In this day and age, we are not only becoming more technologically savvy, but we are also becoming increasingly demanding in our desire for entertainment. Constantly evolving developments in the realm of information and technology, is resulting in the increased prevalence of computer games, and the refinement of the way in which we interact with them.
Financially we have seen that the game development area is expanding exponentially. Companies are investing millions of dollars into the research and development of certain franchises of games, and they are seeing the results. Many individuals are spending a large amount of their time becoming literal disciples in this medium of entertainment.
Gaming platforms are also evolving. Gamers, individuals who spend a large proportion of their time playing computer games, are becoming fully immersed in seemingly complete imaginative worlds. So what effect is our constant appetite for gaming having on our health. Is it merely a coincidence that obesity is rising?
We will now consider what we can do to prevent game playing from affecting our health.
Moderation
Moderation and gamers seem to be contradicting terms. There is no point of a small session playing games. Individuals happily sacrifice large amounts of time to conquer levels, and dominate landscapes in pixel filled worlds. But what effect does this have on the human body. The human body is optimised for movement. Our musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems work in a complex way to ensure we are readily able to enjoy our surroundings. Lying prone, sitting in a bean bag or just lazing around playing games will eventually cause your muscles to atrophy, resulting in increased deposits of lipids in your body. When muscles are not used they do not receive the vascularisation that is needed for muscle and bone maintenance.
Solution
Have shorter sessions of game playing. Set an alarm, every hour to make sure that you do not spend more than an hour continually playing games. When that hour is up, stand up and do some simple stretches. Focus on stretching your back, moving your extremities through the full range of motion. Stand up and tense your core muscles. Step outside get your eyes used to natural light again. Additionally, perform this very simple passive exercise to prevent eye damage. Go outside and focus on the horizon. This will cause your eyes to focus on a distant object, thereby decreasing eye strain.
Fresh Air
It is amazing how stuffy a room can get if it is not properly ventilated. Additionally, the human body of many gamers is quite efficient at producing various gasses, that are not beneficial to any individuals health, and are generally not pleasant. Long sessions of gaming in an unventilated room, can cause both decreased reaction times and limited attention spans.
Solution
Ensure that your room is well ventilated. Open your windows and get a cross breeze through your room. Install a whirly bird, or a ventilated skylight. Roof ventilators are very efficient at removing stuffy air from houses, and introducing fresh natural air into your house. By introducing a constant flow of ventilated air, you will increase your oxygenation, which beneficially will increase your attention span, and decrease your reaction time, therefore allowing you to be more complete gamer.
Dirty Controllers
The most effective way to prevent catching a cold or flu is to regularly wash your hands. There can be a wide variety of dense bacterial populations on game controllers. These can be readily transported to your mouth and other mucous membranes, leading to avoidable infections.
Solution
Never lick your controller, keyboard or mouse. Regularly use an alcohol based disinfectant to sanitise anything that your hands touch. Do not forget to sanitise the on/off button. If you are playing with multiple people in the same room, do not share controllers.
Gamers will continue to save the world, win the championship and kill aliens. But by applying these few simple suggestions you will be able to do so without adversely affecting your health.
The author is an avid Angry Birds player, but only plays in rooms where a whirly birds are installed. Whirly birds are also known in some parts of the world as roof ventilators.
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