How Video Games Affect Medical Professionals
Over the past few decades, technology has advanced and has given fruit to continuous benefits in our everyday lives. The technological advancements have given breakthrough inventions to the medical industry, overall economy, educational sectors, the business industry and the entertainment industry. The revolution in technology has contributed to creating the easiest and most efficient data management in the business factors, new technology-driven equipment in the medical sector for better treatments, boost in the efficacy of economic and labour, easier access to educational platforms and new ideas in types of entertainment platforms.
With technology, we have now a wide range of entertainment platforms such as televisions, social media, smartphones and video games. Video games had certainly started off as simple hobbies that were used by individuals to pass their free time in some sort of entertainment. However, now we have impressive and eye-catching types of video games. One of the most noticeable video games is Minecraft. Beginners and fans of Minecraft should check out the newest minecraft servers that have recently been released. Although it is clear that everyone does wish for some form of entertainment in their occasionally boring and stress-filled lives, there still are effects of video games on individuals. More specifically, the effect of video games on medical professionals and patients.
General Effects of Video Games on Individuals
When it comes down to the downfall or negativity of video games, the effects vary from individual to individual. Generally, the side effects of excessive obsession or addiction to video games are poor sleep hygiene and quality, exhaustion, dehydration, obesity that leads to heart problems, loss of motivation, depression and poor control of emotions. Video games have become something known as addictive once the person starts playing it. The tasks to be carried out in each level of the video games will continue to become tougher and will most probably require the player to put more focus and time into completing them. Once done with a level, the players may get entranced by the points or rewards of the following levels, making them addicted to their progress in the video games.
Effects of Video Games On Medical Professionals
Now, moving on to medical professionals like doctors who have an interest and addiction to video games. Just as stated above, the side effects of spending excessive hours playing video games will affect the medical professional’s lifestyle and work. A medical professional working in a hospital itself consumes one’s energy. Usually, doctors who handle emergency cases and housemen have six days of work and an off day once a week. The weekly shifts in a week can include morning shifts, night shifts and long shifts. If the interest and hobby of video games are added into their daily lives, their daily lifestyle becomes worse. Firstly, sleep deprivation will worsen. This is because, after a tiring day at the hospital, the individuals may feel the temptation to continue playing through the night or day without resting or getting a wink of sleep till their following shift. Sleep deprivation will lead to aggressive behaviour and will affect the medical professional’s performance at work. If a scenario where the individual is ‘losing’ or not being able to keep up with their progress in the video games, they will get agitated or demotivated and that may lead to depression.
Video Game Addicted Individuals
We have covered how video game addiction may affect a medical professional’s life and career. Now, we shall dive into other individuals; like unemployed individuals or individuals working in different sectors who have an addiction and obsession with video games. As stated before, addiction to the act of playing video games can cause many physical and mental health problems. If an unemployed individual only dedicates their time and energy to gaming, there may be a high possibility of the individual becoming obese and having health conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol. This is due to the individual not practising a balanced lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, efficient exercise and communication with other individuals on a daily basis.
If these individuals; unemployed and employed individuals continue on with their addiction to video games, they may end up with the physical and mental health conditions and eventually become patients due to the physical health issues or depression faced. However, always look for solutions to the problems.
How to Prevent Addiction to Video Games
First and foremost, prevention is better than cure after all. It is not wrong to make video gaming a hobby. Nevertheless, individuals need to prevent making video games addiction and a sole pillar to lean on over everything else. There are a few steps that should be practised by both children and adults in order to prevent addiction to video games. First, you need to set a specific timing and duration which you allow your child or yourself to spend playing video games. Make it a strict routine and make sure not to play beyond the time limit. Second, do not keep your video game accessories in your bedroom. This is to prevent your child and yourself from playing games at night when the body requires proper sleep. Third, practise a balanced lifestyle by carrying out daily exercises, consuming a balanced diet and doing other tasks around the house and hobbies like reading and cooking.
How to Overcome Health Conditions Due to Excessive Video Gaming
There are two health problems that can be caused by excessive video gaming; physical health conditions and a decline in mental health. Individuals who have obesity and heart problems or high cholesterol need to seek professional help from doctors for guidance with their diet, exercise and consultation. As for individuals facing depression and anxiety, do not be fearful to ask for help from family and seek help from psychiatrists and have counselling sessions. It will take time to adapt to the changes in one’s daily life. But, dedication to making at least a bit of change for improvement every day will certainly be the main key to achieving the goals set.
