Screen Time Limits Aren’t Just for Kids

With the increase of technology, it has become easy to stare at a screen most of your day. Many of us work jobs that require you to be in front of a computer for hours. Then we relax by watching TV or scrolling through social media. Experts recommend that adults should limit screen time to less than two hours per day outside of work-related activities. Excessive screen time can cause eye strain, headaches, poor sleep, and other negative health impacts. It can be hard to stop scrolling, but here’s some tips to help you put the phone down:

1. Turn off notifications. Limit notification alerts to help minimize unnecessary screen time.


2. Set limits. Establish time limits for all devices, including televisions, smartphones, and electronic readers. In addition to the time limit you set for each platform, make sure you set a "bedtime" for all devices.


3. Make meals a screen-free zone. When you eat in front of a screen — TV or any other type — you're more likely to overindulge. Plus, if you're eating with your family, having a smartphone or other device nearby interferes with your ability to be present.


4. Keep screens, including TVs, out of the bedroom. The light from screens signals your brain to stay awake and makes it difficult to unwind and get quality sleep.


5. Take frequent breaks. If you work in front of a computer screen, schedule reminders to take a quick every 30 minutes. Get up, stretch out, move around. Consider, too, scheduling "off" hours for your smartphone.

Fall Fresh Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

• 1 spaghetti squash
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.


2. Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and ribbing. Drizzle the inside of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.


3. Place the spaghetti squash cut side down on the baking sheet and use a fork to poke holes. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned on the outside, fork tender, but still a little bit firm. The time will vary depending on the size of your squash.


4. Remove from the oven and flip the squash so that it’s cut side up. When cool to the touch, use a fork to scrape and fluff the strands from the sides of the squash. Enjoy as a side or a main dish with pasta sauce.