Videogames Saving Livesa and Inspiring

A few years back, I heard about surgeons practicing their eye-hand coordination by playing videogames! I was happy to heard that videogames were receiving some positive light aside from their anti-social causing, minding-numbing affects on children. I recently found an article, although it dates back to 2008, is still positive news that I think is relevant to share. The article is from the SF Chronicle and is written by Bernadette Tansey and Ryan Kim, titled, Startup uses Videogames to Heal Young People.

The non profit organization, HopeLab of Redwood City, is hoping to use videogames as a "powerful means to improve the health habits of young people." The organization created a game called "Re-Mission." The goal was to motivated young cancer patients to stay on top of their medication. Now, the organization is fighting childhood obesity, by designing a game that will get children to actively play together. Serious Games Initative co-founder, Ben Swayer, says, "Re-Mission clinical trials proved that games can help tackle real-world problems." If you check out the game on the net, you'll be amazed at the graphics and creativity of the game.

You can go on the website www.re-mission.net and navigate the website. I think you'll be quite touched at the efforts of the game and closeness of the community on the website. You'll find a link to inspiring art and poetry. There's even a link to a complete story behind the game. It's worth checking out just to see the efforts being exerted to suppport cancer patients.

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SteelSeries Gaming Glove
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Wii Fit? Does It Actually Work?

A few weeks back, I wrote a blog about the Wii Fit. I said that it appeared to be a really fun and effective way to work out. While I have never used the Wii Fit, my opinions were based on the workout that I obtained from playing other Wii games, such as boxing. A few days back, I saw a news article that now claims the Wii Fit may not be as helpful in losing weight as everyone claims. This claim was counter-attacked by a man, who claimed, the Wii Fit actually help him lose many pounds and changed his life. In an article on the OC Register, writer Matt Design, tried the Wii Fit for himself and said, "Yes. Within minutes of starting the strength-training program..I was sweating."

I guess with anything new, the media or the public, likes to scrutinize and create some kind of controversy just for fun. However, when it comes to fitness, you get as much of a work out as the effort you put in. Matt Design says he started with push ups and the program had him doing "side planks", where you turn and support your body with one hand. In my opinion, this sounds quite rigorous. The deep breathing exercises had him feeling calm and relaxed and the yoga poses had him stretching muscles he didn't even know he had!

Despite what the media may report, my opinion of the Wii Fit still stands. In an era where obesity and diabete occurrence are out of the roof, anything that can make exercise fun for anyone, is a step in the right direction. I don't think the Wii Fit should replace any exercise routine that you may already have. If you go jogging outside for 30 minutes, then by all means, keep at it! If you go to the gym weekly, then don't cancel your memembership for the Wii Fit! But if you're someone who maybe is a little more introvert or likes the indoors more, or maybe you need a more fun concept to motivate you to start working out and getting moving, then I think the Wii Fit is still a great solution.

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Clueless When It Comes To Video Games?

Im a girl, and growing up i played more dress up then i did video games. So naturally my fascination for them is very limited. Although over time ive grown quite found of a couple of them, you know the ones:Guitar hero, madden, halo,grand theft auto, rock band.And Even though i dont play them on a day to day basis, yet along a month to month basis, when i do play i always have a good time.
Recently I've discovered that there's something called xbox live. hahaha i know some of you reading this may laugh, but to be honest ive only known about it for about a year or so, maybe even less.

Back to my point, i actually found it very interesting that you can play with your friends from down the street or even from different states. Its great too because you have this head set and you can communicate with one another without having to actually be in the same room.

i know i might be a little late on this but for those who dont know i'll break it down for you.
basically with xbox live 360 you can:
-Create an online Gamer Profile
-Access the Xbox Live Marketplace
-Engage in voice and text messaging
-Talk to a single friend at a time using voice chat
-Receive video messages from Gold level members
-Access massively multiplayer online games

im not an expert at all on this kind of stuff , but for those girls out there like me who are kinda clueless when it comes to video games i figured this would be a good little insight for you.


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