Have you seen groups of people chasing nothing in random areas around you? They may be Pokémon trainers. The reason: a new app has taken the nation by storm; Pokémon Go. The application was released on July 6th, 2016 and has become one of the most popular games for people of all ages. Users capture Pokémon creatures that appear on their screens in the real life environment with a swipe.

However, along with its increasing popularity, Pokémon Go has also led to a steady decrease in safety, health and overall well-being. Numerous cases have been reported stating that players have been injured during the process of capturing a Pokémon. Here are the most recent and common events that have occurred since the game’s release this month

  1. Don’t Drive and Play: Cases have been filed regarding driving and playing the game. A 28 year old man crashed into a tree yesterday in Auburn, New York . The man was not injured, but future victims may not be as lucky. Players must be aware of their surroundings while playing Pokémon Go; otherwise, a future lawsuit may arise. We may even see freeway caution signs change from “Don’t text and Drive” to “Don’t play Pokémon Go and Drive” if events like these continue.
  2.  Don’t Climb/Trespass: One recent example of this occurred just yesterday. While playing Pokémon Go, two men fell off of an Encinitas Bluff. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, Encinitas Fire Battalion Chief Robbie Ford stated  “One of them fell to the beach, about 80 to 90 feet, and the other man fell about 50 feet down the cliff.” The two men reportedly climbed a fence to catch their  Pokémon, lost their footing, and fell.
  3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: A more devastating and frightening case has also come to light. In O’Fallon, Missouri, four teen suspects were arrested under first degree armed robbery. The teens reportedly hid out at popular Pokémon Go sites that they knew would lure players and robbed them. While playing, users are typically more focused on the game rather than their surroundings, which ultimately decreases their sense of awareness and security.

All three cases prove that an unaware and oblivious individual playing the game has a high risk of getting hurt. Players need to keep in mind that although the game is fun to play, your safety has to take priority over virtual reality.  If unfortunate circumstances do occur, be aware of facilities in your area that have the means for necessary treatments. One helpful local facility is MD Today Urgent Care. With two locations in Carmel Valley and Scripps Ranch, the urgent care clinics have digital X-ray machines, experienced physicians, and low wait times so you can continue catching Pokémon!

On a positive note, Pokémon Go does have some health benefits. Similarly, the game promotes an active lifestyle by motivating players to walk or run around to catch their Pokémon. Motivating people to work out and stay active is generally difficult, but the game makes an active lifestyle more entertaining. Overall, the game itself is not a serious hazard to your well-being. It is our inability to stay aware that creates a hazard. Balance your desire to play with your need for safety, and you’ll be catching Pokémon everywhere without compromising your safety.

For more information on MD Today Urgent Care, visit https://mdtoday.com  or give us a call at 858-720-0554.