Pokemon Go is sweeping the nation, and if you’re not already playing, odds are your kids or your co-workers are talking about the game. For those of you out of the loop, Pokemon Go is an app-based game that places virtual pokemon in the real world. Players move around their neighborhoods and towns looking for pokemon that are virtually generated in the game based on the user’s location. Iconic locations, like parks, monuments, police stations and stadiums offer different challenges, rewards and pokemon for players to collect.
People are going crazy trying to collect new pokemon, but the underrated part of the app is that it is designed to get children and adults alike off the couch and moving throughout their neighborhood and exploring new parts of their city. Unfortunately, the app has already resulted in some injuries, so today, we’re going to share some tips for avoiding injuries while you’re out chasing your pokemon.
Pokemon Go Safety Tips
1. Wear Athletic Shoes – If you’re going out in search of pokemon, dress for the occasion. Wear durable shoes that support your feet. Heels or weak flats can cause you to roll an ankle or injure your foot.
2. Watch Where You’re Going – This is easier said than done because the user has to look at their phone to find the pokemon through a simulated picture taking process, so you’re looking for a virtually generated image on your phone’s camera screen. If you’re looking at your phone and moving around, you could end up stepping in a hole, off the curb or even into traffic. Take your eyes off the screen while moving, and then stop once you’ve located the pokemon, and don’t start walking again until your eyes are back on your surroundings.
3. Only Do It When Your Attention Doesn’t Need To Be Elsewhere – There have already been reports of people getting into car accidents because they were trying to play the game behind the wheel. If you play the game while driving, you are selfishly putting yourself and everyone around you in harm’s way over a virtual game. Be smarter than that.
4. Know Your Location – There have also been reports of robberies, as players can set up an object called a beacon that draws pokemon in, but this beacon can also be seen by other game players. Police reported that a group of teens set up a beacon and then robbed people of their smartphones and wallets when they arrived at the location. Don’t just go wandering aimlessly or into secluded areas without friends or adults.
5. Take a Break – Watching a tiny screen for a long duration is hard on your eyes. It’s great that you’re outside in nature, but take a little time to put the phone away, let your eyes relax and take in some natural beauty.
