54321+8 Countdown to Your Health

Gr 6 Up—It's refreshing to include a good dose of laughter for a healthy lifestyle, and that is what distinguishes this program from others on the topic. The title comes from the simplicity of the plan: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 4 glasses of water, 3 good laughs, 2 hours or less of screen time, 1 hour of physical activity, and 8 hours or more of sleep. While most people are familiar with these guidelines, the helpful tips provided here will appeal to young teens. The goal is to make the steps as easy as possible so teens will be open to the ideas. For instance, one suggestion is to cut vegetables and place them in a clear container in the refrigerator, making them accessible and perfect for snacking. Teens offer some realistic advice for each step of the plan, and share their own habits with viewers. The guidelines are lenient as far as screen time, which helps when convincing teens to improve their habits. The mental health aspect, highlighted by enjoying three good laughs each day, is a wonderful segment that also stresses the importance of actual face-to-face human contact (as opposed to online contact). The interview portions with a physician are slightly dry and vague, but they are short and don't detract from the program's overall effect. This enjoyable and informative production is a fine supplement to the health curriculum, especially for middle school students.—Pamela Schembri,