Microsoft RKH-00001 User Guide - Page 15

english IMPORTANT HEALTH WARNINGS ABOUT PLAYING VIDEO GAMES Photosensitive Seizures A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to certain visual images, including flashing lights or patterns that may appear in video games. Even people who have no history of seizures or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause these "photosensitive epileptic seizures" while watching video games. These seizures may have a variety of symptoms, including lightheadedness, altered vision, eye or face twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, disorientation, confusion, or momentary loss of awareness. Seizures may also cause loss of consciousness or convulsions that can lead to injury from falling down or striking nearby objects. Immediately stop playing and consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Parents should watch for or ask their children about the above symptoms- children and teenagers are more likely than adults to experience these seizures. The risk of photosensitive epileptic seizures may be reduced by taking the following precautions: • Sit farther from the TV screen. • Use a smaller TV screen. • Play in a well-lit room. • Do not play when you are drowsy or fatigued. If you or any of your relatives have a history of seizures or epilepsy, consult a doctor before playing. Musculoskeletal Disorders Use of game controllers, keyboards, mice, or other electronic input devices may be linked to serious injuries or disorders. When playing video games, as with many activities, you may experience occasional discomfort in your hands, arms, shoulders, neck, or other parts of your body. However, if you experience symptoms such as persistent or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, burning sensation, or stiffness, DO NOT IGNORE THESE WARNING SIGNS. PROMPTLY SEE A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, even if symptoms occur when you are not playing a video game. Symptoms such as these can be associated with painful and sometimes permanently disabling injuries or disorders of the nerves, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and other parts of the body. These musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, vibration syndromes, and other conditions. While researchers are not yet able to answer many questions about MSDs, there is general agreement that many factors may be linked to their occurrence, including medical and physical conditions, stress and how one copes with it, overall health, and how a person positions and uses their body during work and other activities (including playing a video game). Some studies suggest that the amount of time a person performs an activity may also be a factor. Some guidelines that may help you work and play more comfortably and possibly reduce your risk of experiencing an MSD can be found in the Healthy Gaming Guide at www.xbox.com. These guidelines address topics such as: • Positioning yourself to use comfortable, not awkward, postures. • Keeping your hands, fingers, and other body parts relaxed. • Taking breaks. • Developing a healthy lifestyle. If you have questions about how your own lifestyle, activities, or medical or physical condition may be related to MSDs, see a qualified health professional. 14