For those of us who grew up in Nashua, we note a major difference in the neighborhood; there are no children outside. We remember on a Saturday when we would get up, have breakfast, go outside and play, come in briefly for lunch, and then be outside again until dinner time. Now children are often in front of video games for many hours a day. While the Nashua Police Athletic League strongly encourages athletics, whether it is a pick-up game of basketball, cross country, boxing, street hockey, or other others sports, some children are not interested in outdoor team sports and, if given the option, would prefer to sit in front a video game all day. Wasting a Saturday in front of a video game all day is detrimental to any child’s mental and physical health. As an alternative, there are interactive Wii video games which can provide children, and perhaps their parents, some exercise. In addition to the standard Wii sports, there is a game called Wii Punch Out wherein you are boxing a computer opponent or can be competing against a friend. Either way, as long as you are standing up and participating fully, you and your child will get exercise and probably break a sweat. There is also a Wii Resort game which has a variety of sport activities. While these games are not a substitute for outdoor physical activity, it can be a beginning for a healthier lifestyle for your child. Your child may also obtain more stamina for outdoor activities such as hiking a mountain with you this Fall.