This year, the Wii is predicted to be one of the most popular Christmas presents. But doctors said those who spent too long on the games, especially those unused to exercise, were at risk of strain.

Researchers at Leeds Teaching Hospital have identified an injury they called “Wii knee”. Last year, osteopaths reported that they saw an increase in back patients after Christmas, and blamed the trend on fathers trying to keep up with their children on the machines.

This is the crap that was reported by the Telegraph UK.  Wanna see more ridiculousness?  Hit that jump.

I can definitely see where certain Wii games can cause someone to over exert themselves in the spirit of competition.  It has happened in my household.  Thankfully, other than sore muscles, no serious injury has occurred, yet.  Yet, how clever of the doctors at Leeds to call the knee injury “Wii knee” as if the knee strain didn’t already have a name… The doctor probably should have checked to see if the name was already trademarked by Nintendo.

Is the Wii the harbinger of a spate of epidemics to come?  How about  a Wii corneal abrasion,  a Wii ACL tear, or a Wii groin injury?  By adding “Wii” to the beginning, does it hurt less?

While the doctors in the Telegraph article are certainly on top of the next plague of the Century, there are other hazards one should consider when attempting to negotiate the nefarious Wii.

Anyone who owns the console should be familiar with important safety information.  If you’re like most gamers, which I trust you are, you have probably ignored this list completely. Well, ignore these warnings at your own risk, you daredevil. Warnings include:  Seizures, Repetitive Motion Injuries and Eyestrain, Electric Shock, Motion Sickness, Radio Frequency Interference, Laser Device, Console Damage, TV Screen Damage, and Battery Leakage.  It kind of reads like the side effects of some medications advertised on television.  “Consult your doctor immediately for erections lasting longer than 4 hours.” Betcha didn’t see that one coming.  You should have though, especially with a name like the “Wii.”

We’ve come up with a few more tips to keep you safe this holiday season.

1. Warm up before playing. Do a few stretches.
2. When playing with kids, there is a chance they’ll probably beat you.  Count to ten before immediately demanding a rematch, your heart will thank you later.
3. Make sure Grandpa/Grandma do not have pace makers. The whole “Radio Frequency Interference” thing could be a downer for them.
4. Don’t use the wrist straps.  It’s a trap!  A ploy to entangle your hand onto the Wiimote.
5. Whatever you do, do not go near the Wii Fit balance board, that half inch drop is the silent killer this holiday season.

So, take care intrepid gamers.  And if you come up with a case of the Wii Knee, don’t let on that you’re hurting, otherwise you’re toddler will move in for the kill in Wii ski.  Beware!

Popularity: 1% [?]