Say it Ain't So

Computer manufacturers and video game companies are rejoicing with the recent decision to start banning activities such as tag and dodgeball from gradeschool playgrounds in Maine. With all of that free time on their hands, kids are going to be clamboring for the only thing left for them to play: video games.

With obesity being recognized as a national epidemic, the absurdity of banning childhood games that encourage physical activity is obvious. Restricted to only those activities that reduce libability, the only exercise that children will get during the school day will be with their hands on a keyboard or game controller.

Thankfully, interactive gaming makes it possible for children to play with each other on the playground. The only difference is that they will use laptops and handheld video game systems to play their games. Let the calorie burning begin.

Instead of scraping knees and elbows, children will soon be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and "Blackberry thumb." The bean counters at the insurance companies must be warming up their adding machines to calculate all of the money they'll be saving.

Santa and the elves are definitely not happy with the timing of this decision. Children are quickly revising their lists, which is wreaking havoc with the acquisition of gifts and the weight distribution in the sleigh. At least the elves will get some exercise this year.

Computers and video games are wonderful things. I love using them as much as anyone else. Using them for enjoyment, however, should not preclude regular physical activity. It's just not healthy.

A fifth grader using WebMD and a little common sense can figure out that the risks of obesity far outweigh the danger of a few scrapes and bruises. It's too bad that the adults making this decision can't do the same.