Mind Games
This sticks in my brain: a scene in an old Woody Allen film (Everything you wanted to know about sex?) set sometime in the future: the gangly master lights up a cigarette and makes a speech about the latest medical research proving that smoking's good for you. He then goes on to list several other bad habits that have become good habits thanks to research. 
Oh science! How we love you. Especially
now you have come to the aid of gamers. Because, guess what; playing games is good for you.
A recent Washington Post report adds to the weight of evidence that "...exercising the mind through board games, social activities and education offers powerful protection against mental deterioration and disease."
The report touches on some genuinely interesting conclusions. For example, playing games - basically stretching the brain cells - appears to have almost universal impact.
To quote the report: "The benefits of such activities -- widely available and inexpensive -- appear to benefit those at all levels of education and IQ." And more amazingly, the mental exercises have physical benefits including combatting dementia and similar ailments. It would appear that if we put our brains to work we can
actually 'think' ourselves healthier.
Even better news for gamers: thinking is healthier for you than physical activity!
So, the next time your spouse, significant other, parent, teacher, jailer or social worker reprimands you for doing a little gaming, just tell them to mind their own business. You'll be doing them and their health a real favour.
Ellis Simpson
26 June 2003