Heart rate, sleep quality, and number of daily steps are just a few of the health characteristics recorded by today’s wearable technology. Understanding your vital signs is a daily experience with these devices, which is a stark contrast to traditional annual exams by your doctor. Explore how wearable technology influences your overall health right now.
Defining Wearable Technology
Wearable technology is a group of electronics offering daily feedback on your vital signs, such as heart rate, breathing rate, and more. These devices are available in a variety of shapes and styles. For example, wear the device on your wrist, upper arm, or finger.
In the healthcare system, wearable devices might be in the form of blood pressure monitors or biosensors. Depending on the device, it might connect to Bluetooth for visible data on your smartphone or tablet. With easy access to your health data, you can discover and manage conditions that were otherwise unknown, including high blood pressure.
Exploring the Available Data
Each wearable device offers data about your health. Some of the most common data points are the number of daily steps, distance walked, intensity, and heart rate. Many devices incorporate calorie-counting measures to track intake and match it to your burned energy, too.
As you wear the device, you’ll see patterns that can be altered. For example, a sedentary person might set a daily movement goal of 10,000 steps. With the device’s feedback, it’s easy to know when to move or to relax. In addition, other devices might offer more refined information, such as electrocardiograms or fall detection.
Discussing the Data With Your Doctor
Sharing your device’s data with your doctor can greatly enhance your care. For example, patients with borderline high blood pressure may have normal readings during an annual exam. During the rest of the year, however, those readings may increase without the doctor’s knowledge. With the device’s data, the doctor can create a treatment plan based on real-time information.
Furthermore, this data can assist with medication tolerance. For instance, you might take a new prescription for high blood pressure. If your data dramatically changes after the prescription, the doctor can verify if the medication is appropriate for long-term use or change it as needed.
Learning About Upcoming Trends
Further advancements in wearable devices mean you can exercise within your limits without concerns about overexertion. Take a hot yoga class at HOTWORX, or try a leisurely walk on a treadmill. As these devices seamlessly connect to your smartphone or tablet, you can be aware of alerts, heart rate, and other factors impacting your workout. Tomorrow’s trends include better algorithms, enhanced biosensors, and other features. Working out, resting, and eating a healthy diet can be easier than ever before with tomorrow’s advanced wearable devices.
As wearable technology improves, the data can ultimately guide your healthy habits. From choosing an appropriate workout to enhancing your sleep quality, these factors can extend lifespans for anyone wearing the devices daily. In the end, recognizing good versus bad habits helps you lead a healthy lifestyle