Wellapets is an app that teaches kids how to take care of their asthma by having them take care of a cute dragon that also has asthma. I came across Wellapets after reading about their launch on bklynallergymom.com. The app sounded interesting, as well as fun and educational, so I decided to give it a shot and downloaded it on my iPad for free. The app is also available on both the Android and the Google marketplaces. I had been looking for something to help my 10-year-old brother with his asthma, so this was quite timely.
Like Club Penguin, another one of his favorite games, Wellapets lets him look after his pet and collect decorations for its house. But he also has to care for his pet’s asthma! Thus far, I have been very impressed.
You begin the game by adopting a pet and taking care of it in its home. By completing different tasks you’ll gain access to more rooms and levels, giving the player more activities to complete with the pet. My brother loves a challenge, and this level-unlocking aspect of the game is very enticing to him. He never puts the game down!
According to the Wellapets website, the developers worked with pediatricians to make sure they got the clinical information correct and as a sister this is very important to me. I need to make sure my brother is getting the most accurate and helpful information out there.
By playing Wellapets, kids are supposed to learn to avoid asthma triggers, recognize asthma symptoms, and take their inhaler at the right times using the correct technique. These points are illustrated in the game, through different mini-games and activities. Wellapets makes staying healthy fun and easy!
I am happy to say there are no issues with racism, sexism, or homophobia anywhere in the game. I found the game to be very gender-neutral, which appealed to both my brother and me.
This is an app I’d definitely recommend for kids ages 6-11. Although the game seems to appeal primarily to kids with asthma, my brother’s friends who do not have asthma have tried the game and enjoyed it as well. I can definitely see some potential here for helping all kids learn about asthma, given that it affects 1 in 10 kids in his age group.
Overall, well done Wellapets!
