Fall 2007 Newsletter
CARES Foundation, Inc.
Weight Loss Through Video Games?
Using a video game to help children increase their activity level and lose weight may seem a bit unusual, but West Virginia University and the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency have paired together to study the benefits to children using the video game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) to increase activity. DDR is distributed by Konami Digital Entertainment America and consists of a game console, dance pad and software. The player moves his or her feet following a video screen pattern, dancing in time with the rhythm of the music. The game comes in a home version which includes a workout mode that can track the number of calories burned, while maintaining the fun aspect of a video game.
Other
academic institutions including Syracuse University and Pennsylvania State University
are studying additional physiological effects of children using the game. We’ll
keep you posted. 
Letter to the Editor
My
son, Adan Cardenas, celebrated his 4th birthday on August 12th thanks to the doctors
in the ER at Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. Adan is a SWCAH patient
and was careflighted to Children’s on his 8th day of life.
He actually died from Potassium attacking his heart on the helipad and the ER doctors recognized his symptoms and saved his life. He is now a thriving 4 year old little boy full of energy and life. We've had several scares but I held my cool and gave him a shot and called 911—and 3 times now he has pulled through.
Never in my life could I have thought that a life was as precious as this. He is the light of our family and will always be the center of our family. Thanks to you, CARES Foundation, for providing our family with important and comforting information regarding CAH. You will forever be in our hearts and minds. You are a blessing. May God bless you and all the staff and supporters.
Sabrina Cardenas
Disclaimer: Any communication from CARES Foundation, Inc. is intended for informational and educational purposes only and in no way should be taken to be the provision or practice of medical, nursing or professional healthcare advice or services. The information should not be considered complete or exhaustive and should not be used in place of the visit, call, consultation or advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. You should not us the information in this or any CARES Foundation, Inc. communication to diagnose or treat CAH or any other disorder without first consulting with your physician or healthcare provider. The articles presented in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views of CARES Foundation, Inc.