Nintendo Wii helps one family deal with cystic fibrosis

In the Gagnon household, you won't hear mom, Lise, complain about her children spending too many hours playing video games, especially the Nintendo Wii.

That's because this family from Rouyn-Noranda is part of a growing number of families who are using the popular game console as part of a physical training program, accompanying medication.

Lise Gagnon is a mother to 2 children who have cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a multi-organ disease, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. A build-up of thick mucus in the lungs causes severe breathing problems. It may be difficult to clear bacteria from the lungs, leading to cycles of infection and inflammation, which damage the delicate lung tissues.

When Gagon's children play Wii Fit games, they take breaks to cough, which then unblocks their bronchi, allowing them to breathe more easily. What's more, they have a lot of fun while playing.

To read more about this family's experience, click here to read a full article about their story.