Healthcare Technology Featured Article

May 17, 2010

Healthcare Technology and News: Nintendo and AHA to Make Active Wii Games for Children


If anyone follows what I write, they will know that I am a huge video game freak. And for a girl, I think that’s pretty unique – especially since I prefer Resident Evil over other less violent games, like the traditional girly game Little Big Planet.

However, there is an epidemic in the United States with children who are – like myself – infatuated with these types of games as a general pastime: child obesity. Less time outside running around with friends, and more time sitting plopped in front of a television causes lack of exercise, resulting in children packing on the pounds.

So, Nintendo, the video game manufacturer, has partnered with the American Heart Association, or “AHA,” to promote the company’s popular Wii gaming console to promote a positive, healthy environment for children who spend time with television and video games.

The collaboration between the two organizations will give children an alternative to just sitting; namely, active video game playing, where kids are moving while playing games.

With Nintendo Wii’s motion-sensing technology has enabled gameplay that’s more physically active than traditional console gaming, the American Heart Association has joined forced to give children something they’ll enjoy, but that parents won’t mind them doing.

“Our two organizations come from different worlds, but we share a common goal,” said Clyde Yancy, M.D., president of the American Heart Association, adding that his organization's research shows that almost 70 percent of Americans are getting no regular physical activity.

Aside from branding on retail packaging, Nintendo and the American Heart Association will convene a summit of representatives from an array of backgrounds including science, health care, research, physical activity, fitness and video gaming. The group will explore new ways to work together to encourage more physical activity.

“We can keep beating the drum on traditional exercise and make small changes to the obesity epidemic, or we can try something that is really provocative and new,” Yancy said.

In addition, Nintendo Co. is donating $1.5 million to the AHA as part of the partnership.


Kelly McGuire is a HealthTechZone Web editor, covering CRM and workforce technologies, and anchor of its daily TMC Newsroom video broadcast. Kelly also writes about eco-friendly "green" technologies and smart grids, compiling HealthTechZone's weekly e-Newsletters on those topics, as well as the cable industry. To read more of Kelly's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Kelly McGuire
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