Real-Life Health Benefits Of Playing 'Pokemon Go'

The Pokémon Go craze is capturing the whole world with about 9 to 21 million daily users. Besides entertaining fully all the "trainers" or players, it also provides positive life consequences. So, what could be the health benefits of playing this popular game known as Pokémon Go?

The analysis was led by a Matt Hoffman, the DNP, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing, according to Science Daily. Hoffman, who has been dubbed as "Pokémon Professor" by his co-workers explained that playing Pokémon Go is a lot of fun, and it has been a catalyst to get people moving. The game becomes a hobby for him. He said that it provides certain health benefits.

"I've spent an hour or two at a time venturing around the community to find Pokéstops. And, to hatch one egg, a trainer must walk anywhere from one to six miles. There's no doubt about it, I am exercising more as a result of playing the game, and I am enjoying it," said Hoffman.

According to Vox, in Pokémon Go game, you can use your phone's GPS and clock to detect where and when you are in the game and would make Pokémon appear on your phone screen. In this way, you can go and catch them. The Pokémon will be visible depending on where you are and what time it is. The concept of the game is to encourage you to travel around the real world to catch Pokémon. This real world interaction and the mix of the game is also referred to as "augmented reality."

Other health benefits of Pokémon Go include positive influence on the players' emotional and mental health. It provides the opportunity for social interaction and heightens the sense of belongingness.

"There is a sense of community when trainers converge in search of Pokémon, or when they gather together at Pokéstops," added Hoffman.

On the other hand, Hoffman reminds the players to watch where they walk and be aware of their surrounding when playing. He also encourages the players to play the game with their friends as a team. He warns the players not to play the Pokémon Go while driving and not to play it in dark and isolated areas. It is reported that some players were robbed and attacked. He also added to use sunscreen and drink of plenty of water while playing the game during summer.

"If you are one of the millions who are playing Pokémon Go, we hope you catch them all!" concluded Hoffman.