Wearable fitness devices have become famous for tracking physical health and empowering individuals to participate actively in their well-being. With today’s advanced technology, these devices can monitor everything from heart rate and blood pressure to glucose levels, offering real-time insights into personal health metrics.

In the broader landscape of medical technology, the Digital Front Door is the gateway for patients to seamlessly connect with their healthcare providers for scheduling, communication, and advice. By integrating wearable devices into this ecosystem, patients are reminded daily of the importance of self-care and can access the support they need to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

 

Wearable Technology

Monitoring blood glucose levels and blood pressure gives us more insight into what’s happening inside our bodies. Health technology lets us track body temperature, heart rate, sleep stages, blood sugar, and daily steps. With these digital personal health records, patients can send them to their doctors for easy access to medical histories.

Wearable technology helps remind people to be more active, especially those working from home.   

Device Choices

Here are a couple of wearable fitness devices to consider.

Fitness trackers. These devices count steps, count “burned” calories, measure distance, heart rate, and sleep, and help keep wearers involved in their daily goals.

Smartwatches. Sure, they tell the time, but smart watches also track sleep, heart rates, and whatever else is programmed. An all-inclusive smartwatch gives message notifications, controls music, and does almost anything a smartphone can do — even make a telephone call.   

Smart rings. One of the latest gadgets on the market is a ring that tracks what’s happening inside your body. Various models are available, and intelligent rings can gauge heart rate, stress levels, blood oxygen, sleep cycle, and physical activity, among other things. Connect rings to cell phone apps to stay in the loop. 

Techno Uses

Imagine having your medical information on your wrist!  Here are some examples of day-to-day wearable device uses:

• Wear a smartwatch while sleeping for insight into sleep patterns like REM cycles and light and deep sleep.
• Many smartwatches provide sensors to monitor heart rates during the day, during a workout, and while you sleep. Some can also measure blood pressure and oxygen levels, which is helpful for those with respiratory problems.   
• Smartwatches and fitness monitors remind wearers to stay hydrated. They can also track foods’ caloric intake.
• Some wearable pieces recognize when the user falls and doesn’t respond to alerts to see if they are ok. The watch will automatically call emergency services.  
• ECG monitors quickly detect heart rhythms and potential problems. They capture data for days or weeks at a time.

Glucose Monitoring

Perfect for people with diabetes, today’s blood sugar monitoring technology is more accessible on the hands. Wearable devices that continuously monitor blood glucose levels eliminate the need to prick fingers for a blood draw. Real-time glucose readings are available to patients and their doctors. Wearable glucose detectors are a definite plus, helping diabetics and others track how sweet their blood is (and when they should cut down on sugary snacks).  

Personalized Info

Wearable health devices most impact patient engagement with tailored information to our bodies. These AI-connected programs “learn” what works best for our physiology and then create a suggested path for wellness. One thing to note is that nothing takes the place of your doctor. Check with them before beginning any exercise or dietary program.     

Patient to Physician

People who use wearable devices—and approve for doctors to track the information—keep track of possible medical concerns and report them immediately. These “personal secretaries” inform doctors of changes in their patients’ physiological makeup.  

 Healthcare technology is evolving, but one way to effectively engage patients in their interests is for doctors and nurses to show genuine interest in what’s happening. Wearable health devices are helpful for patients, and physicians are vital to keeping everything on track. Doctors’ offices with AI platforms provide referrals, patient intake and consultations, marketing, and business management. With all of that, wearable technology also improves a patient’s overall experience.   

By Teri Silver

Teri Silver is a journalist and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on 5 acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall, when home-grown veggies are on the dinner table.