Can an Xbox help cure health woes?

This article caught my attention the other day and it really bothered me. Not so much because of the efforts being applied but because these efforts are needed. Young adults including myself are eventually going to be the victims of our own choices. I think we all know by now that every choice and decision we make has a consequence but are we really aware of those consequences? The healthcare system is already struggling and with the way I see many young adults treating their bodies it really worries me. Unhealthy eatting habits and not excerising regulary are just a few of the things we all should start thinking about! I will admit that there are times I find myself sitting in front of the computer working or studying all night with a Red Bull and bag of unhealthy snacks at hand reading about physiology and start to realize the damage I am doing. If we don't start taking responsibility for our actions now everyone will suffer in the upcoming years!

It's good to know that doctors are looking for possible new ways to make these facts evident and I am glad to see all hope has not been lost. The article does in fact talk about the Xbox as a device to assist in testing and managing some of these healthcare issues.

With a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Dr. Goldberg is working on a video game interface that can help young patients manage their blood-sugar levels, insulin, and other conditions. Patients can test their blood-sugar levels, and then connect the measuring device to a game console such as the Microsoft Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system or any Internet-ready gadget such as a Windows Mobile powered smartphone. Then the information is sent to a doctor (or other medical professional) who can respond as needed if the patient's data shows a change.

It was very enjoyable read and really got me thinking so I encourage you to give it read for yourself!

Can an Xbox help cure health woes?

posted by Jason Dorko at 2:29 PM 0 comments links to this post