"Pokemon Go" Helping Kids at a Michigan Children's Hospital.

When you picture people playing Pokemon Go, you get an image in your head of healthy kids, teens, and adults running around outside, and scrambling to get to PokeSpots. However, one children's hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan is using the app to motivate patients. Child Life Specialists are offering the game to kids, in hopes that they will get up and interact with other patients, not just trudge down down the halls without speaking to anyone. It seems to be working too.

I was as surprised as anyone else to see this story. Pokemon Go does come across as a therapy app, at least formally. Until you actually think about it. I have seen more people in my town interacting with others, instead of only staring at their phones. Plus, they are actually outside. Also, I have seen a relative, who does not get out as much as he or she should, suddenly become very active and more social. So, my initial perceptive of the app may have been a bit narrow.

The approach that the hospital's Child Life Specialists are taking is ingenious. The game is fun for the kids, and they are seeing more activity and more socialization. Kids who have to deal with long hospitalizations can become very isolated, which can lead to depression. What a great way to help fend that off.

Thanks to USA Today, you can read the full article ***here*** or click on the picture below to be directed to it.