WARNING: Wii can be bad for your health!

I remember when PacMan first came out. I put a little too much into a quick response and hurt my shoulder (and moved the arcade game about a foot!). It took more than a week to heal.

Wii players are learning that many games are not just virtual… they have led to some actual injuries… and there’s now a name for it: “Wii-itis”

Dr. Bill Barnes, an orthopaedic surgeon from Piedmont Sports Complex in Macon, says he’s treated at least a dozen patients since the Fall for Wii-related injuries.

“One person came in last week with a torn rotator cuff from boxing on the Wii,” said Barnes. “Where else are you gonna have the opportunity, at this level of participation, to box, play golf, play tennis, all in the same three hours.”

He says no matter your age, athletic condition or game-playing experience, you still need to take precautions due to the intense physical nature of these games.

“These things are real. I mean, it feels like you’re playing the game,” continued Barnes. “So you’re really going through the motions like you would if you were outside playing.”

But even with medical advice and websites documenting Wii injuries, Barnes says there’ll always be enthusiasts like Smith and Dalton who’ll gladly accept the injury risk, for the gaming reward.

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