From daily-journal.com:

More importantly, Jones believes the interactive game play enables his family to get plenty of exercise. "You can get worn out playing these games," he said.

For years, video games have been partially blamed for the nation’s epidemic of childhood obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other lifestyle diseases linked to inactivity. But now fitness experts are trying to determine whether interactive video games are a good way to get fit.

After all, players of the game "Dance Dance Revolution" can work up a sweat jumping on a "dance pad” to hit colored arrows in response to musical and visual cues.

But how healthy are interactive video games? Are doctors encouraging their use as a form of exercise, especially when local residents feel stuck inside in cold winter months?

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From bbc.co.uk:

The news that gaming is good for you socially and educationally will come as glad tidings for many in the world of gaming, albeit that it’s something they have undoubtedly been saying for years.

But now the endorsement is coming from Big Blue. Well actually from David Laux who is the global executive in charge of games and interactive entertainment at IBM. Admittedly it’s not a company you would naturally associate with gaming, but they have a business stake in all of this. The company says its aim is to help the industry leverage IBM’s products in developing games and cutting overall costs.

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"We have found across the board, if you look at different categories of games, they all have the ability to develop unique skills.

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From mpnnow.com:

Brighton’s director of health, physical education and athletics, Fritz Killian, has seen changes to the physical education programs in his three years in the district.

They’ve added a rock climbing wall, a Dance Dance Revolution gaming unit, kayaking and an orienteering program that uses global positioning system (GPS) technology. Of course, Brighton still offers the traditional gym sports, but Killian said it’s important to offer activities for everyone.

“You’re always going to have a population that loves the traditional basketball or football,” he said. “But we’re also getting students who would like to try those non-traditional activities.”

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From mediacastermagazine.com:

“Vivity Labs, developers of Fit Brains, the online brain fitness game, has a new strategic partnership with Prevention.com, the top online health magazine site.

The partnership will offer the engaging and scientifically developed brain fitness games by Fit Brains to a wider global audience, the companies report.”

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From nytimes.com:

“Mr. Haarsma is not the only one using video games to spark an interest in books. Increasingly, authors, teachers, librarians and publishers are embracing this fast-paced, image-laden world in the hope that the games will draw children to reading.

Spurred by arguments that video games also may teach a kind of digital literacy that is becoming as important as proficiency in print, libraries are hosting gaming tournaments, while schools are exploring how to incorporate video games in the classroom. In New York, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is supporting efforts to create a proposed public school that will use principles of game design like instant feedback and graphic imagery to promote learning.”

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From joystiq.com:

“Out already in Europe and Japan, Personal Trainer: Cooking launches in North America on November 24. Like other upcoming Personal Trainer titles (Math! Walking!), Cooking is more tutor than game. After sampling its recipes, we developed a taste for the concept. The cookbook of 245 dishes gives step-by-step instructions, meeting chefs with a range of skill levels.”

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