loops - Looping and ignoring flag - Python -

i working on learning python , decided write small battle engine use few of different items have learned make bit more complicated. problem having set selection user makes should cause 1 of either 2 parts load, instead skips loop instead of performing selection. here have far:

import time import random  import sys  player_health = 100 enemy_health = random.randint(50, 110)  def monster_damage():     mon_dmg = random.randint(5,25)     enemy_health - mon_dmg     print ('you hit beast ' + str(mon_dmg) + ' damage! brings health ' + str(enemy_health))     player_dmg()  def player_dmg():     pla_dmg = random.randint(5,15)     player_health - pla_dmg     print ('the beast strikes out ' + str(pla_dmg) + ' damage you. leaves ' + str(player_health))  def run_away():     run_chance = random.randint(1,10)     if run_chance > 5:         print ('you escape beast!')         time.sleep(10)         sys.exit     else:         print ('you try run , fail!')         player_dmg()  def player_turn():     print ('your turn:')     print ('your health: ' + str(player_health) + ' monsters health: ' + str(enemy_health))     print ('what next action?')     print ('please select 1 attack or 2 run.')     action = input()      if action == 1:         monster_damage()     elif action == 2:         run_away()  while player_health > 0 , enemy_health > 0:     player_turn()  if player_health <= 0:     print ('the beast has vanquished you!')     time.sleep(10)     sys.exit elif enemy_health <= 0:     print ('you have vanquished beast , saved our chimichongas')     time.sleep(10)     sys.exit 

the function input returns str not int

action = input() 

so comparison return false

if action == 1: 

for example

>>> '1' == 1 false 

you can convert input int follows

action = int(input())