Video games are making kids obese

If you’re like me, the term “exergaming” sounds very weird.  Well, Nintendo is marketing the idea that video games can be good exercise and the Nintendo Wii gaming system now has the American Heart Association’s Healthy Check logo to prove it.

Yep, this sounds VERY, VERY, WEIRD!!!

I’ve already ranted about the ridiculous nature of the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Health Check program. Well, this just shows that our American neighbours are taking things one step further.  While research has demonstrated that video games actually contribute to childhood obesity, the Wii is getting the stamp of approval from the AHA.  So instead of promoting skipping ropes and basketballs to encourage kids to go outdoors and participate in physical activity, the AHA says the Wii deserves the Healthy Check logo (for a mere $1.5 million donation, of course).

A stretch exercise program can prevent injuries

Not everyone’s idea of an exercise program will involve running 5km or lifting weights for 1 hour every day.  Everybody’s different.   For example, many of my patients have injured joints or have limited mobility due to pain.  Well, even though these things may restrict physical activity, stretching is a form of exercise that can be done by most people regardless of pain or injury.

Sure, you might think to yourself that stretching is just a warm-up or cool-down from actual exercise.  However, stretching increases flexibility and can be good for joints and muscles.  This is especially important for patients who experience chronic pain because a stretching exercise regimen can be critical to improving overall function and quality of life.  Best of all, you don’t need a lot of money or equipment and everyone can do it.

A good way to start incorporating stretching into your health routine is to plan a 15-20 minute stretching regimen that includes holding stretches for 5-10 seconds and repeating each stretch at least once.  As you progress, you can extended the length of your stretching regimen by holding your stretches for a longer period of time and incorporating more stretches overall.  There are many books and charts with stretches to get you started.  I recommend “Stretching Anatomy” by Nelson & Kokkonen.

Work your way up and you will see how stretching improves your flexibility and strength while decreasing your pain and preventing injuries.  Start stretching today!