Electronics have captured us. We have everything at our fingertips. Yet along the way true interaction has slipped.

Social interaction is just one target from the new age technology. It is also affecting our health.

"One study suggests that teens who spend more than the recommended screen time limit of two hours a day in front of a screen are linked with poor school performance, increased mood disorders, and depression," said Julie Roberts, nurse practitioner for the Intermountain Healthcare LiVe Well Center at the Salt Lake Clinic.

Use these tips to help the family limit the screens and choose to live an active and social life.

You disconnect first

Be the example. Put the phone away first and then ask them to do the same.

"Unfortunately, too many mothers and fathers sit next to their infant or young children engrossed in their phones, iPads, or computers as she texts, completely ignoring the needs of their children," said Michael Robertson, child life specialist at Dixie Regional Medical Center.

"As the old saying goes 'Practice what you preach.'"

Dinner time is a no-electronics zone

Make sure that dinner time is not in the TV room. Use the dining room for its true purpose.

Have a no-electronics policy at the dinner table and talk about the events of the day, the weather, everything and anything that comes to mind.

Walk the dog

Dogs can be a trusty workout friend. They rely upon you for their own exercise. So gather the family, grab a leash, and explore the neighborhood.

Pets are just another person that depends on your lead.

Walk, hike, or bike

Utah has a built-in playground with our wide array of trails. Round up the whole family and the bikes or hiking shoes. Chances are there is a trail near you.

You can find a list of trails from easy walks to strenuous climbs on the LiVe Well Healthy Hikes site.

But if you find you just don't have the free time, then you can make it a part of your busy life.

"Decide to walk or bike to errands that are within a two-mile radius of your home. You can try storing your car keys in your bike lock as a reminder," said Roberts.

Get creative

"If dependence on the screen for entertainment has stunted your creative abilities, start by making a list of the hobbies you have enjoyed doing in the past. Pull out the storage box full of art supplies, look online for simple seasonal projects to try, take a community education class, teach yourself to play the ukulele, or head to the library and explore the old fashion way," suggests Roberts. "Creating your own adventure is a great tool to decrease stress and can be anything you want to bring out your artistic ways."

Become a photographer and capture your hikes, your family, and interesting treasures you see in nature. Try painting, paper mache, or make greeting cards. Be whatever your creative side wants to be.

Read

Get back to the basics of entertainment and nestle down with a good book.

The family can also escape into the same book by playing an audiobook out loud.

Earn the screen time

Electronics can be used as a reward for being active. So parents can use screen time to their advantage.

"Try having them reach 5,000 steps total as a prerequisite to using the TV or video games," Roberts illustrated. "Spend an hour outside before the power-on button is allowed, and chances kids will find something they enjoy doing more."

Sleep

Electronics can ruin sleep. Watching TV before bed keeps our brains alert and awake. So your brain has less of a chance to rest.

Turn off all electronics one to two hours before trying to fall asleep. Your brain will be able to decompress and help you sleep and stay that way.

Taking a break from the many electronics in our lives will help our physical, emotional and social health.

For more ideas on how to get the family moving, visit the LiVe Well information site.

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