America suffers from a prolific number of health epidemics. One of the most problematic is that of obesity. As a country we are significantly overweight, and being overweight puts us at risk for an immeasurable amount of health risks. From obesity stems hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis (a hardening of artery walls), and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) to name a few. And I am sure that we are all eating exactly as we should and getting just as much exercise as we are supposed to, right? Yeah, that’s what I thought. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy being lazy and lying around relaxing but there comes a point where enough has to be enough. As a nursing student I see and learn about all these health problems firsthand, so you can understand my enthusiasm. But, just as all hope started to fade from my heart I heard of the new game for Nintendo Wii coming out: Wii Fit.

When the Wii first came out it impressed me from the mere fact that the remotes acted as sensors to allow a more interactive experience. Being able to go bowling or play tennis in your living room is a pretty neat thing, and it was the first step in getting people up off of their couches. Also, it was an opportunity for the old as well as the young to get physically active. The graphics are of course a little lacking on the Wii, but what it lacks in picture it more than makes up for in originality.

Now coming out later this year is the Wii Fit. The videos are all over YouTube. You can watch the demo video online (http://youtube.com/watch?v=5oNVIcMnZh4) and it looks really neat. The board first off is wireless, which is really neat. Secondly, it expands on the games offered in Wii sports. There are balancing activities; you can do push-ups, hoola-hoop, play soccer, do aerobics, play games, and my favourite: do yoga! Can you imagine? This is a video game that not only shows you and walks you through a complete yoga workout, but also gives you feedback on how well you are doing and gives encouragement. It’s what we all need to finally push us into being active. I love yoga, but I just never find the energy to actually get up and do it, with the Wii fit I have an instructor right there at my fingertips.

Now this is going to be some miracle cure for obesity and all the health problems that plague Americans, but it is a start. We have to start incorporating activity and exercise into our daily routines, and video game systems can play a part. I still don’t have any of the “new” systems, I’m still stuck with my old PS2, but this summer I think I am going to go pick up a Wii (if I can find one) so that I can play at the very least the new Wii Fit.

Coming up next time on Part II: How video games are being used for rehabilitation purposes

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Signing out for now,
The Gaymer