Computer games and your child

Computer and video games are popular pastimes for many children. While computer or video games are fun and offer benefits such as improved spatial awareness, parents should keep in mind that moderation is the key to minimising any health risks.

Research has proved that
computer and video games may pose health risks including muscle and joint pain, obesity, eyestrain and overuse injuries of the hand caused by repeatedly pressing buttons.

Researchers believe that electronic games are also associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity.

Benefits of computer and video games
Game playing is a lot of fun, and computer and video games offer other important benefits too. Depending on the game, research shows that playing can improve:
Spatial awareness
Iconic skills (reading images or diagrams)
Visual attention skills (such as keeping track of various objects at the same time)
Attention span in children with attention problems

Health risks
Though it has a few benefits, it does not come without its health risks. The range of health risks include:
Overuse injuries of the hand
Obesity
Muscle and joint problems
Eyestrain
Photosensitive epileptic seizures (rarely).

Overuse injuries
Overuse injuries to the hand can be caused by repeatedly pressing buttons on a computer or video game controller.

The type of injury depends on the kind of button-play performed; for example, a game that requires the player to press a button with their thumb risks injury to the thumb’s extensor tendon.

Suggestions to reduce the risk of overuse injuries include:
Set sensible time limits on game playing
If available, choose the child-sized version of game controls
Using unnecessary force increases the risk of overuse, so remind your child to push the buttons and other controls as gently as they can
Remind them to take frequent breaks to shake, flex and relax their hands
Different games often require different controls (for example keyboard, mouse, joystick, steering wheel), so encourage your child to mix up their game play

Obesity
There is a link between television watching and obesity in children. Generally, the more hours spent in front of the television, the greater the risk of obesity. Since electronic game playing is sedentary too, researchers believe that the health effects are similar.
Suggestions to reduce the risk of obesity include:
Set sensible time limits on game playing
Offer healthy snacks and drinks while your child is playing
Encourage your child to pursue other hobbies and interests, particularly sports and other physical activities
Incorporate physical activities into family outings
Be a good role model by participating in regular exercise and limiting your own electronic game playing

Muscle and joint problems
Research shows that adults who work at computers for long periods of time are prone to a range of muscle and joint problems that can cause back pain, neck pain and headache.

Few studies have been done on the muscle and joint problems children may experience from game playing, but researchers believe that the impact on a child’s posture and spine may be similar.
You can help to reduce the risk of your child developing problems if you:
Set sensible time limits on game playing
Encourage your child to take regular breaks during the game, to walk around and stretch
Rearrange the furniture to suit your child’s height: for example, adjust the chair so that their feet rest flat on the floor
Provide an ergonomic chair if possible, to encourage correct posture
Ensure your child has enough time each day for physical activities

Eyestrain
Eyes that are focused at the same distance point for lengthy periods of time become fatigued. Symptoms include blurry vision and headache.

To reduce the risk of eyestrain:
Make sure the screen is adjusted properly for contrast and brightness
Rearrange the furniture if possible so that any light source, such as a window, does not shine into your child’s face or onto the monitor
Encourage your child to take frequent ‘gaze’ breaks, such as looking at distant objects to change the focal point
Consult with an optometrist if your child complains of blurred vision and headache, because they might have an underlying eye problem

Photosensitive epileptic seizures
Photosensitive epilepsy is a relatively rare condition characterised by seizures in response to flickering light.

A very small percentage of electronic game players may be sensitive to some games that feature rapidly flashing graphics.
While the risk is extremely small, you can reduce the potential risk if you:
Make sure your child sits at least one metre back from the screen.

Have a high resolution screen if possible as they are less likely to induce seizures in sensitive individuals than low resolution screens

Though precautions can be taken to reduce the ill effects, do keep in mind that your child requires plenty of physical activity to stay fit and healthy.
 Learning the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle at a young age will go a long way in your child’s life. (Reprint)
Source:  AsiaMed Connect

Computer games and your child

Computer and video games are popular pastimes for many children. While computer or video games are fun and offer benefits such as improved spatial awareness, parents should keep in mind that moderation is the key to minimising any health risks. Research has proved that computer and video games may pose health risks including muscle and joint pain, obesity, eyestrain and overuse injuries of the hand caused by repeatedly pressing buttons. Researchers believe that electronic games are also associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. Benefits of computer and video games Game playing is a lot of fun, and computer and video games offer other important benefits too. Depending on the game, research shows that playing can improve: Spatial awareness Iconic skills (reading images or diagrams) Visual attention skills (such as keeping track of various objects at the same time) Attention span in children with attention problems Health risks Though it has a few benefits, it does not come without its health risks. The range of health risks include: Overuse injuries of the hand Obesity Muscle and joint problems Eyestrain Photosensitive epileptic seizures (rarely). Overuse injuries Overuse injuries to the hand can be caused by repeatedly pressing buttons on a computer or video game controller. The type of injury depends on the kind of button-play performed; for example, a game that requires the player to press a button with their thumb risks injury to the thumbs extensor tendon. Suggestions to reduce the risk of overuse injuries include: Set sensible time limits on game playing If available, choose the child-sized version of game controls Using unnecessary force increases the risk of overuse, so remind your child to push the buttons and other controls as gently as they can Remind them to take frequent breaks to shake, flex and relax their hands Different games often require different controls (for example keyboard, mouse, joystick, steering wheel), so encourage your child to mix up their game play Obesity There is a link between television watching and obesity in children. Generally, the more hours spent in front of the television, the greater the risk of obesity. Since electronic game playing is sedentary too, researchers believe that the health effects are similar. Suggestions to reduce the risk of obesity include: Set sensible time limits on game playing Offer healthy snacks and drinks while your child is playing Encourage your child to pursue other hobbies and interests, particularly sports and other physical activities Incorporate physical activities into family outings Be a good role model by participating in regular exercise and limiting your own electronic game playing Muscle and joint problems Research shows that adults who work at computers for long periods of time are prone to a range of muscle and joint problems that can cause back pain, neck pain and headache. Few studies have been done on the muscle and joint problems children may experience from game playing, but researchers believe that the impact on a childs posture and spine may be similar. You can help to reduce the risk of your child developing problems if you: Set sensible time limits on game playing Encourage your child to take regular breaks during the game, to walk around and stretch Rearrange the furniture to suit your childs height: for example, adjust the chair so that their feet rest flat on the floor Provide an ergonomic chair if possible, to encourage correct posture Ensure your child has enough time each day for physical activities Eyestrain Eyes that are focused at the same distance point for lengthy periods of time become fatigued. Symptoms include blurry vision and headache. To reduce the risk of eyestrain: Make sure the screen is adjusted properly for contrast and brightness Rearrange the furniture if possible so that any light source, such as a window, does not shine into your childs face or onto the monitor Encourage your child to take frequent gaze breaks, such as looking at distant objects to change the focal point Consult with an optometrist if your child complains of blurred vision and headache, because they might have an underlying eye problem Photosensitive epileptic seizures Photosensitive epilepsy is a relatively rare condition characterised by seizures in response to flickering light. A very small percentage of electronic game players may be sensitive to some games that feature rapidly flashing graphics. While the risk is extremely small, you can reduce the potential risk if you: Make sure your child sits at least one metre back from the screen. Have a high resolution screen if possible as they are less likely to induce seizures in sensitive individuals than low resolution screens Though precautions can be taken to reduce the ill effects, do keep in mind that your child requires plenty of physical activity to stay fit and healthy. Learning the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle at a young age will go a long way in your childs life. (Reprint) Source: AsiaMed Connect