Show a wii bit of common sense!

We weren't sure what to make of the latest in a long string of articles concerned with the wii's effects on health. In short, it seems absolutely amazing that some people wish to class as a bad thing 'using the wii only burns 40 per cent more calories' than sitting using a tradional game pad!

The Times Online today published an articled named 'Er, Nintendo, Wii have a problem'. Whilst presenting some interesting facts and views, it seemed clear to me that one essential ingredient was missing. Common sense. Let's go over exactly what didn't get the lime light:

1. During gaming, the Wii warns you to play in a safe environment, check for anything that you could knock into in the playing area and gives you warnings to take breaks.

2. If you take regular breaks from your gaming and don't binge on it for hours at a time, you won't get RSI or any similar aches and pains. The same rule applies to any and every physical use of your arms and hands.

3. Comparing the Wii to a real sport is useless. If gamers wanted to use that slot of their time to play real tennis, they'd be out doing it. The whole point is that it's game time, it's indoors, and yet you're still able to get up a bit of a sweat...but only as much as you want to.

4. Smaller movements are just as effective at playing the games, if you take the time to experiment with your own style. Impaired, tired or just plain lazy users can play in a manner which suits their lifestyle.

5. Playing on the Wii brings differing levels of fitness and ability together. I've played golf with my Grandma on the Wii ... how else was that ever going to happen?!

Asking Nintendo to tell kids to go out and play real sports instead of picking up a Wii is like asking any company to promote something that has nothing to do with them at all.

Wake up, buck passers! It's not a games publisher's job to teach kids self respect, or to get them involved in sports or outdoor life. It's yours and yours alone. If they play too many games, put your foot down and take them out to do something. For the other extreme; don't wrap kids in cotton wool either, let them graze their knees and climb trees. Don't threaten to sue a games company because your kid ached a bit after exerting themselves playing a video game.

What we need more of, is balance and common sense. Most things in moderation are good for us, and active gaming certainly should be included in this. After all, Wii remotes are really no more active than using a dance mat!