the gym and on the neighborhood on the tennis and basketball courts. It is a good sign to see people out exercising their muscles on a daily basis.

And today I am sending up a prayer, a prayer that this time away from the television begins to make people examine more than just the mental and physical stimulation that comes with their newfound freedom from the couch. I am hoping and believing that Americans will also begin to question or exercise their spiritual health as well.

The more time people spend outdoors, living and breathing under the magnificent sky the Lord has created, the more time these same individuals have to appreciate the gift of life. That awareness can lead to questions about the human soul and eternal existence. Those queries can often bring people back to the narrow path to victory, one they may have heard about, once walked, or are ready to accept.




Source: A Low Watermark for Broadcast TV Viewing 12 July 2006.
Associated Press 12 July 2006
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/060711/ap/d8iq1l8g0.html
http://www.nielsenmedia.com

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE