From Pong to Super Marios Bros. to Halo, video games have long been more a form of entertainment than anything else. However, as technology has evolved, their reach has expanded. We’ve seen video games inspire movies, TV shows, comic books, and the like, but one unexpected place video games have been making an impact is in the world of health and wellness.

Research has shown how video games can improve cognitive function, help young children succeed in school, and improve our social skills. But these days, the games and devices themselves are changing the way we diagnose disease, treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), take better X-rays, train our brain, and help surgeons practice their craft.

Click “View Slideshow” to see five ways video games are being used to improve our health.

Video Games
Video games are improving our lives in unexpected ways. Pixabay Public Domain