Did you Know Video Games Can Heal the Sick? July 22, 2010
Posted by scuscu in : Computer Games , add a commentGames both video and computer have been for years looked down on as evil and a negative influence on society. However, recent research indicates that games play a significant role in healing. Studies indicate that playing games helps divert a patient’s mind from pain and for many patients, games are a form of physiotherapy as they exercise the fingers and muscles of the arms and oil the wheels of the mind. In fact, children suffering from autism learn a great many social skills from games they play.
Mark Griffiths, of Nottingham Trent University, has conducted in depth studies on gaming and found that “gaming can be a useful tool in healthcare, games can distract kids and adults undergoing painful treatments.” In fact children undergoing chemotherapy for diseases like sickle cell anemia deal with the disease better when they play games that absorb their attention completely. Sick children who occupied their minds playing video or computer games required lower doses of pain medication and tended to suffer less from hypertension and nausea than children who were asked to just rest. According to Griffiths an expert in the field, games benefit children suffering from attention deficit disorders too.
A conference on gaming showcased the fact that computer and video games promoted awareness in nutrition, lifestyle choices, and medical skills. According to experts, games helped reduce stress and healed people with phobias, diabetes, asthma, and cardiac diseases.
Games did not just promote anger and aggression but improved co-ordination skills, focus, and concentration, and steadied elevated blood pressure and pulse beating. Games are now playing a definitive role in therapy. Some games introduce images or stimulus to the mind like aromas or natural happenings like a river flowing or an avalanche. Many studies are focusing on “The state of Cognitive Exercise with digital Game Play,” where the use of games in treating diseases like Alzheimer is being addressed.
That gaming is recognized as a healer by medical communities across the US is established by the fact that the “Get-Well Gamers Foundation” collects unused games and consoles from avid gamers for distribution to children’s wards at hospitals across the US.
The new regimen in healing is to combine exercises with gaming. For example a patient who needs to be motivated to complete therapy sessions can be induced by connecting the bicycle to a video game that engages the patient’s mind. Ciprian Docan of Rutgers University has modified a home video game to assist stroke patients with hand movements and exercises.
Work by Karen Grimmer and her team in Adelaide Women and Children’s hospital showed that children suffering from severe burns feel less pain and discomfort when their minds are completely immersed in a virtual reality game. Games therefore served as appositive healing tool and helped children overcome great pan and discomfort.
Contrary to popular beliefs video and computer games do have a positive side and, all over the world serious studies are in progress of how games can be utilized in health care.
How To Choose The Right Video Game Console July 21, 2010
Posted by scuscu in : Computer Games , add a commentWith so many video game consoles on the market, there is something for everyone. No matter what your budget, taste, or choice in video games is you can be certain that there is a video game console that you will love. How you choose your console depends largely on what you are looking for in video gaming. Do you want games your whole family can play? How important are superior graphics to you? Are you looking for budget friendly consoles? There are so many questions to answer, so here are a few helpful hints on finding the perfect video gaming console for you.
When you are looking at the different video game consoles you can definitely see a trend or rather a market towards certain people. For example, the newest console, the Nintendo Wii, is geared mostly towards families and is an excellent option for those with children. The Playstation 2 is without a doubt the best budget video game console compared to the more expensive Playstation 3. If you are interested in online gaming then you should definitely consider the Xbox 360 which is the leader in online gaming for so many reasons. Lastly you have the previously mentioned Playstation 3. Yes, it is very pricey, but for those who are unworried about budgets, this offers the highest resolution graphics of all the above. The visuals are simply amazing if you have the entertainment setup to enjoy them.
When looking at the video game consoles you also want to take into consideration the video games that come with it or that are sold separately. You want to stay away from worthless extras like games you would never play. Many video game consoles come in packages with games that are “free”, but truly they just charge you extra for the package and you end up paying more then what you would if you just bought the video game console separately with games you actually enjoy.
Make sure everything you need is included. Most will only come with one controller so you need to budget for extra controllers and games as needed. You also might need subscriptions for online gaming if that is what you are into and you may need special cables if you are looking for the best audio and visual performance. Compare all the prices because just as some of them include games, some packages include various cables and “extras” that you may want. It may be less expensive then buying everything separately. Not to mention, prices sometimes vary from store to store, so definitely do a little comparative shopping before buying any video gaming console.
Lastly, before buying any video game console, or video game for that matter, you need to read your video game reviews. There are many websites and gaming magazines that will direct you to exactly what you need and give you very informative video game reviews that will tell you if that console or game has exactly what you are looking for. Don’t rush into any purchase that you may not be happy with. Most of all, when you get your console home, enjoy it and have a great time playing all of your new games.