Advances in wearable technology have the potential to be the greatest health innovation since the invention of surgery. There are countless ways that this new technology can empower the individual to make better health decisions than ever before. Like all technology, recent advances don’t always spell out improved health outcomes. In fact, some new technology trends can be downright disastrous. Read on to find out how to navigate the pros and cons of this new technology.
Knowledge is power. This is especially true when it comes to health and technology. New advances have brought new opportunities to improve our personal and occupational health. Whether we’re talking about the wearable chair or an oxygen-sensing sleep tracker, wearable technology has great potential. But only if used properly. It not only provides improved personal health awareness but also promises to result in better-informed healthcare personnel.
Wearable Technology Helps People Track And Report Health Concerns
There are all kinds of biofeedback metrics that wearable technology provides for people to measure their physical performance and health. And each of these provides invaluable information for individuals and healthcare professionals. Wearables measure several different physiological functions that relate directly to health and wellness. These include heart rate, respiration rate, sleep quality, blood pressure, and O2 blood saturation.
It helps to have a good idea of what you need and expect from these devices if they are to effectively improve your well-being. It’s important to read the technical specifications and reviews to find exactly what you need and want. This kind of technology has the potential to greatly improve health outcomes and could even save your life. First, you must take the time to find what you need and what device provides solutions, on a budget you can afford.
Using Informative Dietary Apps Leads To A Tailored And Healthier Diet
Wearable technology by its very nature is with the user nearly all the time. With online interconnectivity, people have access to the world’s knowledge database of nutritional information, meal plans, and award-winning recipes. This provides the opportunity for health enthusiasts to track their food consumption much more consistently.
Improved food tracking is essential to meet health outcomes whether for the competitive athlete trying to gain mass or for the average person looking to shed a few pounds. 24/7 access to information, reminders, and digital encouragement provides the ability to stick to a diet like never before.
Pedometers And Heart Rate Goals Lead To Increased Physical Activity
It turns out that having a digital coach to nag you really does help you get and stay fit. People that consistently adorn themselves with and utilize wearable technology tend to move more and meet or exceed recommended daily activity guidelines. Sometimes all a person needs is a little reminder and some encouragement.
Because smartwatches, fitbits, and other training based wearable tech measure your activity levels, steps, distances, and cardiovascular activity, they can and are designed to make sure you get moving. People generally want to meet their goals but are frequently sidetracked. Often, a helpful reminder after dinner is all a person needs to get up and walk around the block a few times to cram in those final 1000 steps.
Knowing When To Digital Detox Is Essential
No digital wellness guide can be complete without a warning regarding the negative consequences of excessive use of technology. Not all digital advances lead to better health outcomes. In fact, advances in technology have led to an alarming increase in people living extremely sedentary lifestyles. And of course, this has devastating consequences for health and wellness.
While those that use wearable technology have the potential for greatly improved health outcomes, those that spend the majority of their day working online or using digital entertainment are increasingly reaching never before seen incidences of obesity, heart disease, and many other health issues.
That’s why it’s important to know when to unplug and turn off. People often don’t even realize they are over-indulging in digital media. That’s why Google has made a convenient digital wellbeing app to monitor your screen time and other indicators of excessive use of technology.
Balance And The Appropriate Wearable Can Lead To Improved Health
No single digital well-being plan is right for everyone. Exploiting wellness technology does lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle. But flagrant and unchecked indulgence in digital media leads to disease and poor health outcomes. Each person must find their own balance between work, activity, diet, and play.
When choosing a wearable, be sure to consider what you want. Are you primarily interested in health feedback or performance? And pick appropriately. And maybe most importantly, consider your habits and whether or not they are leading to a healthier, happier you. And don’t forget to turn off sometimes and go primitive.