The American Heart Association and Nintendo Team Up

Maybe playing videos games is not so bad for your kids after all: This week the American Heart Association announced a partnership with Nintendo to promote their Wii Fit and Wii Fit Sports Resort games as a physical activity.

It should be noted, though, that Nintendo is reportedly giving the AHA at cool $1.5 million donation over the next three years to sweeten the deal -- and to put the AHA logo on Wii consoles and Wii Fit and Sports Resort games. At this point in the childhood obesity crisis, I'm inclined to think that whatever gets kids moving is probably a good thing, and the AHA is a more than worthy organization.

However, there’s still no replacing good old playing outside in the fresh air. I myself have a Wii Fit at home, and you can definitely break a sweat using that thing (though I feel a little ridiculous swatting the air with my Wii-mote "tennis racket") -- but I know I'd much rather get together with friends at the tennis court for a game, rather than batting at my TV, alone in my living room. While some active screen time is ok, remember to encourage your kids to get outside to play too.

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