Can riding thrill rides cure what ails you? Well, sort of

National Post:

Next Monday in Toronto, people will begin paying $175 to go for a walk. The total distance travelled amounts to only 150 metres, but will leave participants short of breath. It’ll increase their heart rates and elevate their blood pressure. And from a medical perspective, it may be just what their bodies need.

The “walk” is the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk, a tour around the observation pod’s outer edge. Located 356 metres (110 storeys) above the ground, the track that supports participants does not feature protective rails. Instead, the EdgeWalkers are protected by a tether connected to an elevated superstructure, and participants will be able to lean over the track’s edge — with nothing below them but air.

Summer’s the season for thrills, whether it’s EdgeWalk, the Pacific National Exhibition’s new Atmosfear, a revolving swing ride that spins riders at 70 km/h, 66 metres above the ground, or rides at New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure, home to the world’s highest roller coaster, which has a peak of 139 metres and a top speed of 206 km/h. For some, this raises questions: Who in their right minds goes in for these sorts of attractions, and what are the medical effects of thrill-seeking behaviour?

Read the whole story: National Post