Because of the coronavirus outbreak, countries around the world have instituted at least some form of lockdown.

While there have been stubborn people who insist on breaking social distancing guidelines, gamers have been looked upon as model citizens because of their tendency to just stay at home.

But that hasn’t stopped researchers from postulating what the gamer of tomorrow could look like and frankly, the gamer they see 20 years from now looks terrifying.

OnlineCasino.ca created the model which they named Michael and shows the physical changes gamers can expect to go through if they don’t change their ways.

Michael is seen with a hunched back, thanks to poor posture, as well as dark circles under bloodshot eyes from lack of sleep and excessive screen time.

He also has pale skin coupled with vitamin D and B12 deficiencies. He’s also obese from lack of exercise and his hands have ulcerations while his thumbs suffer from the repetitive strain from long periods on the controller.

Poor blood flow from prolonged sitting has caused varicose veins to develop as well as swollen ankles. Because of the lack of exposure to sunlight, Michael has bald patches and hairy ears from poor air circulation.

Years of “consistent, light pressure” from a headset have caused an indent on his head and his shoulders have become rounded. In addition, he has stress-induced eczema and his “trigger finger” has repetitive strain injury.

Various reports from all over the world were used to model the physical impacts of addiction to gaming.

The World Health Organization has labeled gaming addiction as a disorder and differentiates it from healthy gaming by “impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”

While gaming is a legitimate way to get through the lockdown, it’s important for people to remember to take care of themselves.

With that being said, you can be an avid gamer and remain healthy by following several guidelines:

1) Exercise – very obvious benefits especially when it comes to joint health and preventing obesity.

2) Ease up on the eyes – keep your gaming room well-lit and try to give your eyes a break in-between games.

3) Healthy diet – an important part of life even if you’re not a gamer.

4) Posture – support your back and sit properly. A decent chair works wonders as well as stretching in-between sessions.

5) Hydration – dump the fizzy drinks and make sure you’re drinking enough water.

 

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