Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that its casual gaming destination Pogo.com has teamed up with Dr. Kathleen Hall and The Stress Institute to help raise awareness about the positive impact that game-playing has on reducing stress and improving life balance. According to Dr. Hall, players that take a break from their hectic lives and let the stress of the day melt away by playing casual games lead healthier and more balanced lives. Playing games such as those found at Pogo.com provide needed mental breaks, reduce stress and restore the mind and body connection.

The Stress Institute notes that the health benefits of playing games on Pogo.com include:

-- Stress Reduction -- Playing even five minutes of stress-busting games like Poppit! or Lottso! Deluxe, can lower blood pressure and stave off anxiety, depression and disease.

-- Brain Health -- Games like Word Whomp, Tumble Bees or any one of the 40+ puzzle games found on Pogo.com stimulate the brain and help to keep it sharp and healthy.

-- Social Community -- By connecting with family, friends and new online buddies through unique chat features on Pogo.com, players can avoid feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression.

-- Build self-esteem -- Everyone enjoys winning and the games on Pogo.com allow even the most novice player an opportunity to be a winner. The vibrant and supportive Pogo community offers encouragement further building a strong sense of individual empowerment.

Through January 2008, Dr. Hall will interact with the Pogo community of over 13 million(1) unique monthly players to offer advice and relaxation tips during the hectic holiday season and lend her expertise to a variety of issues that Pogo players face on a daily basis.

"Play time is not a luxury, it is an essential element for your mental and physical health and well being and is an excellent stress reliever," stated Dr. Hall. "Stress is the driver for most diseases and the benefits of play and laughter in overcoming and preventing stress, aging and disease are too numerous to ignore."

Senior Vice President and General Manager of Pogo, Karen Schulman commented, "Pogo players play online for many reasons -- to take a break, collect badges, and re-connect with friends. However, according to a recent poll, 83% of players said that the #1 reason for playing on Pogo is to sit down, take a break and let the day’s stress wash away. I’m so happy that we can partner with Dr. Kathleen to help spread the word about the connection between play and good mental health."

Founded by Dr. Hall, The Stress Institute serves as a center for the collection and dissemination of information on the impact of stress on our lives. Comprised of professionals and prominent physicians in a variety of disciplines, the organization is interested in exploring the various effects of stress on mental and physical well being. The Stress Institute suggests resources and tools that are helpful in the reduction of life stress and solutions for work-life balance.

For more information and to experience some of the best online games on the Internet, visit www.pogo.com.

(1) According to ComScore July 07