Living Healthy on WKTV.com: Local News
Playing video games may be actually good for your heart
Tools
Story Updated: Nov 19, 2009
(WKTV) - A new study by the American Heart Association shows certain Wii games can help prevent heart disease.
.
Before you yell at your kids to stop playing video games, you might want to see what it is they're playing. If it's a Wii sports game, it might actually be doing their heart some good.
"(it provides) Aerobic conditioning to prevent heart attacks and the obesity issue... burning calories so we don't become overweight," said Dr. Frank Dubek of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
A recent study, funded by Nintendo, shows certain Wii games are equal to moderate-intense exercises.
Doctor Dubek said it can benefit both adults and kids.
"These are good activities that kids can do if they want to play video games," he said. "These are the games to play."
Some of the Wii games in the study proved to be better for your heart than others, but one that really gets your heart pumping is boxing.
"This is no different than any other piece of exercise equipment," Dr. Dubek said. "But how many people are hanging their laundry on their exercise bike? If you don't use it, it's no good. It's a tool that if you use, it can help you to better health."
The study also found the Wii Fit to be beneficial for not only your heart health, but balance and strength too.
