"Distracted" by Pokémon Go and feeling better: Patients, Children's Hospital embrace the mobile app

MILWAUKEE -- The Pokémon Go craze has caused distractions that have led to injuries. But at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, it's the distraction that makes the app worth playing.

Doctor, patient play Pokémon Go at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

A challenge between doctor and patient to find Pokémon characters -- it's not what you would expect to find at Children's Hospital. But Dr. David Margolis is loving its beneficial effects on his patients. For one, it lets kids be kids.

"So what if he just had a bone marrow transplant -- we can do it within the rules," Dr. Margolis said.

Secondly, it plays a role in the healing process.

"He won't realize that he's walking laps and it's important for the lungs. We get the lungs opened up.  We get the muscle tone back," Margolis said.

Patient plays Pokémon Go at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Kyle Wood, who just had the bone marrow transplant a month ago, says he started playing Pokémon Go when he wasn't feeling so well.

"I got up and started walking around -- and then I started getting better and feeling better. And then instead of three walks a day, I was taking like nine," Wood said.

Doctor, patient play Pokémon Go at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Kyle's mom Dawn says it was so wonderful to watch the transition.

"It was distracting him from thinking about what was going on around him. Because kids that go through bone marrow transplants are on tons of medication. And you know, they have to be monitored so closely," Dawn Wood said.

Soon Kyle will be going back home to Sheboygan -- and Dr. Margolis will have to find another patient with whom to play.

Dr. Margolis says Pokémons in Children's Hospital are for the kids in Children's Hospital. So adults, resist the temptation.

Doctor, patient play Pokémon Go at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin