The franchise that made the world go nuts in 1995 recently released a widely popular game. The smartphone app, released yesterday worldwide, has been greeted with mixed reviews. The game itself is all about “catching them all” and being the “best there ever was” through alternate reality and brightly colored monsters. The goal is to catch all 150 Pokémon. How? Well, this is why the game is getting so much attention. It is the first of its kind to promote exercise. In fact, the only way to succeed is to walk around as many different places as possible.
Because the game is so popular, everyone and their mothers are going outside to search for these magical beasts, creating danger. There have already been reports of phone thefts, car accidents, robberies at gunpoint, and injuries to the players. Some players are even breaking into facilities to attempt to get the rarest Pokémon, resulting in jail time. When playing this game, it is very important to keep track of where you are, especially near busy roadways. It is also essential to never walk alone at night when playing this game. No matter how safe you think your neighborhood is, never go out by yourself. Also, the law is the law, don’t throw the rule book out of the window because you saw a Charizard in someone’s yard at 3:30 AM.
Many would agree that being outside and exploring is very good. But, if your goal is to only catch the next Pokémon, is it really all that fulfilling? There is a way to be the best, and also do some good in the world, all through walking. There is an app for iOS and Android called “Charity Miles.” It is very similar to Pokémon, minus the actual pocket monsters. Through walking, you can raise money for your charity of choice. While searching for that Bulbasaur or Dragonair, you could be raising money for ASPCA or Habitat for Humanity. Whoever said you can’t kill two Pidgey with one water stone?
The best part of the game and this is very serious, is that it is helping with mental illness. Normally, the games involve sitting and playing for hours on end with very little movement. For people with mental illnesses like anxiety and depression this can be calming, but also terrible. Your body was not meant to sit on a couch and be hunched over a game console. Because walking is essential for playing Pokémon Go, people with all kinds of disabilities are getting outside and exercising. There are numerous reports praising the game for this task. The best medicine for any mental illness is a therapeutic walk. Combined with a couple of friends and Charity Miles, you could be staying safe, catching loads of rare Pokémon, enjoying time outside with your friends, and raising money for charity. That’s four Pidgey with one Waterstone.
